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Like a Lady: The Fakaleitis of Tonga
2009
Media type
Country of origin

United States of America

Filming locations

Kingdom of Tonga

Technical specs

Colour

Languages

English/English

Content Warnings
Unreviewed
Images
Description

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.

Cast & Crew
Crew
Distribution
References
Information contributed by the artist to the TMP