Seuta’afili Dr. Patrick ThomsenSeuta’afili Dr. Patrick Thomsen

Samoan, Kiwi, born and raised in South Auckland, Dr. Patrick Thomsen gained a PhD from the University of Washington's Jackson School of International Studies. He holds the matai or chiefly title of Seutaafili from the village of Tauese in Samoa. Patrick researches human rights discourse, social norms and its effects on transnational sexual minorities across the Asia Pacific.

Goodbye Israel Folau – I’m sad it had to end this way

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Yesterday, Wallabies player Israel Folau was issued with a “high level” breach notice by Rugby Australia, bringing him closer to the termination of his contract over a social media post in which he claimed “homosexuals” and others would go to hell. For a gay, Pasifika man, it’s not necessarily something to celebrate, writes Patrick Thomsen. … Read more

‘Hobgoblin’ logic on Pacific gay rights has distinctly Western roots

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Pacific nations have been upbraided for failing to make advances on LGBTI rights. But too many overlook the impact of colonisation, the stranglehold of the church and alternate conceptions of gender identity, writes Patrick Thomsen As Australia flip-flopped over its same-sex marriage vote, retired Australian High Court Judge Michael Kirby earlier this month accused Pacific … Read more