Like a Lady: The Fakaleitis of Tonga (2009)

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.

Released May 5, 2009 90 min None+

Genres: Documentary, Short

Keywords: mdblist.imdb-short, imdb.transvestism, imdb.gender-conflict, imdb.gay-interest, imdb.tonga, imdb.drag-queen, imdb.cross-dressing, mdblist.has-trailer

Country: United States
Languages: English