Tautua Trans Leadership Cohort

UTOPIA Washington continues to offer support for Queer and Trans Pacific Islanders to successfully build their advocacy. Providing opportunities for QTPI’S to develop the proper skills and tools that are conducive to their leadership. One of these opportunities is the “Tautua Trans Leadership Cohort.” The purpose of this cohort is to build leaders out of the QTPI community, to develop a better understanding of social and economic policies that are affecting our communities. 

The meaning of Tautua

An old Samoan proverb teaches that “The pathway to leadership is through service.” “O le ala i le pule o le tautua.” The meaning of the word “Tautua” is “Service, or to be of service.” We look to model this definition of service through our Trans Leadership Cohort. UTOPIA Washington seeks to build and strengthen the leadership of the queer and trans pacific islanders (QTPI) by having its future leaders demonstrate the act of Tautua in serving community. 

As a Member You Will…

  • Be equipped with the tools you need to take on a leadership role in the social justice movement. 
  • Deepen your understanding of the way’s transphobia impacts us and how important representation and visibility is. 
  • Attend weekend retreats, webinars, and actions where you will be surrounded by a community of transgender individuals 
  • Build a multi-generational network of peers. 
  • Build mentorship with community members  
  • Engage in U.T.O.P.I.A. Washington campaigns from the planning to production. Utilizing your strengths to further our mission while building personal development and self-awareness. 
  • Engage in conversations that are not limited to our LGBTQ+ community, utilizing what you have learned from the cohort to educate. 

UTOPIA 2021 Lu’au

Deserving of all of the thanks and more recognition, here are some amazing photos caught by Photographer Mel Ponder Photography of our amazing Tautua Trans Leadership Cohort and volunteers before their amazing Cultural Presentation of “Vaka: The Voyage” for our 2021 UTOPIA Washington Lu’au “Cultivating Pathways Together” 

UTOPIA 2021 Lu’au “Vaka: The Voyage” 

We at UTOPIA Washington would like to extend our deepest thank you to the fabulous group that made our Cultural Presentation the talk of the town! They were nothing short of beautiful, stunning, and filled our event with so much pride for our cultures and our indigenous identities.  

Our Tautua Trans Leadership Cohort and all of their volunteers truly made our Lu’au magical with their months of hard work, blood, sweat, and tears in putting together a culturally diverse and beautifully designed presentation of queer and trans identities that are indigenous to the Pasifika! 

We celebrate each and every one of you every day! And we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your hard work and standing in solidarity and strong representation with and for our community! 

Faces of Resilience 

We welcome you to join us for a night of celebration of the resilient lives we live. Our amazing panel will lead the discussion around how we show our resilience and how we wear our Pride. 

TDOV – TRANSpire Eleganza Virtual Fashion Show 

In celebration of Transgender Day of Visibility, UTOPIA Washington presents, TRANSpire Eleganza! A virtual Fashion Show to celebrate Transgender Day of Visibility! Our Tautua Trans Leadership Cohort has put together an amazing show with 4 different categories including, Daytime Wear, Recycle Wear, Evening Wear and Trans-Fantasy Wear. 

PCAF World AIDS Day Virtual Event – UTOPIA Seattle Submission 

Since 1988, December 1st has been an International Day dedicated to raising the awareness of the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. World AIDS Day is a day to spread awareness, reduce stigma, help those living with it, and a day/month to advocate for an urgent response to reduce its global impact. 

PCAF annual World AIDS Day event goes virtual this year! Watch UTOPIA Seattle’s submission for their ” The Tropical Love Glove” a couture condom competition! 

We would like to announce that UTOPIA Seattle won the Judges Magnum Award ($250) and the PPLZ Choice Award ($250). WOOHOO! 

Thank you to all who made this vision come to life! 

Organizer: Tepatasi Vaina 

Designers: Franzella Omaieo Meleisea and Del La Renta Tunupopo 

H/MUA: Ara Sifainuulelei Mahealani and Ruby MaeMackie Fualaau 

Photographer/Videographer: Ruby J MaeMackie Fualaau 

Runner: Tanya Tui, Lima Schwenke and Giselle Launiuvao Faaui 

Voiceover: Ara Lei