Katija Vlatkovich

This summary explores the journey and insights from the perspective of Katija Vlatkovich, as discussed in a podcast interview conducted by Gareth Watkins. Vlatkovich begins with highlighting their upbringing in a large, Croatian, Catholic family in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, and the struggles faced while coming to terms with their sexuality. They provide a candid reflection on the challenges of embracing a lesbian identity within a culture and religion that are not overtly accepting of homosexuality.

Vlatkovich touches on the experiences during high school, such as secretly dating a girl and encountering bullying, which contributed to a delay in publicly acknowledging their sexual orientation. They convey the internal and social conflicts that arose from dating males, excessive drinking, and an abusive relationship, leading to a period of deep personal unhappiness.

Describing the moment of self-acceptance as liberating, Vlatkovich discusses the transformative role that supportive friends played in allowing a comfortable self-revelation. With newfound openness, Vlatkovich transitioned into community activism, leveraging their academic studies in public relations and communications to engage with and support the LGBTQ+ community.

Their involvement in the Mika Haka Foundation and the organization of diverse events like the festival and Proud Mary is detailed, emphasizing the importance of an inclusive approach that welcomes and integrates various cultural elements, sexualities, and beliefs. Vlatkovich elaborates on the practical aspects of organizing queer events, from attracting audiences to securing sponsorship, and the delicate balance of advertising to specific demographics while maintaining inclusivity.

Additionally, Vlatkovich's work with Rainbow Youth, a youth-led support organization for queer individuals, is highlighted. As a board member, they aimed to empower queer youth through education, advocacy, and the development of a national network. The discussion includes the organization’s efforts to conduct research on young people's needs and the positive changes enabled by high-profile support, such as funds raised from the TV show Dancing with the Stars.

The summary captures the transformative journey of self-discovery and public service that Vlatkovich embarked upon. Their personal growth is intertwined with a broader vision of social progress, aiming for widespread acceptance and policy changes supporting the LGBTQ+ community. Vlatkovich advocates for ongoing engagement, whether through volunteering, participation in queer events, or providing support to related initiatives.

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.

Katija Vlatkovich

2000s, activism, coming out, family, gay auckland business association (gaba), katija vlatkovich, lesbian, mika haka foundation, mika x, music, performance, proud mary, rainbow youth, youth

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