American Samoa

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The Society of Fa’afaafine in American Samoa - SOFIAS, holds as its motto “Ia e Ola Malamalama I lou Fa’asinomaga” or “Be of Virtue and Pride in Your Identity”.  SOFIAS aims to align itself and work collaboratively with Fa'afafine and the LGBTI community in both American Samoa, Asia Pacific region, and the world. SOFIAS is an organization that focuses on improving life through the balance of its Samoan-identity and western influences.  It is dedicated to building relationships grounded in the Samoan values, promoting a positive attitude towards the Samoan Fa’afafine community, empowerment of people, protection of the environment, and respect for cultural diversity in the community.  By doing so, SOFIAS envisions its people working together in strongly maintaining the Fa’aSamoa, while embracing western influences.

SOFIAS Incorporated also promotes:

 

• Health care/ AIDS/HIV Education outreach;

• Harmony amongst Fa'afafine, LGBTI, and the Community;

• Human Rights & Cultural Identity;

• Tourism in American Samoa;

• Positive attitude within the community;

• Maturity and respect towards others;

• Environmental protection and beautification efforts;

• Etiquette;

• Engagement in activities generating community benefits and to pursue other objectives the corporation as a whole determines to improve its image and credibility and

• Foster and perpetuate cultural heritage and the preservation and keeping of ancestors’ traditional customs and arts and crafts such as in games, legends, poetry, historical landmarks, etc.