"Leitis in Waiting" is a thought-provoking and heart-wrenching documentary that provides an intimate look at the lives of transgender women, known as "leitis," in the Kingdom of Tonga. Directed by Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson, and Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu, the 2018 film captures the struggles and resilience of a brave group of transgender individuals who are at the forefront of a battle against growing religious fundamentalism and societal intolerance. At the heart of the documentary is the inspiring story of Joleen "Joey" Mataele, a Tongan LGBT rights activist and the founder of the Tonga Leitis Association, which provides crucial support, advocacy, and a safe space for leitis in the country. Through its powerful storytelling, "Leitis in Waiting" explores themes of identity, acceptance, and resistance within the context of a deeply conservative and religious society. The film offers a rare glimpse into the lives of those challenging discriminatory laws, religious opposition, and societal prejudices. It illustrates how, despite the hurdles they face, leitis like Mataele are fighting not just for their own survival, but for the rights and dignity of the entire transgender community in Tonga.
The term "leiti" refers to native transgender women in Tonga, who traditionally occupy a unique and respected space in Tongan society. However, this role has become increasingly marginalized in the face of rising religious fundamentalism. In recent years, conservative religious groups, particularly those with American-backed evangelical influence, have pushed for the reintroduction of colonial-era laws that criminalize behaviors associated with cross-dressing and homosexuality. In this tense atmosphere, the leitis have not only faced widespread societal and legal discrimination, but they also risk losing the very rights that have been part of their identity and existence in Tonga. "Leitis in Waiting" follows Mataele's journey as she leads the charge to protect the rights of the leitis, organizing key events and initiatives, including an annual beauty pageant known as the Miss Galaxy Queen competition. Through her activism, Mataele seeks to empower the leitis, providing them with shelter, mentorship, and an opportunity to showcase their beauty and talents in a society that often rejects them.
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Joey Mataele, a devout Catholic of noble descent, is a key figure in the fight for transgender rights in Tonga. She is depicted in the film as a determined and compassionate leader who balances her faith and cultural heritage with her advocacy for the transgender community. As the founder of the Tonga Leitis Association, Mataele has dedicated her life to offering support and protection to leitis who face discrimination and violence. The documentary offers viewers a unique insight into Mataele’s personal and professional journey as she works to build a community of support for leitis, including providing shelter and resources for those rejected by their families. One of the most poignant moments in the film involves Mataele mentoring a young leiti contestant, who has been disowned by her family due to her gender identity. This emotional subplot highlights the severe challenges leitis face in both their personal and social lives. The film also emphasizes Mataele’s role in organizing the Miss Galaxy Queen beauty pageant, an annual event where leitis can celebrate their femininity and talents in an open and joyous way. The pageant, which features a number of leiti contestants from across the Kingdom, serves as both a public celebration and a form of resistance against the oppressive forces that seek to diminish the dignity of transgender people in Tonga.
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In addition to her work with the beauty pageant and mentoring young leitis, Mataele spearheaded a historic national consultation on LGBT rights in Tonga in 2016. The film documents the significant opposition she faced from conservative church groups, many of whom were determined to resist any form of legal recognition or rights for the transgender and LGBT communities. The tension between Mataele’s advocacy efforts and the conservative religious factions underscores the larger battle taking place in Tonga and across the Pacific region - a battle between tradition and modernity, between religious dogma and human rights. One of the most poignant aspects of the documentary is how it captures the internal conflict within Tonga. While there is a longstanding tradition of gender fluidity in Tongan culture, these traditions are increasingly being overshadowed by the influence of evangelical Christianity, which condemns non-binary gender identities. The film skillfully explores the complexities of this clash of cultures, highlighting the difficulties of navigating between one’s heritage and the pressure to conform to the expectations of a more conservative, religious society.
"Leitis in Waiting" excels not only in providing a political and social analysis of transgender issues in Tonga but also in giving viewers access to the deeply personal stories of those affected by the rising tide of intolerance. The documentary’s access to both the Tongan royal family and religious leaders is unprecedented, offering a rare and intimate view into the interactions between LGBT rights activists and figures of authority. Joey Mataele’s journey is the emotional core of the film, and her courage and tenacity as she battles to preserve the rights and identities of leitis is compelling. Through the lens of her personal experiences, the film reveals the broader challenges faced by leitis and the LGBT community in Tonga. It captures the deep emotional toll of trying to change public attitudes while also confronting one’s own sense of identity and belonging. The documentary underscores how significant it is for marginalized groups to have a voice, not just in their own communities but on the global stage as well.
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"Leitis in Waiting" also highlights the importance of raising awareness about transgender rights in the broader Pacific region. Director Dean Hamer has pointed out that discussions about LGBT issues in countries like Tonga are often dominated by external voices, especially from nations such as Australia, which have their own agendas. The filmmakers sought to amplify Tongan voices, ensuring that the conversation around transgender rights in the South Pacific was rooted in local experiences and perspectives. The documentary serves as a powerful tool for advocacy, aiming to spark a global conversation about the challenges transgender people face, especially in countries where colonial-era laws continue to criminalize their existence. In Tonga, these anti-sodomy laws remain a significant barrier to the full recognition and acceptance of LGBT individuals. Hamer and his collaborators have emphasized the importance of using the film to raise awareness about these lingering legal and societal challenges, not only in Tonga but across the Pacific and within the Commonwealth of Nations.
The filmmakers adopted an innovative approach to releasing "Leitis in Waiting", ensuring that it reached not only film festivals but also local communities across the Pacific. The film was screened at major festivals, including the Documentary Edge Festival, but it was also shown in various Pacific islands as part of advocacy events. These screenings served as opportunities to gather resources, connect with local LGBT groups, and foster dialogue around transgender rights. By engaging with Pacific LGBT organizations, the filmmakers were able to create a space for important conversations to take place. "Leitis in Waiting" was also broadcast on PBS, ensuring that its message reached a broader American audience. The film’s international reach underscores the growing recognition of transgender rights as a global human rights issue.
At its core, "Leitis in Waiting" is a story of resilience, courage, and the pursuit of dignity. Joey Mataele’s unwavering dedication to the transgender community in Tonga exemplifies what it means to fight for one’s rights in the face of overwhelming odds. The documentary paints a poignant picture of what it means to be different in a deeply religious and conservative society, and what it takes to be accepted without sacrificing one’s identity. In the end, it is not just about the survival of leitis in Tonga - it is about the broader fight for equality, respect, and the right to live authentically. Through this film, the voices of the Tonga leitis, led by Joey Mataele, have been amplified for a global audience, contributing to the ongoing struggle for transgender rights and social justice in the Pacific and beyond. "Leitis in Waiting" is not just a film - it is a call to action, urging viewers to reflect on the power of solidarity and advocacy in the fight for equal rights for all, regardless of gender identity.
Image credits: YouTube
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