PX Whanau

On the 16th and final episode for our special COVID-19 podcasts, join the PX Whanau team as Latoya, Marqy, Sara, Tony, and Sonja, yarn about the highs and lows, the experiences, and what it’s been like working on this special project for, and by, Pasifika LGBTIQA+ communities in Narrm in the Age of COVID-19. Presented by Sonja Hammer. The PX stands for Pacifique X, a Pacific Island LGBTIQA+ non-profit group that supports and represents our diverse Pasifika community based in Narrm-Melbourne. As a collective we are all proud Pasifika diaspora advocating for our people from the LGBTIQA+ spectrum, as well as upholding and protecting our diverse gender identities.Whanau (in Aotearoa Maori) stands for family, in this case our Rainbow ‘chosen families’ here in so-called Australia. PX Whanau is honoured and proud to share our lived experiences, our personal stories, as LGBTIQA+ people with the wider community of Australia.PX Whanau would like to thank 3CR’s wonderful support including, Michele, Ayan, Sally from Out of the Pan, Juliet, Rachel, Loretta, and all our awesome guests who appeared in the 16-part podcast series.

Latoya speaks with Kikki Temple, a proud trans person, identifying as Takatapui, an actor, playwright, and performer from Aotearoa, about the challenges during the pandemic and their experiences of life after lockdowns.

Tony speaks with Veisinia Tonga, an artist with Rising Festival, writer, and caretaker for Blakademy (a dedicated critical Indigenous learning space for First Nations creatives and a home for First Nations community collectives), about their experiences of the effects of COVID-19 on the art world and Pasifika art communities.For informtion on 2022 arts funding and grants in Victoria, check out Grants to support multicultural communities and Sustaining Creative Workers.

Sara speaks with JULAI, a solo singer and a performer with the House of Devine, about his positive ascension from the ashes of COVID-19, and becoming stronger, powerful, and unstoppable with his incredible talent on and off the stage.For more on JULAI, check out itsjulai.com.

In this episode, Marqy takes the time to recognise and acknowledge the important work engaged by Pasifika communities, organisations, and individuals in assisting LGBTIQA+ Pasifika folk during COVID-19.

Connecting with First Nations experiences: Sonja speaks with LGBTIQA+ Commissioner for Victoria Todd Fernando (Wiradjuri, Central NSW), on what COVID-19 has meant for queer Indigenous mob. What has been the impact on First Nations people, what wisdom they can share with Pasifika communities, and the importance of protecting and caring for our rainbow Blak and Brown communities?

Latoya speaks with Lawrencea Tahuranghi, a proud Takatapui trans woman, about her experiences working on the frontline as a Community Engagement Worker during COVID-19.For more information, contact the 24/7 Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398.

Tony speaks with Miss Katalyna, host of the online cooking series The Bent Spoon, about the positive aspects of producing her award-winning program during COVID-19.

Sara speaks with Helen Rodan, a professional athlete who has played in the AFLW. They discuss her journey and the difficulties experienced during and post COVID-19.

Marqy speaks with Joseph Tufunga aka Pasifika drag artist Tongan Cheek about navigating the initial stages of COVID lockdowns, the ongoing effects of long COVID, and how the art of drag helped him find security in his identity.For information on long COVID, visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au.