A recent public lecture hosted by Trinity Theological College brought together diverse voices.

To discuss the intersection of faith and identity for Pacific Rainbow+ (LGBTQIA+ MVPFAFF+) individuals, exploring how these communities navigate the complexities of religious belonging and cultural identity in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The lecture on 4 October titled "Manalagi: The Church and Pacific Rainbow+ Individuals in Aotearoa New Zealand," was delivered by Seuta'afili Dr Patrick Thomsen, Senior Lecturer in Global Studies at the University of Auckland and Principal Investigator of the Manalagi Project. This event was co-sponsored by the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, the Methodist Church of New Zealand, and the Centre for Advocacy, Research and Empowerment (CARE). These organisations played a vital role in bringing attention to the pressing issues Pacific Rainbow+ individuals face, particularly within religious contexts.

Dr Thomsen’s lecture drew heavily on findings from the Manalagi Project, a pioneering initiative that examines the health and wellbeing of Pacific Rainbow+ communities in New Zealand. Launched in 2020 and funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand, the Manalagi Project represents the first comprehensive study of its kind, focusing on the unique experiences of Pacific Rainbow+ individuals. The project’s goal is to address gaps in research and understanding, particularly in relation to the intersection of race, culture, gender and sexual identity.

The Manalagi Survey, conducted in 2022, gathered responses from 750 individuals, 482 of whom identified as Pacific Rainbow+ or were questioning their gender or sexual identity. It is the largest survey ever conducted on Pacific Rainbow+ health and wellbeing in Aotearoa. The survey’s findings offer insight into a community that often faces multiple layers of discrimination -based on race, gender and sexual identity - while also grappling with cultural and religious expectations​.

In his lecture, Dr Thomsen addressed the often adversarial relationship between the Christian Church and Rainbow+ communities, a tension that is particularly pronounced within Pacific communities. Pacific cultures are known for their high levels of religiosity and many Pacific Rainbow+ individuals continue to practise Christianity despite the challenges posed by some church teachings.

Drawing on insights from the Manalagi Project, Dr Thomsen discussed how 63 percent of survey respondents indicated that religion or spirituality was important to their wellbeing. However, over 60 percent also reported that religion made their life difficult due to the church's stance on Rainbow+ identities​.  This highlights the complex and often painful relationship Pacific Rainbow+ individuals have with their faith, where their spiritual beliefs can both nurture and challenge their sense of identity.

Dr Thomsen argued that creating inclusive religious spaces is crucial for the mental and emotional wellbeing of Pacific Rainbow+ individuals. He emphasised the need for churches to embrace more inclusive approaches, enabling Rainbow+ members to retain both their faith and their cultural and spiritual mana without feeling alienated or marginalised​.

Following the lecture, Rev Dr Paul Reynolds, a researcher and Anglican priest, offered a thoughtful response. As a takatāpui individual, Dr Reynolds provided personal and theological insights into the importance of creating inclusive spaces within the church. He spoke about the need for churches to move beyond traditional views and actively engage with Rainbow+ communities in ways that affirm their identities rather than alienating them​.

A panel discussion, moderated by Dr Emily Colgan, further expanded on these themes. Phylesha Brown-Acton MNZM, Executive Director of F’INE Pasifika Aotearoa Trust, and Dr Penni Wolfgramm, Pacific Clinical Psychologist and Pacific Rainbow+ Peoples Advocate with the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, contributed their expertise and advocacy work to the discussion. Brown-Acton emphasised the need for Pacific Rainbow+ individuals to be recognised and supported within both cultural and religious contexts. Dr Wolfgramm highlighted the mental health challenges faced by Pacific Rainbow+ individuals and the importance of culturally appropriate mental health services.

The findings of the Manalagi Survey served as a foundation for much of the discussion during the lecture. The survey uncovered significant barriers Pacific Rainbow+ individuals face in accessing healthcare and mental health services, with 46 percent of respondents avoiding healthcare due to cost and 55 percent not seeking help because they hoped their problems would resolve on their own. Discrimination in healthcare settings was also prevalent, with 60 percent reporting race-based discrimination​.

Despite these challenges, Pacific Rainbow+ individuals demonstrated resilience. Many relied on informal support systems, such as friends, family and partners, for mental health support. Still, Dr Thomsen emphasized the need for Pacific-specific Rainbow+ services that address both the cultural and mental health needs of these communities.

One of the key recommendations from the Manalagi Project is to increase awareness of and accessibility to Rainbow+ healthcare services, particularly gender-affirming care, which many respondents were unaware of​. Additionally, the project advocates for more support for Pacific families and churches, helping them to better understand and support Rainbow+ individuals on their journeys of self-disclosure and acceptance.

The Manalagi public lecture marked an important step in addressing the complex relationship between Pacific Rainbow+ individuals and the Church. By drawing on the findings of the Manalagi Project and fostering a space for open dialogue, the event highlighted the urgent need for more inclusive religious and cultural spaces that honour the identities and experiences of Pacific Rainbow+ individuals.