HUMANS OF THE ISLANDS - ALEXANDER LIGAIRI
Alexander Ligairi
Radio / TV Host
Fijian
Tell us a bit about yourself
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Bula I'm (cue Government Name) Ratu Mainalebakula Rasalusalunitoba Cabemaiwai Alexander Ligairi. Yeah, so to save you from accidently casting a spell, just call me Alex or Ally. I'm 32. A Virgo and currently the Team Leader for the radio station, 2DayFM Fiji under the Fijian Broadcasting Corporation.
We play whatever is hot, new, charting & relevant to our audience. Not only that, we're very big on playing & supporting music from local Fijian Artists as well as South Pacific Island Artists. I also co-host on a TV show called Teapot Talk with two other workmates. It's pretty unhinged & that's the best way I can describe it. As for identity, ok don't laugh I'm bad at this. But according to my friends that are well informed & have better knowledge on "identity" say I'm Non Binary. I don't believe them (I still don't understand it fully) but I, me, myself identify as a Gay Vixen.
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What was it like growing up in Fiji as a Queer person?
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For me personally, not that bad. I mean Fiji's got a pretty big Queer community. So from a young age I've always known a Queer person. From relatives, schoolmates ,teachers, friends, friends of family, our neighbors etc. Which made being Queer seem normal to me when I was younger. I mean it wasn't easy in the sense, I was told at times "Don't do that, you're a boy" or "That's for girls, you can't wear that," or being thought of as weird at school because instead of playing rugby or soccer with the boys I wanted to be Xena or Britney spears during recess. You know, the typical Pacific Island mentally when it comes to us Queer folk. But thankfully I was never bullied or severely punished for being Queer. My family were pretty chill. However my heart goes out to those from the community that weren't as lucky as me.
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Did you have a big 'coming out' moment or was it something you and your family knew growing up?
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Oh girl they knew! And the funny thing is I've never really had to come out to them. When my Dad was still alive, he asked me when I was like 12 about my "Gayness", and he didn't really care. He was just worried about my wellbeing especially since I went to an all boy school at the time. And as the youngest and his favorite, he was always looking out for me because he knew how people here in Fiji aren't as accepting as he was. He even tried to teach me how to Box. But quickly realised I'm a Beyonce, not a Laila Ali.
My Mum however took a while to get "used" to me being me, being the God fearing woman that she is. But fast forward to now, she's fine seeing me with long acrylic nails & lashes. She even uses my stuff like mascara & eyeliner when hers has run out. And my brothers are pretty chill as well. I mean one of them named their first son after me. Which was a big shock to our entire family because everyone thought he'd name his son after my Dad.
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Tell me about your Buiniga? why do you choose to adorn the Buiniga and is it common in Fiji?
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To be very honest, I just grew it out because of COVID when we were all on lockdown. And I decided to keep it since it's no longer a common practice here, which sucks. However it's such a flex when the old folk compliment me for rocking it. I feel like I'm winning in life.
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You are a very accomplished person in media with your experience as a copywriter, a radio host and now even a host of a tv show - what inspired you to get into media?
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Girl! I just needed money! Plus I couldn't afford Uni so I needed a job ASAP. But look at me now. 12 Years in media and still loving every minute of it. But have I faced hardships? Yes. Especially when I first started out in Media doing Radio. Back in like 2013 & 2014, I was always reminded to "talk with more bass" or some of the topics I would bring up were "Too Girly" to be mentioned on air, for events "Alex, why are you wearing lip gloss" or "Don't use Alex, because well, the client would prefer someone more masculine" girl I had it hard. But I'm in a better place now & walking with the Lord. That's all that matters.
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Tell us a about teapot talk - it's hilarious, I'm a big fan!
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So back in 2021 Management wanted something different. They were tired of the old "broadcast" way as to how most talk shows in Fiji are hosted or produced. They wanted real, raw & relatability especially with the conversations and the topics discussed. Then insert three very different & opinionated Hosts that talk about anything and everything and there you have it, Teapot Talk.
And what works well with my co-hosts Amelia, Alphonsus & I is that we all have experience in media. Amelia being part of Fiji's media alumni, Alphonsus had his own show and me being a princess for the past 12 years. Not only that, our chemistry in front of the cameras is the exact same when they're off, which of course helps give an unlimited supply of great banter. If you ever meet us, you'd think we're three dysfunctional siblings. No Cap.
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What advice would you give to other young brown queer people out there struggling with their identity?
Wow this is such a tough question. OMG this question is giving Miss Universe. Damn, how do I answer this? Hmmmm. Look "identity" is a journey, not a race. I mean look at me, according to the "identity I give off to others" I'm Non Binary but personally I'm still tryna figure it out for myself. So my advice would be to take as much time to figure out your own identity & don't rush into it. Just surround yourselves with people who celebrate, uplift, accept, and respect you for who you are. And remember that you are always loved. I may have googled the last bit but ain't no shame in my game.