Born for this: Fa’afāfine, matai, and now MP?

A 20-year dream is coming true for one prominent Sāmoan fa’afāfine, who is contesting a key Savai’i seat in next month’s general election.

Despite ongoing discussions about Sāmoa’s gender imbalance in parliament and the status of fa’afāfine, Falesaopule Seimale’ula Vaialia Iosua says the challenges faced by candidates are common.

“I know a lot of people are looking at it that way, but whether you’re a man, woman, fa’afāfine… It’s not an easy choice to put your hand up and contest,” Falesaopule tells PMN News. “But I’m ready. I’m prepared.”

Falesaopule is one of a record 190 candidates vying for a seat in the election on 29 August, contesting as an Independent for Gagaifomauga 2. Another fa’afāfine candidate, Siligatusa Alosina Ropati, is running for Vaimauga 3.

When asked if gender makes the journey harder, Falesaopule responded: “No. I don’t see why it’s a barrier. People will talk and say what they say. There’s no law stopping us from contesting. The rules are clear… so it’s not a problem.”

Lealaitagomoa Toalepaialii Tuisina Ymania Brown-Gabriel, an activist, matai, Executive Director of Trans Europe and Central Asia (TGEU), and the co-President of Interpride, says the candidacies of Falesaopule and Siligatusa are “seismic political statements”.

“The legal framework of our nation doesn’t require our invisibility,” Lealaitagomoa says. “It requires our participation.

“These candidacies prove that Sāmoa’s cultural soul can walk hand in hand with its constitutional principles. Being fa’afāfine and running for parliament are not contradictory. They are complementary.”

Lealaitagomoa believes the two candidates are poised to make history. “What makes them even more extraordinary is Sāmoa’s potential to lead globally in political representation of culturally recognised third-gender identities.

Elections Commissioner Toleafoa Tuiafelolo Alex Stanley and Vaimauga 3 Candidate Siligatusa Alosina Ropati during registration week for aspiring MPs. Photo/Office of the Electoral Commissioner

“If elected, they would make Sāmoa the first country in the world to send fa’afāfine matai to national Parliament as themselves, not as assimilated versions of Western gender categories.”

In 2023, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution affirming the right of all persons to participate in public affairs and to stand for election. But such declarations usually fail to resonate at the grassroots level.

Social media commentary can be harsh, even though fa’afāfine are seamlessly integrated into community life. Still, Falesaopule remains undeterred.

“My response is to ignore. It’s human nature to complain and criticise, but I believe in taking all of that… and whatever is useful and will help me, I will take it. It doesn’t mean it will stop me.”

On the ground, Falesaopule’s top priority is promoting unity within the district of Gagaifomauga 2.

Lauano Lauina Grace (Chairperson), Falesaopule, and Leaupepe Satui Bentin are members of the Sāmoa Housing Corporation board of directors. Photo/Samoa Housing Corporation

Referring to more than 30 years of discord, they describe a recent reconciliation within their village community as a major milestone.

“You don’t want to go to a family, village, a place… where you feel unsafe to engage or freely express your true self.

“I did that [reconciliation] process on Wednesday… and for them to come together like that, under one roof, it’s a milestone for me.”

As the three main parties, FAST, HRPP, and the Sāmoa Uniting Party, unveil manifestos that promise everything from infrastructure upgrades to direct cash handouts, Falesaopule remains unaffiliated.

Aligning with a major party may offer greater access to resources and support networks, but Falesaopule says the decision will rest with the people of Gagaifomauga 2.

The three major parties of SUP, FAST, and HRPP are sharing their manifestos through roadshows, village fono, and social media campaigns. Photo/Facebook

“I have already consulted with them… if I am successful with my campaign, I will go back to them and we will decide. The reality is, if I win, the first people to call me will be Tuilaepa… will be Laauli… will be Fiamē… to talk about which party I will join.”

Unpacking policy pledges is part of their strategy.

“I’m thinking of doing a recap of all the manifestos. Proper sessions with my district, where we sit down and share about it. I think that having the technical knowledge and understanding the benefits and downsides is where I can really help. My role would definitely be in facilitating that information-sharing process.”

With a Master’s in Human Rights and Democratisation and postgraduate qualifications in development studies, Falesaopule has spent over 20 years working across government and international agencies, including the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

Despite a third-place finish at the 2022 by-election for the district seat, Falesaopule says they are grateful for that test run.

Sāmoan officials and development partners join the Sāmoa Fa’afāfine Association to celebrate Fa’afāfine and Fa'atama Week in 2024. Former Minister of Women, Mulipola Anarosa Molioo-Ale is seated next to SFA Patron, HRPP Leader Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi. Photo/Sāmoa Fa’afāfine Association

“When our MP passed away and a by-election was called, I suddenly found myself on the ballot for our district seat. It was an unplanned contest, and although I didn’t win, I felt very encouraged by the voters who chose me. If only a handful of people voted for me, I probably wouldn’t run this year.”

Emboldened by their community’s support, Falesaopule says there are village-specific grievances that they intend to address.

"Within the district, there are small village stores struggling to compete with larger Chinese-owned shops.

“I want to elevate this issue to the policy level, to address this because the small businesses, the small shops at the village level… they are disappearing.”

Economic development is a high priority for Falesaopule, who currently employs 20 young men on their farm in Upolu; many of whom send money back to their families in Savai’i.

Facilitating that kind of strategic growth takes more than just vision, they say. It requires experience and networks.

Falesaopule sees the untapped potential and employment opportunities from working the land in their district. Photo/Alafaga Photography

“This is something that should be taken back to Savai’i. We need to return to farming as a livelihood. If I can do all this in Upolu, then this can be done in Savai’i. I can have the same setup, and with help from partners, we can create opportunities.

“I have strong networks in the international [development] space. People in government have to trust you to be able to deliver, and I am known… I am trusted. I work hard.”

While funding and seasonal work opportunities are available, many communities often struggle to access them.

“If you have the ability to push through [red tape], that’s valuable. Facilitating that can be my role. Remember… it’s not a government that belongs to any party. It’s our government, our resources.”

The Sāmoa Fa’afāfine Association is backing both Falesaopule and Siligatusa, who are advisory councillors of the organisation, in their pursuit of higher office.

“Sāmoa’s laws always respect and accord equality before the law for everyone, including being fa’afāfine leaders,” the association states.

Watch "Fa'aāfine and Fa'atama" - a short documentary by Sāmoa Grassroots Studio

“While you contend to represent your families, your villages and your districts, you are also representing our fa’afāfine and fa’atama SOGIE community here in Sāmoa.

“We salute and stand with you because it is your fa’afāfine dignity that is your service that is also guiding you to leadership.”

Falesaopule says support from āiga and the district is important and expected.

“The support of āiga and the district is appreciated, but it’s also something that is expected. Because if you offer a service, if you work hard, you get that respect and appreciation.”

Sāmoa will head to the polls on 29 August. Among the 190 candidates running for Parliament, there are 21 women and two fa’afāfine contenders.