Takatāpui and a Tiriti-led inclusive society Takatāpui is a term used by some Māori that identify with a minority sexual orientation, gender identity or sex characteristics. The term has been reclaimed and expanded from its original meaning, which was “intimate companion of the same sex”.xviii Takatāpui were traditionally accepted and valued members of hapū (extended family). However, this acceptance changed with the impact of colonisation and the introduction of Christianity. Today, memories of takatāpui preserved in pūrākau (traditional narratives), waiata (songs) and carvings are being rediscovered and shared. Te Tiriti o Waitangi protected self-determination for Māori and religious and spiritual equality for all, including takatāpui Māori, as follows: • Article 2 provides tino rangatiratanga to iwi and the right to exercise authority over taonga • Article 3 provides equality of access to protection by the Crown • Article 4 (oral) guaranteed freedom of religious and spiritual customs, which should have protected the ongoing roles of takatāpui in the spiritual life of the community.xix Alongside takatāpui Māori, Pacific peoples and several ethnic communities have also historically embraced diverse genders and sexualities. MVPFAFF+ identities are indigenous identities across the Pacific that have unique histories and places in society. Article 4 rights (the oral Article of Te Tiriti) apply to all peoples within Aotearoa and are also supported in the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990 (NZBORA). New Zealand laws offer specific protection to these communities, for example by protecting their rights as minorities to enjoy their culture (article 20 NZBORA). What is conversion ideology? Conversion practices are a result of conversion ideology which is: 55 • the belief that all people are heterosexual • the belief that anyone who is not heterosexual has experienced some damage, neglect, abuse or other inappropriate influence that affected their ‘development’. This can result in LGBTQIA+ identities being treated as an illness and even ‘contagious’ • the belief it is possible to stop fully or partially being LGBTQIA+ through spiritual, psychological or other intervention • the belief that change would be positive for the individual, family or community, or that it is a condition for being fully accepted, affirmed and included • the belief that being LGBTQIA+ clashes with a given faith, culture, community or family value set • the belief that LGBTQIA+ people are present in certain settings for malevolent reasons such as ‘recruiting’ to a group which has ‘chosen’ to be this way. Any one of these beliefs constitute conversion ideology. While they do not amount to a conversion practice, when multiple beliefs exist within a community, LGBTQIA+ people, including those concealing their identity, are at risk. Conversion ideology is supported by people teaching beliefs as fact and discouraging people from testing beliefs and other views presented by people in authority. Young people are particularly at risk in indoctrinating environments because they are learning ideas that will affect how they organise and interpret information throughout their life. Many survivors of conversion practices have said the damage done is lifelong with deeply engrained thought patterns, selfcritical thinking, and trauma. Conversion Practices Guidance for people working in religious communities