Auckland, New Zealand – Last year, Awa Puna, a prominent figure in the transgender community and star of “Shortland Street”, led a large march for transgender rights in Auckland. The event was in protest against British anti-trans activist Posie Parker, who was touring New Zealand at the time. Despite the thousands of supporters surrounding her, the march took a violent turn when members of Destiny Church, numbering around 1000, confronted the protestors.
During the confrontation, Awa was physically assaulted, an experience that left her feeling depressed and isolated in the weeks that followed. “I was in a dark space, and it affected my self-esteem because I realised there are so many people who think the same thing about people like me and make a conscious effort to scratch out our existence,” she shared.
Despite the challenges she faced, Awa found solace in the support of her friends, family, and her partner, Mark Chayanat Whittet. The couple, who have been together for two years, found a renewed connection during the lockdowns and now live together in Auckland.
Awa Puna’s resilience and passion for storytelling are evident in her latest project, a short film called “The Nephilim”. The film revolves around a young, Christian Māori boy who goes undercover to infiltrate the queer ballroom community, combining themes of identity, culture, and acceptance.
Another of Awa’s short films, “Tūī”, is set to play at the Māoriland Film Festival on the Kāpiti Coast, a project that holds personal significance for the actress. Inspired by a dream about her late grandmother, the film follows a young trans girl as she navigates her identity and the loss of her mother.
Amidst these creative endeavors, Awa expresses her deep appreciation for her work on “The Boy, The Queen And Everything In Between”. The series, set in Auckland’s K Road in the ’90s, holds a special place in her heart, not only for its portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community but also for the opportunity to work alongside individuals who have paved the way for people like her.
As she continues to make strides in her career and advocate for trans rights, Awa’s dedication to telling stories that resonate with her experiences serves as a powerful force for change and visibility.