[Episode 23] Honouring Self and Ancestors Through Movement – An Interview with Li’olemāsina Lubansk

This week I’m sharing an amazingly open and honest conversation I had with a wonderful human that I’m privileged to call my friend, Li’olemāsina Lubanski.

Li’o is a trans, non binary, queer Samoan in diaspora in Turtle Island (known colonially as the US. Occupying O’odham, Akimel O’odham (Upper Pima), & Hohokam lands (known colonially as Arizona)

They are first-generation born in the US to a Samoan immigrant mom from Mālie, Samoa and white-American dad from Illinois.

After many years of body-image issues from being teased about their weight, Li’o initially set out to move their body as a way to appease others that uphold an unattainable beauty standard.

Even throughout their journey in realising they are queer and non-binary, they would move their body to try and attain the commonly-represented body type of white AFAB non binary folks.

Now, they move for much more ancient, grounded reasons.

If you want to get in contact with Li’o or follow them on the socials, you can find them on Instagram and Twitter at the handle @liolemasina.