Written by:  AI Chat  Photo from SOFIAS @ Two Dollar Beach American Samoa retrieved from Facebook
As Asian Pacific Heritage Month unfolds, it's essential to spotlight the Fa'afafine community, a group whose rich cultural heritage and resilience contribute significantly to the tapestry of the AAPI experience. Fa'afafine, a term originating from Samoa, refers to individuals who identify as a third gender, embodying both masculine and feminine traits. This community's history, identity, and cultural significance not only deserve recognition but also offer valuable insights into promoting wellness and acceptance within diverse societies.
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Understanding Fa'afafine History and Identity
The Fa'afafine community has deep roots in Samoan culture, where individuals are recognized and respected for their unique gender identities. Traditionally, Fa'afafine play important roles within their families and communities, contributing to caregiving, cultural preservation, and social cohesion. Despite colonial influences and Western notions of gender binary, Fa'afafine identity remains an integral part of Samoan society, reflecting the fluidity and complexity of gender expression.

Impact of Asian Pacific Heritage Month
Asian Pacific Heritage Month provides an opportunity to celebrate Fa'afafine identity and raise awareness about the challenges and triumphs of this community. By acknowledging the contributions of Fa'afafine individuals to AAPI history, culture, and activism, we honor their resilience and amplify their voices within broader conversations about diversity and inclusion.

During this month-long celebration, events, workshops, and cultural performances can showcase Fa'afafine art, music, literature, and activism, fostering pride and solidarity within the community. Moreover, educational initiatives can promote understanding and allyship among allies, challenging stereotypes and promoting acceptance of gender diversity.

Promoting Wellness and Empowerment
For the Fa'afafine community, recognition and affirmation of their identity are essential for overall wellness and mental health. Asian Pacific Heritage Month provides a platform to promote self-acceptance, resilience, and empowerment among Fa'afafine individuals, fostering a sense of belonging and community support.
One example of how Asian Pacific Heritage Month can promote wellness within the Fa'afafine community is through culturally competent healthcare initiatives. By offering inclusive and affirming healthcare services, providers can address the unique needs and experiences of Fa'afafine individuals, promoting holistic wellness and preventive care.

Furthermore, community-led wellness programs, such as support groups, cultural ceremonies, and mentorship initiatives, can provide spaces for Fa'afafine individuals to connect, share experiences, and access resources for personal growth and empowerment. By centering cultural identity and resilience, these initiatives contribute to the overall well-being and flourishing of the Fa'afafine community.
 
As we celebrate Asian Pacific Heritage Month, let us recognize and honor the Fa'afafine community for their resilience, cultural richness, and contributions to AAPI history and identity. By amplifying Fa'afafine voices, promoting understanding, and fostering wellness and empowerment, we can create more inclusive and equitable societies where all individuals are valued and celebrated for who they are.
References:

• "The Samoan Fa'afafine: Passing on Culture" by Johanna Schmidt
• "Pacific Sexualities: Samoan Perspectives" edited by Frances K. and Kalissa Alexeyeff
• "Health Care Experiences and Perceived Barriers to Health Care Access: A Qualitative Study Among Fa’afafine in American Samoa" by Walter O. Bockting et al.

Written by:  AI Chat. Imaged retrieved from SOFIAS facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=486203973731087&set=pcb.486205313730953

     LGBTQ+ and Sexual Assault Awareness Month held in April every year,  brings crucial attention to the unique challenges faced by these communities, including the intersections of identity, discrimination, and vulnerability to sexual violence. For the Fa'afafine community in American Samoa, navigating both cultural traditions and modern realities can present complex dynamics. Fa'afafine individuals, who are recognized as a third gender in Samoan culture, often face discrimination and marginalization, which can increase their vulnerability to sexual assault. In the context of American Samoa, where traditional cultural values intersect with Western influences, Fa'afafine individuals may experience heightened risks of sexual violence due to stigma, prejudice, and a lack of understanding or acceptance within society. Sexual assault in this community can take various forms, ranging from intimate partner violence to assaults fueled by transphobia or homophobia. Additionally, factors such as limited access to resources, support services, and legal protections can further compound the challenges faced by Fa'afafine survivors of sexual violence.

