Evergreen Legacies: a Whakawāhine Herstory

The recording captures a poignant discussion about the history and cultural legacy of the whakawāhine in New Zealand, spanning from the 1960s to the 2020s. It features Jochanelle Pouwhare and Adam Dehaar.

Throughout the discussion, a central theme is the enduring sisterhood among whakawāhine. The speakers reflect on the tight-knit community that supported one another through decades of social and legal challenges. The 1960s and 1970s were particularly difficult times, as the speakers recall instances of discrimination and violence faced by transgender women in New Zealand. Despite these challenges, the whakawāhine community forged strong bonds, creating safe spaces like the Evergreen Coffee House, which became a sanctuary for many.

The speakers highlight the importance of intergenerational knowledge and the need to preserve the stories of past struggles and triumphs. The recording also touches on the broader social and political context of the time, with references to significant figures like Carmen Rupe and Georgina Beyer, who played pivotal roles in advocating for the rights of transgender people in New Zealand. Their contributions are seen as foundational to the progress that has been made, but the speakers also acknowledge that there is still work to be done, particularly in educating the younger generation about the history of their community.

Another poignant moment in the recording comes when the speakers discuss the changes in the LGBTQIA+ community over the decades. They note that while there have been significant advancements in rights and visibility, there is a sense that the strong sense of sisterhood and solidarity that once defined the whakawāhine community has diminished. This loss is felt deeply by those who remember the tight-knit communities of the past, where everyone looked out for one another.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Adam Dehaar Jochanelle Pouwhare Kay Jones Leilani Sio Saviiey Nua

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