Island Fever

What Does It Mean to PROTECT Trans Kids with Haylin Dennison

In this episode of Island Fever Podcast, Vae, Krit, and Donato sit down with Haylin Dennison to unpack what it actually means to protect Trans Kids -beyond politics, fear, and misinformation. Haylin opens up about her journey as the proud mama of a Trans Kid, sharing honestly about the moments she got it wrong, the growth that transformed her understanding, and the fierce love that now drives her advocacy through Spill The Tea Cafe. Together, they explore what gender-affirming care really is, what it isn’t, and why affirming environments save lives. This conversation is vulnerable, hilarious, emotional, affirming, and deeply unfiltered — offering insight for parents, families, educators, allies, and anyone navigating conversations around gender identity and support.Trans kids remain among the highest-risk groups for suicide, and in Hawai‘i, nearly 50% of trans youth have attempted suicide. Haylin speaks candidly about learning to move from fear to understanding, and why creating affirming spaces for trans youth matters now more than ever. 🌈 Topics Include:• Parenting and supporting Trans Kids• Gender-affirming care explained• Debunking myths about trans youth• Mental health and suicide prevention• Creating affirming family and community spaces• Raising LGBTQ+ youth in Hawai‘i• Healing, accountability, and growth as a parent• Building safer futures for QTPI youth ✨ About Our Guest:Haylin Dennison is a mental health professional and proud owner of Spill the Tea Cafe in Honolulu, Hawai‘i — a community-centered space rooted in healing, affirmation, and connection. 🔔 Subscribe to Island Fever Podcast for conversations centering Queer & Trans Pacific Islander voices, storytelling, culture, healing, relationships, and community. For more resources: https://www.spilltheteacafe.org/ www.pasifikarootedtherapy.com/islandfever https://transfamilysos.org/ https://transresourcehub.wixsite.com/my-site/parent-resources https://pflag.org/ https://www.genderspecialist.com/ Follow Island Fever Podcast:Instagram: www.instagram.com/islandfeverpodcast Watch, share, and join the conversation. 💜

Reconciling Faith with Being Queer

In this episode of Island Fever Podcast, Vae, Krit, and Donato sit down with Randy Soriano - a powerhouse community organizer behind Pride 365 and the Hawai‘i Rainbow Film Festival, whose work continues to champion MVPFAFF+ visibility and advocacy across Hawai‘i. Randy opens up about growing up in a deeply religious and conservative family, and the complicated journey of reconciling faith, identity, and belonging. Together, they unpack what it means to live boldly and authentically while navigating cultural expectations, spirituality, and community accountability. This conversation is honest, vulnerable, and deeply affirming for anyone who has ever questioned whether there was space for both their faith and their queerness to coexist. 🌈 Topics include: • Growing up queer in religious spaces • Faith, shame, and healing • Activism and community leadership • Building visibility for MVPFAFF+ communities in Hawai‘i • Choosing authenticity despite fear For more resources: Pasifika Rooted Therapy – Island Fever Resources This episode was made possible by the support of: • Kaimana Beach Hotel • IOANE Foundation • Don't Drink the Water (DDW) Cafe • Ha'aheo Zablan • Rated R Hawai'i • SoCal PICRT • Prism Foundation • Popua Pyland & Tua Pyland Credits: Hosts: Vaelupe Ma'aele, Kristian Fanene Manuwai, Donato Fatuesi Production Crew: • Peter Filimaua • Michael Tui'asoa • Mele Tui'asoa • Ryan Tui'asoa Executive Producers: Aisea Laungaue & Kristian Fanene Manuwai Producer: Donato Fatuesi Island Fever Podcast is fiscally sponsored by UTOPIA Washington. Watch, share, and join the conversation. 💜

AAPI Solidarity with Bretman Rock!

It's AAPI Heritage Month and we're on location in Hawai'i talking all things solidarity with our fave Filipino superstar Bretman Rock!

Reimagining Community

Get your tissues out cuz our season finale is a tear jerker! We get into the real meaning of community with our fave Tree Ioane from the IOANE Foundation. Thank you all for riding with us and we'll see you again soon! ❤️

Girl Talk

She models, she acts, she designs clothes, she be beating up bitches on the Taekwondo mat and she's single AF! Our fave trailblazer Isis King stops in for some girl talk.