     Healing for victims of sexual assault, including Fa'afafine individuals, requires a holistic approach that addresses their physical, emotional, and cultural needs. In Samoa, traditional healing practices rooted in the Fa'a Samoa (Samoan way of life) play a significant role in the recovery process. Fa'afafine survivors may seek support from their families, community elders, and spiritual leaders, engaging in ceremonies, rituals, and discussions aimed at restoring balance and well-being. These healing practices often emphasize communal support, cultural identity affirmation, and the importance of reconnecting with one's sense of self and place within the community. Additionally, accessing professional support services such as counseling, advocacy, and medical care is essential for survivors' healing journeys. By combining traditional and contemporary approaches to healing, survivors of sexual assault in the Fa'afafine community can reclaim agency, resilience, and empowerment as they navigate their paths toward healing and justice.
References:

• Fa'afafine: Gender Identity in Samoa - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2910304/
• Sexual Assault in American Samoa: Challenges and Opportunities for Action - https://www.ncjrs.gov/pdffiles1/nij/grants/244697.pdf
• Healing From Sexual Trauma: A Samoan Perspective - https://pacificwomen.org/healing-sexual-trauma-samoan-perspective/

In American Samoa and Samoa, Fa'afafine refers to individuals who identify as a third gender. Fa'afafine are widely accepted within Samoan culture and are recognized as a distinct gender category. They are assigned male at birth but typically display behaviors and characteristics traditionally associated with females. Fa'afafine often take on roles within the family and community that are typically associated with women, such as caregiving, household duties, and sometimes ceremonial roles.

The role of Fa'afafine within the family can vary depending on the specific dynamics and needs of each family, but they often play important roles in supporting family members, particularly in caregiving for elders and children. Their contributions to the family are generally valued and respected within Samoan society.
Sexual assault can unfortunately occur within any community, including among Fa'afafine individuals. Sexual assault against Fa'afafine can take various forms, including rape, molestation, harassment, or any form of unwanted sexual contact. Due to the stigma and discrimination that Fa'afafine individuals may face, they may be at increased risk of sexual violence.

Community support is crucial in addressing sexual assault against Fa'afafine individuals. Here are some ways communities can help:

1. Education and Awareness: Increasing awareness about sexual assault and its impact on Fa'afafine individuals is essential. Education programs should be inclusive and culturally sensitive, addressing the unique challenges faced by Fa'afafine. Please continue to follow the Alliance as we work within the community developing a Resource Center for SOFIAS members. 
2. Support Services: Communities should ensure that there are accessible support services available for Fa'afafine survivors of sexual assault, including counseling, medical care, and legal assistance. Through Office of Violence against Women Rural Program funding, the Alliance will be helping to create a curriculum for Fa'afafine's to become advocates.  They will help to navigate other Fa'afafine's who may be subjected to domestic violence, and or sexual assault, to safe spaces for healing. 
3. Empowerment and Advocacy: Empowering Fa'afafine individuals to speak out against sexual assault and advocating for their rights within the community can help combat stigma and discrimination.
4. Community Involvement: Engaging community leaders, organizations, and individuals in efforts to prevent sexual violence and support survivors can foster a supportive environment for Fa'afafine individuals.

