Born This Way: Awa's Story and the Rogers -
pacific heartbeat

Born This Way: Awaʻs Story - In New Zealand, Te Awarangi 'Awa' Puna is an openly transgender Maori teen attending her final year at Kapiti College in Wellington, New Zealand. This documentary follows her journey from male to female as we see the support of her family and the hurdles she must overcome. The Rogers - An intimate glimpse into the lives of those who formed the first visible group of transgender men in the Pacific Islands - The Rogers of Samoa - as they build an outside oven, seek romance, and prepare to perform a traditional men's dance in public. While still facing many obstacles, their stories illustrate the power that come when those rejected by society create their own community.

Duration: 56 minutes and 46 seconds

Episode Number: 903

About Pacific Heartbeat:

Running the gamut from enlightening documentaries to musical showcases, the anthology series PACIFIC HEARTBEAT draws viewers into the heart, mind and soul of Pacific Island culture.

Episodes: "Na Mele: Jerry Santos", "Splinters", "Road to the Globe" and "Na Loea: The Masters."

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