Uma Kali Shakti Regional Representative Oceania

I am a South Asian/South Pacific Black Working-class Disabled Dyke. I was born in Fiji, grew up in Aotearoa/NZ, currently live in Sydney, Australia and 16 years ago was adopted in to the Jerrinja Wadi Wadi Koori, Indigenous Peoples of the South Coast.

I have been an activist most of my life. In terms of specifically queer activism and involvement – I have been on committees of countless queer organisations over the last 30 years in Aotearoa, Australia and England. For example I was instrumental in establishing the first Lesbian Line in Australia in the early 80’s; foundation member of “Gaywaves” Radio Program, Sydney; Black Lesbian Support Group, London and more recently on the Board of the Sydney 2002 Gay Games VI where my portfolio was Outreach to Asia/Pacific/Indigenous queers and People with Disabilities.

My major commitment is to the liberation and self determination of Indigenous Peoples. Currently I teach youth-at-risk and adults. I am involved in political community theatre and queer radio, while trying to continue writing and be there for my friends and whanau.

As the ILGA Female Pacific Regional Representative I want to ensure that issues of marginalised peoples are prioritised and undertaken, on our terms. I am keen to work with people who share the same politics and ideologies.
P.S. I’m also not averse to having fun too?!

Uma Kali Shakti is writer, performer and director.