Faces Of Pride

Born and raised in Kaimukī, Oʻahu, JD Tanuvasa is Polynesian, Asian, Native American, and Caucasian. A professional Polynesian dancer, actor, and screenwriter, JD is also head writer for a Pinoy BL web series called “Rainbow Prince” which is currently in production. "One of my main missions is to create and share stories that need to be told. Stories of the LGBTQIA+ and Polynesian community. Stories filled with Aloha. I believe Aloha is empathy, compassion, and unconditional love. Aloha is the cure to blame, shame, ridicule, and dehumanization. Itʻs the recognition of our shared humanity and the bridge to healing."

Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai’i, Maurice Tokuda-Higashi is a professional International Award-Winning Luxury, Destination & Celebrity Wedding & Event Planner. Born and raised Kaneohe, Hawai’i, Baxton Tokuda-Higashi is currentlly the Principal Wedding Designer for their wedding planning company.

"Together, we have been married for 3 years and are the owners of Ho’okipa Events, LLC@hookipaeventsllc. We are both the seekers and the doers. We are the makers of dreams come true. We stand on the sidelines and witness the most intimate of all life’s moments. Our business exists to celebrate others. We traffic intimacy and our relationships are forged in fire. Together with our clients, we bend the universe at our will, designing and creating once in a lifetime spaces that tell stories, that entice the five senses and that speak to who they are as people and as a couple.

"We want to change people at their core, to inspire them to live beautifully and we want these moments we share together to become memories that last a lifetime."

D Dangaran is a Filipino-Black non-binary, trans femme fairy born and raised in Wahiawa, where their family has lived ever since their great-grandparents immigrated from the Philippines and worked on sugar cane plantations. Growing up with their extended family, they loved to LARP with their cousins, playing gender-breaking characters. They loved performing throughout their entire life, first in ukulele club at ‘Iliahi Elementary, then in choir, musicals, and plays at Punahou.

They eventually learned all the world’s a stage, and they feel like they haven’t even made it through the opening act yet. They are an over-planner to the max, and they love that there is so much life left to live, and that there’s no way of knowing everything that will happen next.

They’re back on O’ahu for a full year, for the first time since heading to college in 2011. They’re living out their dream career as a civil rights attorney for intersectionally marginalized people, but that sadly means they’re heading off the island again in a year—if everything works out, to litigate on behalf of trans people in prison. They feel like a migratory bird coming home to roost. Since leaving Wahiawa, they’ve made a home at Yale, Harvard Law School, 37 countries, and their na’au. But there truly is no place like Hawai’i.

Desiree tends to move to her own beat. Never feeling the usual pull towards what was “trending”. It wasn’t until moving away from home that she realized she didn’t have to fit the mold. She found peers who didn’t feel the need to label or judge. She felt what it meant to have a safe space.

Being connected to the land, after college she returned home. She brought home her girlfriend and got a lot of comments like, “who’s the boy?” and “so are you going to start dressing different?” Some people shut her out and although it was hard, it was ok. Now Desiree is able to appreciate how those moments helped her to grow into the strong and proud person she is now.

Desiree met the love of her life by pure faith. She was collecting first love stories, not meaning to ever reply to the submissions. But there was one story that stood out. It was so full of love without regret and ended with, “thank you for letting me reminisce.” She replied and after several correspondences they decided to meet. They have not left each other’s side since.

Desiree wants to leave everyone with this message: “Every person deserves to be seen, heard, and cherished like the royalty that they are. Don’t be afraid to shine. Don’t be afraid to not fit any mold because in truth your uniqueness is so important that to hide it is a disservice. You are amazing. Be unapologetically you.”

Dan Foley is the attorney that filed (in 1991 in Hawaii) the world’s first successful marriage equality case (Baehr v. Lewin) that ultimately led to marriage equality throughout the United States by 2015.

Dan served as the first legal director of the Hawaii ACLU, and Professor of Civil Rights at University of Hawaii School of Law. Dan helped establish the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission by writing the act that created the Commission and its rules and regulations, and was a founding member and chair of the Hawaii Access to Justice Commission.

Dan’s work in Civil and LGBTQ rights has been recognized and honored by Lambda Legal, ACLU, The Advocate, Out, the AMA Society for the Psychological Study of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Issues, the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association, Hawaii State Bar Association, Hawaii Justice Foundation, Hawaii Women Lawyers and the Honolulu Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League.

Dan’s work in Hawaii on marriage equality has recently been profiled in the best selling book on marriage equality - The Engagement by Sasha Issenberg.

