17c起草社区

New Zealand鈥檚 Annie Kaio was crowned Miss Samoa Fa鈥檃fafine 2023 at the beauty pageant held last week in Apia, the capital city of the South Pacific island nation of Samoa.聽

Organised by the Samoa Fa鈥檃fafine Association, the pageant has been running since 2006 as both a contest of creativity and a forum for discussion of fa鈥檃fafine issues. The annual event is a celebration of fa鈥檃fafine, a gender identity unique to Samoa that refers to people who were assigned male at birth but live as female, or embrace feminine attributes.聽

In the week leading up to the pageant, contestants participated in community events and cultural activities, including a church service commemorating World Aids Day, and a rubbish clean up around Apia.聽

‘Not Just About Gowns And Heels’

Fa鈥檃fafine community advocate Amao Leota Lu has attended the pageant twice, and said it was an important reminder of the contributions that fa鈥檃fafine brings to society.聽

鈥淚 just get astounded and amazed at the support that there is for the fa鈥檃fafine community. It seems to grow in abundance, and I think it speaks volumes for the work that community does,鈥� she said.

鈥淚t鈥檚 not just about gowns and heels, it’s about bringing our creativity, being able to celebrate our culture, but also looking after the wider community such as monetary contributions that the fa鈥檃fafine associations give to old peoples鈥� homes.鈥�

Transformative Journey

Melbourne鈥檚 Kitana Lemalu dazzled the judges at the beauty pageant. Lemalu was one of seven fa鈥檃fafine contestants to present a talent performance, creative wear, swimwear, an evening gown, and a live interview, in her pursuit of the crown.

While Lemalu didn鈥檛 place in the competition, she said the experience was a 鈥�remarkable journey of personal growth and empowerment鈥�.

鈥淭his transformative journey allowed me to not just celebrate who I am but also to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness. It’s been a privilege,鈥� she said.

Lemalu donned a series of fashionable ensembles, from regal couture gowns to a 鈥楤arbie鈥� themed swimwear costume. For the talent category, she performed a lip sync number telling the story of people marginalised for their queerness.聽
鈥�Annie Kaio’s win is a celebration not just for her but for our entire community, and I’m eager to witness the positive impact she’ll bring during her reign,鈥� Lemalu told 17c起草社区.