<p>When I look back on my life, I reflect on the people who made me. It is obvious to say that &ldquo;my wh&#257;nau knows me best&rdquo;, but there are so many outside perceptions and expectations that shape who we are, many of which &ndash; for a young M&#257;ori male &ndash; have meant navigating through a sea of racist, homophobic, discouraging, and exclusionary environments, and which shape our political landscape here in Aotearoa.</p>