Born and raised on Oahu, Nathaniel a dancer/performer, and is recently engaged to his partner Ryan. One of the founding members of Dancers Unlimited, Nathaniel is a principle dancer for Iona Contemporary Dance Theatre and has his own group, The Robena Collective.

Nathaniel says, "Pride is about embracing one’s identity and being brave enough to share your story with others." Growing up in Hawaii, Nathaniel struggled with both accepting himself as queer and being able to share these struggles with those closest to him. It wasn’t until college, where he discovered dance, that he was able to be his true self and find his voice through his movement. Excited for the future, Nathaniel is currently focused on building the Rated R brand with his fiancé Ryan, and furthering his career as a dancer/performer and all around creative.

Anna Mei is an Asian Genderfluid Drag Queen born and raised in Aiea, HI. She gained the crown of Queen of Queens back in 2019 and is the current reigning. The self proclaimed Fashion Nerd of Drag, her drag combines her love of fashion and her passion for video games and, of course, anime. Always in the pursuit of growth, they have pushed themselves to learn many different aspects that relate to being a drag artist. Anna has been sewing for two years and has been creating most of her performance outfits ever since. She’s also created garments for her drag mothers, sisters, and children.

"Pride is about being proud of all the accomplishments you’ve made along your journey. Proud of all the obstacles you’ve overcome, and as members of the lgbtqia+ community, we have gotten through so much.

"But it’s also about loving yourself, truly loving yourself for all the positives and negatives, and sharing that love with others. Uplifting other voices in the community who are unable to be heard over the loud roar of the masses, especially queer poc. Share love, be kind, get the vaccine, and stay safe."

Originally from Kalihi Valley, Lise is a book-slinger for Native Books, a native and wahine owned bookstore. Lise also weaves lau hala and teaches classes at Keanahala, a community weaving program that focuses on weaving moena (traditional Hawaiian floor mats).

Born and raised in Pālolo Valley and Kaimuki, Jasmine Reiko is a writer, photographer, and guardian Angel of a Persian kitten named Sappho. Jasmine’s current work centers mythic, revelatory fluidity driving connection, without glossing over difference through paint, photo, and poetry.

Lise and Jasmine have been in each other’s dream for more than 8 years, waxing and waning through identity and hardship together. "Queerness is a never ending spring of hard truths and challenges, a fluid. As Emalani Case says, 'together we may decentralize colonial empires and re-centralize our genealogies to reveal and maintain what is sacred, mythic, and ultimately shared between us all'."

"Aloha mai kākou! My name is Nadek-Kiel and these are my dads, Elwood and Kedan or Dad-E and KeDaddy as I call them! Both were born to enormous Hawaiian families on the island of O’ahu. Although my parents have been married for a mere three years, they are quickly approaching 17 years together. Through the help of KeDaddy’s sister as their traditional surrogate, I joined the ‘ohana in October 2018!

"My dads and I enjoy going to the beach, spending time with friends and family and hope to add a sibling to the mix in the near future (preferably a girl hehe).

"If you know my family, then you’ll know one thing is evident. There is no lack of aloha in our lives. We have a tremendous amount of love and support from both of my dad’s blood and chosen families which include many, many members of Hawai’i’s LGBTQIA+ community! So from our family to yours, Happy Pride!"

William was born and raised in Mānoa Valley, Oahu. He is a doctoral student studying Organizational Psychology. His passions and hobbies include reading biographies of indigenous queer people, surfing, hiking, and overthrowing the patriarchy.

Growing up in Hawaii, William served as a Gay-Straight Alliance member under the Life Foundation, and also helped to facilitate one of the only LGBTQ+ youth camps on Oahu (Camp C.R.E.A.T.E). Throughout his life, he makes it a point to understand how each persons perspective adds a unique layer to addressing complex issues around identity, politics, and relationships.

Dr. Kevin Kiyoshi Tomita was born and raised in Pālolo Valley, O'ahu. They're a witchy, feminist, gender queer, clinical psychologist that specializes in the mental health treatment of LGBTQ individuals with a focus on those who are gender diverse. They see clients out of their private practice at Tomita Psychotherapy and Consultation, LLC, provide pro bono services at the Hawai’i Health and Harm Reduction Center, and contribute to LGBTQ research and local policy efforts.

Kevin believes that loving connection to people, place, and objects is the basis of healing. They continue to develop an understanding of their settler colonial role in Hawai’i and related kuleana to give back to a place that has given them so much.

Outside of their work, they love to spend time taking pictures of birds. They particularly like to spend time with native Hawaiian forest birds, though they bring their camera to document their birding adventures around the world. Connecting to both 'āina and manu have been equally as healing as going to weekly therapy sessions for themself.

