Coming Out Stories


Members of Hawaiʻiʻs MVPFAFF/LGBTQIA+ community share their stories of coming out, finding their tribes and living their authentic lives.

During the second year of the COVID-19 epidemic in 2021 the Hawaiʻi LGBT Legacy Foundation, working with Sa’Ke Film Group, produced a series of videos to share inspiration and create connection during a time of isolation.

We began by taping interviews with Hawaiʻi State Rep. Adrian Tam, pro-surfer, DJ and entrepreneur Keala Kennelly, transgender services Kuaʻana Project director Maddelyn Sesepasara, Justice of the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Sabrina Shizue McKenna, and hotelier and philanthropist Kelly Sanders.

Upon viewing those first videos, members of the larger community came forward to share their stories during a weekend gathering at the Kaimana Beach Hotel, and then later, at the offices of the Hawaiʻi Health & Harm Reduction Center. The entire series premiered on National Coming Out Day, October 11, as part of [Virtual] 2021 Honolulu Pride.

We’ll continue to add new videos, so visit again soon. If youʻd like to share your story, please contact us at Info@HawaiiLGBTlegacy.com