It's important to note that addressing sexual assault requires a multifaceted approach that involves collaboration between various stakeholders, including government agencies, community organizations, healthcare providers, and law enforcement.  We ask the community to learn more, and be part of the change to help create safer spaces for our vulnerable communities. 
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References:

1. Sutter, O. (2014). Fa’afafine: The boys raised to be girls. CNN. Retrieved from https://www.cnn.com/2014/12/04/world/faafafine-samoa-third-gender/index.html
2. Mata'afa, T. (2016). Fa'afafine: Samoan boys brought up as girls. BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-34924869

In the vibrant tapestry of Pacific Island cultures, the Fa'afafine community occupies a unique and revered space. Fa'afafine, a Samoan term meaning "in the manner of a woman," refers to individuals who identify as a third gender, embodying both masculine and feminine qualities. Despite their long-standing acceptance within Pacific Island societies, Fa'afafine women often confront discrimination and violence that target their gender identity. This article sheds light on the pressing issue of violence against Fa'afafine women, examining its roots, manifestations, and pathways toward change.
Understanding Fa'afafine Identity and Culture: Fa'afafine individuals are an integral part of Samoan and broader Pacific Island cultures, recognized for their contributions to family, community, and traditional ceremonies. Embraced for their unique identity, Fa'afafine occupy diverse roles, serving as caregivers, mentors, and cultural ambassadors. However, societal attitudes and misconceptions about gender diversity can lead to marginalization and violence against Fa'afafine individuals, particularly Fa'afafine women.
Manifestations of Violence Against Fa'afafine Women:

1. Physical Assault: Fa'afafine women often face physical violence, including beatings and attacks, fueled by transphobia, misogyny, and intolerance.
2. Verbal Abuse and Harassment: Discriminatory language, insults, and verbal harassment are pervasive forms of violence experienced by Fa'afafine women, eroding their sense of safety and belonging.
3. Exclusion and Discrimination: Fa'afafine women may encounter exclusion and discrimination in various settings, including education, employment, healthcare, and social interactions, due to societal norms and prejudices.
4. Family Rejection: Some Fa'afafine women experience rejection and estrangement from their families, leading to feelings of isolation and vulnerability.

Root Causes and Contextual Factors:

1. Colonial Legacies: Historical colonization and Western influence have contributed to the erasure of indigenous gender diversity and the imposition of binary gender norms, perpetuating stigma and discrimination against Fa'afafine women.
2. Cultural Misunderstandings: Misconceptions about Fa'afafine identity and roles, often fueled by Western-centric perspectives, can lead to marginalization and violence within Pacific Island communities.
3. Lack of Legal Protections: Inadequate legal protections and recognition of gender diversity leave Fa'afafine women vulnerable to discrimination and violence, with few avenues for recourse or justice.

Pathways Toward Change:

1. Community Education and Awareness: Promote education and awareness campaigns within Pacific Island communities to challenge stereotypes, foster understanding, and celebrate gender diversity.
2. Cultural Reclamation and Empowerment: Support initiatives that reclaim and celebrate indigenous gender diversity, amplifying the voices and experiences of Fa'afafine individuals.
3. Legal Reform and Advocacy: Advocate for legal reforms that explicitly protect against discrimination based on gender identity and expression, ensuring equal rights and protections for Fa'afafine women.
4. Support Services and Safe Spaces: Establish culturally competent support services and safe spaces tailored to the needs of Fa'afafine individuals, providing resources, counseling, and community support.
5. Intersectional Approaches: Address the intersecting factors of gender, sexuality, race, and class in efforts to combat violence against Fa'afafine women, recognizing and centering the experiences of marginalized individuals.

 Violence against Fa'afafine women is a pressing human rights issue that demands urgent attention and action. By challenging societal norms, fostering cultural acceptance, and advocating for legal protections, we can create a more inclusive and equitable society where Fa'afafine women can live free from fear and violence. It is time to stand in solidarity with Fa'afafine individuals, honor their contributions to Pacific Island cultures, and work towards a future where diversity is celebrated, and all identities are respected and affirmed.