"Growing up as an Asian American with immigrant parents, it was hard to express myself without the constrains of cultural expectations placed upon my shoulders. But working for an LGBTQIA+ owned business, The Public Pet, has gifted me a tremendous amount of acceptance and love that I have never experienced before.

"Thanks to the kindness and support of Jordan Lee and Matthew Guevara, I have been able to accept, present and dress myself as the proud non-binary human I always wanted to be. Not only do we give love and support to fellow members of our community, but we give it to our pets as well!"

Gazelle was born in the Philippines and raised in Hawaii. She enjoys sports, basketball and football. Her favorite team is the San Francisco 49ers. In the past she has helped the community by reserving cars for the Honolulu Pride Parade from Paradise Rent-a-Car.

Francine was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii and is the Chairperson of the Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation.

A double major in Marketing and International Business at NYU Stern, she began her career at Sony Electronics and was involved in marketing the successful launch of 7 luxury consumer electronics products under the exclusive Sony QUALIA line. During her time at Viacom’s MTV Networks, she was part of the team responsible for launching the first LGBT cable network, LOGO, growing viewership from zero to over 30M in the first year.

Currently the Network Strategy Director of Nella Media Group. Most recently she attended the Defected Music Festival in Croatia with volunteer of the Legacy Foundation and friend DJ

I was born and raised in Hawaii and grew up mostly living in the Makiki area. I lived in Hawaii for 25 years and then made a move to New York City and have lived here for over 7 years now. I wasn’t particularly Involved in the scene when I lived in Honolulu, but frequented Hulaʻs and In Between from time to time. My first job in New York was bartending at a Thai restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen, a gay neighborhood on the west side of Manhattan. I participated in my first pride here in New York a few years after I moved here, it was an incredible experience. I feel very fortunate to have gone from one melting pot to another, where I feel welcome and accepted. I love to see the growing communities in both states where pride is alive and strong. I hope that the next generation of LGBTQ children feel accepted and welcome to be who they truly are inside and out. “Because no one should have to hide who they love in order to serve the country that they love” -Obama

Born and raised on Maui, I am the owner of Maui CrossFit Extreme located in Wailuku and founder of the 21 Day Kickstart Program. As a gay, female, local business owner, I am proud to offer a facility that is inclusive and safe for all. Being a masculine presenting female, I have experienced prejudice and an absence of safety. My personal experience has fueled me to create a space where all people are recognized, welcomed, and share a place of pride. My passion is in educating and assisting others in becoming healthier and more fit, ultimately leading to more confidence and love for oneself.

I studied at UH Manoa where I earned my BA in Interdisciplinary Studies with emphasis in human relations. While I was uncertain how to use my education, in 2014 I took a leap and decided to pursue my personal trainer certification. It was here that I found my purpose. Shortly after becoming a trainer, I found CrossFit and immediately fell in love with the sport. I knew I wanted to own a gym, but I never imagined it to be a CrossFit box. At Maui CrossFit Extreme @mauicrossfitextreme I get to not only be a part of group classes, but also work with individual clients and create nutrition plans. I am living my dream, and I feel so blessed to be able to give back to the community in a way that I never dreamed possible.

Kaipo is proud kanaka ʻōiwi, born and raised in Hono'uli'uli, Oʻahu. He is a licensed massage therapist by trade, hula dancer/actor/model by choice. His passions follow the healing gift of self-expression and self-identity through his different art forms. Raised on a kahua built by his loving family, supported by the pillars of his mentors, wrapped in the kapa of his culture and his ancestors, Kaipo seeks to heal the lāhui and the people of Hawaiʻi in whatever way possible.

Born in California and raised in Hawaii – Brian, who comes from a very large Filipino family - knew he was always a little different from most others. Growing up Catholic and from a small island community didn’t make coming out, even to himself, easy.

Getting a job was his catalyst into self-acceptance and to coming out “Proudly”. Being around a lot of support for many years inspired Brian to contribute to his LGBTQ community. He has supported local organizations such as: Hawaii Health & Harm Reduction Center; Hawaii LGBT Legacy Foundation; Honolulu Gay & Lesbian Cultural Foundation; Gregory House; Imperial Court of Hawaii and Equality Hawaii. Brian has even held the title of Mr. Gay Pride in 2008 by raising the most money for charity than any other individual in The Triple M Council’s contest history.

In 2013, Brian left Hawaii to expand his experience in Hospitality in New York City. He worked for a couple of large hospitality groups and even worked on Fire Island one summer season. While in New York, Brian was able to network with many LGBTQ people, establishments and organizations. His three years in New York propelled him so much, it brought him back full circle to @HulasWaikiki as General Manager.

