Like a Lady: The Fakaleitis of Tonga

Overview

A short film that explores the history and understanding of the subculture of boys/men raised as girls in the Kingdom of Tonga. A Fakaleiti is born a male child who decides, or is chosen by his family, to dress and behave as a girl. Traditional believe says this occurs when a family may have only male children and deem it necessary to teach one of the boys cooking, cleaning, weaving, sewing – chores associated with a daughter – thus behaving as if a girl. Homosexuality is sometimes the motivation, but not always. Looked on with fascination and disdain, Fakaleitis are a unique, yet vital part of Tongan culture.