EP 87. Identity and Resilience: Jaiyah Saelua's Path as a Fa'afafine Athlete
04/09/24 • 46 min
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.
Sponsors:
Top Gun Home Inspections
Frontline Heroes
All Pro Concrete Cutters
Behind the Lavalava Foundation Sponsors:
Matai, American United Federal Credit Union, Pasifika Foods, Veteran Business Resource Center, Frontline Heroes, Warrior Revival, Top Gun Home Inspection, Natin But Grindz, Ladies in Bloom, All Pro Concrete Cutters, Eni & Hina Faleomavaega Foundation, Humana, Toko Uso Protection, Paradise Porch, Cyprus Credit Union.
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
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.
Sponsors:
Top Gun Home Inspections
Frontline Heroes
All Pro Concrete Cutters
Behind the Lavalava Foundation Sponsors:
Matai, American United Federal Credit Union, Pasifika Foods, Veteran Business Resource Center, Frontline Heroes, Warrior Revival, Top Gun Home Inspection, Natin But Grindz, Ladies in Bloom, All Pro Concrete Cutters, Eni & Hina Faleomavaega Foundation, Humana, Toko Uso Protection, Paradise Porch, Cyprus Credit Union.
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
Previous Episode
EP 86. A Year in Review: Unpacking 2023 and Embracing 2024.
We revisit our 2023 resolutions, sharing personal experiences and insights, and transition into our aspirations for 2024. We emphasize that resolutions are not binding contracts but guiding lights, and celebrate significant achievements like graduating with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. The episode is about growth, adaptability, resilience, and self-improvement in the new year, making it a must-listen for everyone, whether you’re a resolution setter or a skeptic. To our veterans, make sure you register for the annual Pacific Island Veterans Day Dinner on November 8th.
Sponsors:
Top Gun Home Inspections
Frontline Heroes
Matai
Behind the Lavalava Foundation Sponsors:
Matai, American United Federal Credit Union, Pasifika Foods, Veteran Business Resource Center, Frontline Heroes, Warrior Revival, Top Gun Home Inspection, Natin But Grindz, Ladies in Bloom, All Pro Concrete Cutters, Eni & Hina Faleomavaega Foundation, Humana, Toko Uso Protection, Paradise Porch, Cyprus Credit Union.
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
Next Episode
EP 88. Mindset Matters: Unlocking Financial Success.
Join us as we sit down with Savannah Sanitoa and Damian Vaitautolu, financial experts from Global Financial Impact, for an enlightening conversation on mastering personal finance. From life insurance to retirement planning, they unveil strategies to transform financial goals from good to great. With personal stories and poignant insights, they address cultural barriers to financial literacy and the imperative of mindset shifts. As they empower listeners to take charge of their financial futures, this episode offers a roadmap to financial freedom and security.
Sponsors:
Matai
Natin But Grindz
All Pro Concrete Cutters
Behind the Lavalava Foundation Sponsors:
Matai, American United Federal Credit Union, Pasifika Foods, Veteran Business Resource Center, Frontline Heroes, Warrior Revival, Top Gun Home Inspection, Natin But Grindz, Ladies in Bloom, All Pro Concrete Cutters, Eni & Hina Faleomavaega Foundation, Humana, Toko Uso Protection, Paradise Porch, Cyprus Credit Union.
988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (now known as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States.
Behind the Lavalava - EP 87. Identity and Resilience: Jaiyah Saelua's Path as a Fa'afafine Athlete
Transcript
Welcome back to another episode of Behind the Lavalava, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of the vibrant people and cultures of the Pacific islands. I'm your host, Michael Tan, and joining me today is my co host, Spencer Harman. Before we get started, a quick reminder to our listeners to follow, subscribe, and leave a review if you enjoy the show.
Now let's jump straight into it. Today, we will be talking with Jaiyah Saelua, the American Samoa Association national footballer, sta
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