Brian has an affinity for Hospitality. Being able to be in a position to improve the quality of life for others through food/beverage/entertainment/fun make his work most rewarding. Being at a local longtime institution like Hula’s Bar & Lei Stand is, and always be an honor.

Mariana Del Rey was born and raised on Kaumana in Hilo Hawai’i and has made Oahu home for 20years. For this Marina Creature - PRIDE is the very gift to BE, Marina.

I walk in the shadow of sisters who’ve paved paths that became our Island catwalks and stages. I’ve been wigged, gigged, gowned and crowned and thru 25 years of experiences - I have had countless opportunities to contribute back to those who supported me. In time , a “Haus” grew… a family system developed and like everyones, each branch, each child of the Haus has a sparkle all their own and has something to share with the world, with our community. Parental duties and expectations are the same be it blood or tribe, Haus Muthas try to nurture, to encourage, to support our “kids” whatever their pursuits, drag or not. And no - we may act like it , but Mothers - certainly this one - don’t know everything, and the children are also teaching me.

Now, the Del Rey tree has grown. New flowers are blooming - pursuing the art of performance. It’s their time. So, with the hugest of hugs and a heart filled with Aloha - Mahalo NUI to this community for taking in this Marina Creature….I honor my predecessors, teachers, SISTERHOODS - and with open arms, I welcome the high heels of the next generation of glamazon to further this art, learn and share its histories, and prance your Drag in our 808

Gail is an O'ahu native that returned home in 2016 after 17 years spent in New York and Los Angeles. She is unapologetically feminist, female, gay, and Hawaiian-Filipino-Japanese, in no particular order. Gail is a Senior Property Manager at Alexander & Baldwin and President-Elect for Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) Hawai’i. Her passions include reading, driving DEI initiatives and most of all, her 'ohana.

Born in Manila and raised in Los Angeles, Charyl moved to O'ahu to start a family with her wife Gail. Prior to Hawai'i, she helped to bring to life several children’s products while employed at Disney and MGA Entertainment. Charyl is currently a Project Manager at Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA), where she executes strategic projects and operational improvements, and helps develop the company’s LGBTQ+ initiatives. She serves as a board member of the Hawai’i LGBT Legacy Foundation where she focuses on youth and family engagement.

The Abrena-Agases know their 'ohana would not be here without the LGBTQ+ advocacy that came before them. They pay it forward by continuing to serve the local LGBTQ+ community and by raising their kiddos to love fiercely and fight for what's right

Paul was furloughed in March 2020 after working on Broadway in New York City for ten years. Paul took this opportunity to follow his heart to Hawai’i. The islands of Hawai’i, provided sanctuary and the LGBTQ+ community helped to start a significant mental and spiritual healing process. Paul looks forward to the day he can call Hawai’i home with the desire of giving back to the community, the land and to the LGBTQ+ youth.

Victoria Li, The Witch of Waikiki, was born in Frankfurt, Germany, but raised mostly in Washington DC. They grew up frequently visiting family on Oahu before moving here 5 years ago.
Victoria is Honolulu’s premier pagan performer; incorporating a darker aesthetic and witchy charms, they perform utilizing their talents as a makeup artist and musician to transcend the audience and escape reality.

Pride was and is always a protest. There have been so many victories for the LGBTQIA+ communities, but there’s still a lot more work to do. However, the community we have in Hawai’i and our Pride is one of the most inclusive and diverse that there is. Pride *is* a protest but it is also about love, self love, acceptance, and hope… that the future doesn’t need to be a fight for our PoC, Trans sisters and brothers, women, and queer individuals.

Dr. Christina MB Wang (DNP, MPH, APRN-Rx, AGPCNP-C) is a Nurse Practitioner and Medical Director at the Hawaii Health & Harm Reduction Center. She has focused her efforts around wound care in the community with emphasis on street-based medical practice in Honolulu; delivering care to persons living with HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, and to support efforts around caring for those with mental illness and substance abuse.

She is also passionate about teaching and providing experience for students within the community setting. Christina is the recipient of the 2018 Healthcare Association of Hawaii -Public Health Award, the 2019 Hawaii Academy of Family Physicians- Advocacy Award, and the American Organization of Nurse Leaders Hawaii -2020 Emerging Leaders Award.

Kaleo Pinto age 24, was born and raised in Hawai'i. Kaleo identifies heavily with his heritage as a native Hawaiian, recently graduating with his triple major in Hawaiian Language, Hawaiian Studies and Communications with a minor in education.

He enjoys fitness and staying active in the ocean surfing and diving.