EP 87. Identity and Resilience: Jaiyah Saelua's Path as a Fa'afafine Athlete

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In this episode, we chat with Jaiyah Saelua, the American Samoa national footballer and star of "Next Goal Wins," who made history as the first transgender person to play in a FIFA World Cup qualifier. Jaiyah opens up about her journey as a fa'afafine and transgender individual, discussing the challenges she faced growing up in American Samoa, like bullying and figuring out her identity. She explains the differences between fa'afafine identity and Western ideas of transgenderism, stressing the need for inclusivity and recognition of indigenous identities. Jaiyah also talks about the important roles fa'afafine and fa'atama play in Samoan society, such as being educators and caretakers. Sharing her experiences of caregiving for elderly relatives and promoting "Next Goal Wins," she emphasizes the importance of representation and understanding. The episode wraps up with a call for listeners to watch the film and documentary, encouraging greater acceptance and inclusivity.
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