TRANSFABULOUS - BESTIES EDITION

Two close friends from New Zealand, Latoya Hoeg & Khann Tuapawa set out on a journey to Narrm - Melbourne in the early 80’s with the hope of building a brighter future for themselves. Listen to their captivating story here on this episode of Queering The Air.

Latoya Hoeg, a trans woman of color, has been residing in Narrm, Melbourne for more than 30 years. She serves as an elder for the Samoan Fa'afafine Community in the area and is a passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+ Pacifica individuals, particularly trans women. Currently, Latoya works at Star Health as a Community Engagement Worker for the Covid-19 Team and serves as a Community Health Educator at H2H (Hustling to Health), a drop-in center for sex street-based work, also known as RhED. She previously was a secretary and advisor at PacifiqueX, a Pacifica LGBTIQA+ Community in Melbourne Narrm. Latoya was one of the panelists in "An Evening With The Trans Elders" organized by Trans Sisters United during Trans Awareness Week last year. Recently, Latoya was honored alongside Uncle Jack Charles by Samuel Gaskin at his performance during the Victoria Pride Street Festival in 2023. Additionally, Latoya is a familiar voice on the radio show, PX Whanau at 3CR, where she also works as a producer.

Khann Tuapawa, a resilient trans woman from New Zealand, has called Melbourne home for several decades. Embracing her identity unapologetically and living life on her own terms, she embodies a fearless attitude. Enduring significant discrimination as a trans woman during the 80s and 90s, Khan's experiences have only made her stronger. She has triumphed over adversity, demonstrating remarkable resilience. Now retired, Khan is relishing in the joys of life, appreciating the freedom and fulfilment that comes with being true to herself.

EMPOWERING TRANS WOMEN & TRANS FEMININE OF COLOUR WORKSHOP 

Music:

Respect by Aretha Franklin
He wasn't man enough for me by Toni Braxton

Set Fire to the rain by Adele remix by DJ Zork