He Takatāpui Ahau: Māori & Sexual Fluidity
A Quick Factsheet

In Aotearoa, Māori scholars are largely in agreement that sexual fluidity and gender diversity were accepted parts of Te Ao Māori (the Māori world), based on the testimonies of kuia and kaumatua who were alive pre-colonisation.

Find out more: www.takatāpui.nz

(Some) Ways That Colonisation Messed with Māori Understandings of Sexual Fluidity + Gender Diversity

	1.	When writing down the oral language of te reo Māori, missionaries didn't translate and tried to erase the Māori words for concepts of sexual fluidity or gender diversity. 
	2.	Missionaries pushed their Christian beliefs of morality, sexuality and gender on to Māori which framed sexual fluidity as a sin. 
	3.	In 1840, English law was enforced on Māori, which made homosexuality punishable by death. In 1867 this was changed to life imprisonment, but homosexuality remained criminalised for the next 119 years - until 1986. 
	4.	Laws such as the Tohunga Suppression Act (1907) made it illegal for Māori to practice many of their spiritual and cultural traditions. Wānanga (traditional learning institutions) where Māori passed down these practices were destroyed. 

How Takatāpui Are Reclaiming Our Identities

Using Our Words
Takatāpui is a Māori word, historically meaning 'intimate companion of the same sex'. The term was reclaimed in the 1980s and used by individuals who were gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, intersex or part of the rainbow community.

Following The Clues Of Our Ancestors
Māori believe that everyone inherits their Wairau (spirit) from their ancestors. This includes their sexuality and gender identity. Takatāpui exisiting today means that they have always existed. 

Helping Whānau
For whānau struggling to accept their rangatahi coming out, there are some great resources to help them on their journey. Whānau acceptance is often crucial to the wellbeing of takatāpui.

Expressing Ourselves
There are some incredible takatāpui artists, writers, film makers telling the stories of themselves and takatāpui more broadly. This helps takatāpui weave a common narrative. 

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