Written by: Jennifer Tofaeono, Executive Director
We all witness forms of discrimination and violence, even in schools. Violence in schools is a worldwide problem, and students who do not conform to sexual and gender stereotypes are increasingly more defenseless. On May 25, 2021 93khj reported “American Samoa’s first ever Fa’afafine Prom Queen”, Miss Nancy Faaloaga. I was ecstatic to witness youth promoting inclusion. This action developed a positive platform in addressing trans inclusion in schools. It presented a step towards acceptance of Faafafine’s. Unfortunately, a viral video displayed the Prom King falling on the newly crowned Prom Queen on stage, causing the crowd to laugh. He pretended to help the Prom Queen up, while using a shawl to drag the Prom Queen across the stage. There is a high rate of harassment, victimization, absenteeism, and suicide among transgender youth in schools[1], and it was evident youth in American Samoa know exactly how to harass or bully. As a result of the video, I had a conversation with a Samoana High School student. They responded it was a funny video. We watched it together and I asked, “Does that not cause harm?” reminding what if that was them , or a friend. We had an in-depth discussion if the actions were intentional to humiliate and belittle a Fa’afafine. After a lot of dialogue, the student realized the goal behind the “prank” was to humiliate and a form of bullying. Bullying happens in American Samoa, and there are different forms for LGBTQ+IA and Fa’afafine communities. Transphobic bullying is based on prejudice, negative views, or beliefs about trans people. It is common to hear Faafafine’s being asked, “O oe o se teine?”, “Afai e te manatu o oe o se teine e tatau ona soso vave pei o se teine.” Homophobic bullying targets a person’s sexuality if they are gay, lesbian, bi or heterosexual. Transphobic bullying is used against someone’s gender identity, whether they identify as male, female or something different, regardless of the gender they were assigned at birth. When the Samoana student was asked if this was important, they shrugged their shoulders, as if to say it was not important. We discussed the federal laws created to eliminate discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender. Schools are required to provide safe spaces for our children and young people especially from bullying. Our students need to be informed how schools are to the needs of students to ensure they are safe from the trauma caused by these actions. In a 2014 Metro Youth Chances survey of over 7,000 young people, including 956 trans young people, found 83% (n=793) have experienced name-calling, and 35% (n=335) have been physically attacked. 32% (n=306) have not gone to school due to discrimination or fear of discrimination. 27% (n=258) of trans young people have attempted suicide. It is critical that we teach our young students to be intolerant against violence in all forms. Violence against an individual for how they present themselves, or how they identify sexually is not acceptable. One-way students can stop violence in schools is to speak up. They can introduce diversity role models that promote inclusion and empathy. Over the next two years the Alliance will be working with the Fa’afafine community to help identify the issues they face, and how they can be supported. For more information, please contact the Alliance via email at: asadsv@gmail.com. [1] Wyss, S.E. (2004).
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