Peri Te Wao (Te Arawa) was born into a female body but always regarded himself as male. He says he is heartened by Māori elders who embrace all whānau members and recognise potential leaders regardless of their gender identity. Te Wao founded FtM Aotearoa (a female-to-male transgender support group) in 1999. 'I am firstly Māori, secondly a husband, and thirdly a friend to many communities.'
Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi
Human Rights Commission - Te Kāhui Tika Tangata
Photograph by Rebecca Swan
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