Making meaning out of objects: Self, connectedness and belonging among sexuality diverse men and transgender women in Papua New Guinea

Objects in our everyday lives range from the mundane to the highly significant and can be understood and interpreted in various ways. In a Pacific society such as Papua New Guinea, making meaning out of objects and storytelling provides great insight into (our) culture. However, much of the attention given to material culture historically and culturally in Papua New Guinea is directed at documenting objects from the past, and often the objects possessed by cis-gender men. Much less attention has been given to the material culture of individuals and communities of sexuality diverse men and transgender women in Papua New Guinea. As part of a life history study among sexuality diverse men and transgender women in Papua New Guinea this chapter explores meanings of objects significant to these people. These non-human objects, sometimes reflecting significant people and relationships, speak to kinship and family, identity and self-courage, justice and human rights, providing new insights into the lives of Papua New Guineans, frequently framed via discourses of risk.