QUEER WORD
FA’AFAFINE

What it means:

Fa'afafine (pronounced fah-ah-fah-fee-nay) is a third gender identity recognised in Samoan culture, typically describing individuals assigned male at birth who embody both masculine and feminine traits.

It’s a distinct and respected cultural identity that has existed in Samoa for centuries.

Let's Use It In A Sentence:

After moving to Auckland, Leilani found solace in the city's queer community, where she could freely express her fa'afafine identity without the judgmental stares she'd grown accustomed to back home.

A Bit More Background: How I First Learned About Fa'afafine

I’m one of those people who grew up just accepting everything he was told—hard work is always rewarded, chewing gum stays in your stomach for seven years if you swallow it, and that there are only two genders.

So it blew my mind when my first boyfriend (two years older and from New Zealand!) told me about fa'afafine, a third gender identity recognised in Samoan culture.

First of all, it’s a lot of fun to say—try it!

Second, it completely upended everything I thought I knew about gender.
And honestly? It just made total sense.

What Does Fa'afafine Literally Mean?

The word fa'afafine literally translates to "in the manner of a woman."
Fa'afafine are individuals who were assigned male at birth but embody a unique blend of masculine and feminine gender traits.

However, it’s important not to map Western concepts of gender directly onto fa'afafine.

They are not simply equivalent to being transgender, gay, or non-binary in Western terms - fa'afafine is its own distinct cultural category with its own meanings and traditions.

The Impact of Christianity on Fa'afafine Identity

Fa'afafine have historically been a respected and integral part of Samoan society, filling important social and familial roles.

However, the large influence of Christianity over the last 200 years has shifted local attitudes—sometimes fostering misunderstanding, marginalisation, and even violence against fa'afafine individuals.

Today, acceptance varies widely, both within Samoa and among the global Samoan diaspora.

Why Fa'afafine Challenges Western Ideas About Gender

Learning about fa'afafine is a powerful reminder that Western ideas about gender are not universal.

Many cultures - Samoan, Indigenous North American, Indian, Hawaiian, and more - have long recognised diverse gender identities.

So, the next time your bigoted uncle launches into a rant about the ‘woke mob reinventing gender,’ you might want to gently let him know that cultures around the world have recognised third, fourth, and even fifth genders for centuries.

It’s not about reinvention—it's about recognition and respect for the diversity that has always existed.

Final Thoughts: Fa'afafine and the Richness of Human Identity

Understanding identities like fa'afafine broadens our view of humanity.

It challenges us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of gender beyond rigid binaries—and reminds us that there have always been many ways to live, love, and be.