Ema and Taaniko

On page 42 of Assume Nothing, Ema states; ‘I identify as Takataapui, which is a word that encompasses all expression of gender and sexuality within queer culture. As I switch I express both male and female aspects of myself and they are not actually separate. They are an integrated expression of who I am.

When my Ta moko was being tattooed, it was part of a deep spiritual awakening. It’s a design that I began to draw when I was nine years old. It symbolises my Whakapapa (genealogy) and my life journey. I had a knowing as a child that one day I would wear this form of Te Moko.’

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