Written by:  Jennifer Tofaeono, Ex Director   Photo retrieved from:  https://utopiawa.org/blog/60-years-of-faafafine-history-a-timeline-of-herstory-makers-events-surrounding-them-in-american-samoa/
The Alliance was awarded a 36 month grant through the Office of Violence Rural focused on improving the response to violence for the Fa’afafine Community.  Through the Alliance and our partners, we will strive to empower and provide the means for our community to strengthen allies, create new partnerships, and work towards change to improve the lives of Fa’afafine community who face domestic and sexual violence.
As the Alliance Executive Director, I recognize that this 36-month program will focus on community conversations, leadership building, community visioning and an action plan implementation to improve the lives of Fa’afafine’s who victims of violence are, while strengthening advocates response to violence for the Fa’afafine community.  We have much to do in a short time. 
Our first steps are to hire a Program Manager and Administrative Assistant focused solely on the Rural Project.  The Project Manager will be responsible to develop a program that will strengthen collaboration among service providers, ally organizations, and SOFIAS to meet the needs of the Fa’afafine victims of domestic violence and sexual assault and improve the safety and well-being of the Fa’afafine community.
The next step is to educate and train three Fa’afafine’s, based on the geographical zone organized by SOFIAS to provide Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault for Fa’afafine victims and coordinate service provision with LBJ Tropical Medical Centers, Department of Human & Social Services (ASG). 
In our discussions with Fa’afafine community they want to address systemic discrimination and improve public awareness of gender-based violence.  They have stated confidently they can “take care of their own”, and this is witnessed through the development of the SOFIAS as well as the zone spaces.  They have requested training to empower Fa’afafine to organize calls action, and the Rural Grant will support these activities.
Over the next three years we ask the community to follow us on this journey, and to aid in the success of this project.  One way you can show your help is by providing information to the community about the positions available for the Rural Project.  If you are interested in being a part of this project, please visit our website at: https://www.asalliance.co/positions-available.html and review the position(s) available.  If you have any questions email me at:  [email protected] and I will answer any questions.  I know that my team and I are looking for amazing new additions to the staff.  Looking forward to hearing from you!!
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Written by:  Jennifer Tofaeono, Ex Director   Rosemarie Hidalgo, informing the approved award amount of $750,000 for the Fiscal Year 2023 Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault and Stalking Program Solicitation, and is good for three years.  This project allows the Alliance to continue the Rural Project for the last two years with the Fa’afafine Community, and partnership with the SOFIAS (Society of Fa’afafine in American Samoa). 
The purpose of the grant is to implement of a victim services project for American Samoa, in partnership with the SOFIAS to help the Fa’afafine Community who are victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence and stalking in our rural community.  Specific activities will include hiring Fa’afafine advocates to coordinate with the sole Fa’afafine representing organization in the territory:  SOFIAS to create a culturally specific domestic violence sexual assault (DVSA) curriculum for Polynesian Fa’afafine.  The grant will assist in establishing an infrastructure, creating safe spaces in zones and a Resource Center.  Lastly, the Alliance will develop training curriculum for three Fa’afafine advocates and twenty service providers to improve response to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and dating violence in the Fa’afafine community.
Our next steps is to complete the award requirements of the acceptance package, and obtain funding to begin grant activities.  We will  establish the job descriptions for two positions within the grant, Project Manager and Administrative Assistant. The Alliance  search for space to create the Resource Center for the project.  We ask that you continue to follow us as we share updates of the project.  If you would like more information regarding this project please do not hesitate to email:  [email protected], or subscribe to our monthly newsletter to receive more information. 
Photo retrieved from SOFIAS FacebookPage https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=336019808749505&set=pb.100070244640816.-2207520000&type=3

On September 25, 2023 the Alliance was informed by the Office on Violence Against Women the approval of award entitled 2023 OVW Fiscal Year Rural Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking Program approved for $750,000 for years 2023-2026.
The purpose of this award is to continue our project with the SOFIAS to help identify, assess, and appropriately respond to child, youth, and adult victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking in rural communities.  Over the next three years the Alliance, thru this project will help to establish and expand victim services in rural communities to child, youth and adult victims.  It will help to increase the safety and well being of Fa'afafine Victims to increase the safety and well-being in American Samoa.  
Over the next three years we will work to increase the safe being of the Fa'afafine community by creating and implementing strategies to expand and establish cooperative efforts and projects among law enforcement officers, prosecutors, victim service providers; provide treatment and counseling advocacy  and other long-term and short-term specific services for Fa'afafine community.  Lastly we will help to develop programs and strategies with the Fa'afafine community who live in American Samoa.

