Explore 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.
Indiegogo. “Like a Lady - The Fakaleitis of Tonga.” Accessed June 4, 2025. http://www.indiegogo.com/likealady.