Written by:  Jennifer F Tofaeono, MBA, Ex Director ASADSV
The Alliance was invited to be a speaker at the National Center for Victims of Crime meeting in Boston, Ma on November 7, 2023.  Alliance Executive Director, a National Speaker Jennifer Tofaeono, and CDC Rape Prevention Education Project Manager for the Alliance, National Speaker, Luana Yoshikawa-Scanlan both presented on Developing Safe Spaces for Fa’afafine Community to Increase Advocacy a Story about Collaboration.  The discussions led by Ms. Tofaeono, educated participants about the Alliance organization as well as its mission.  Participants were given information about the Fa’afafine, the Samoan sense of self as well as the partnership between the SOFIAS and the Alliance.  Ms. Luana Yoshikawa-Scanlan provided insight regarding the project activities and outcomes.  The outcome of the project was to create a culturally tailored fa’afafine informed plan, and to build a community-based coordinated response to the needs of fa’afafine group. 
The information was well received, as participants were from Alaska, Hawaii, and form varying parts of the United States.  Moving forward the Alliance will partner with the SOFIAS to develop presentation catered to meet the needs of the Fa’afafine Community about this project.  Please follow us as we will share  our findings with the local community.
 
 
 
 
 

Written by:  Jennifer F Tofaeono, MBA, Executive Director
I have been fortunate to sit with many people, family, friends, co-workers, etc.  In these circles we  “kiki it” (or have a good time) as we just share stories and laugh –to heal. We find many of our stories are the same, as our cultural practices become evident.  We share stories of how our parents would reprimand, or “fasi” us to teach us a lesson. We share stories of the importance of our elders to help teach us what is right, and how to engage with each other. All important conversations that can lead to a sense of camaraderie—when we have same stories, we sense acceptance.  Yet, what happens when we feel that the stories we share are different, therefore there is no connection made between storyteller and listener?
I have always believed for us to progress and heal from our stories it is important to canvas all conversations being held to help growth.  Currently Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) discussions are being held to help create more inclusive communities.  DEI has always mattered, but more recently the current focus makes it essential.  You will see many workplaces enforce DEI, as it is more organizational polices, but should be developed into our homes.  Teams and organizations are being built to accept and hold a varied composition of people and groups.  Equity is fair treatment, to provide access, opportunities and advance for ALL people to create connections.
 In our Fa’afafine community we love them as caretakers, providers, and see their ability to be both female and male in one being.  In many of my talk stories with Fa’afafine community the constant theme is focused on acceptance.  I have heard the following statements in my talk story with the Fa’afafine community, “I can be the main caregiver of my family,” but am not considered a “teine” (girl)."   "I attended school, and have my bachelor’s degree, my masters.  I have had to fight to be recognized." "I have been touched by the men in my family, and they then tease, taunt, and beat me, am I not the victim?" When we listen to stories we develop stronger connections as human beings, to begin healing. After sitting with my fa’afafine community, I am amazed by their resilience, and their strength.  I have witnessed their success but know there is still a constant need for acceptance.  It is because of this work that I do, I recognize acceptance can become the first step to healing.  Understanding, and learning about each other, through acceptance can create positive spaces. 
Diversity, equity, and inclusion requires in-depth conversations. Organizations are implementing DEI as a focus for their company’s.  It is important to understand that inclusion is more a feeling, and the product of diversity.  When people are accepted, felt seen, heard, it can help to foster safe spaces for all.  It is not easy creating DEI spaces, as we in our community belittle those who are seen different.  We can change this as many victims of violence are beaten for being seen as “different”.  It is important to learn more about inclusion, and the ability to build acceptance.  When we accept, learn more about each other there would be less violence built on our differences.