ABSTRACT
In Tonga, leitis refer to transgender individuals who are biologically male but whose gender performance is associated with women. Leitis face different forms of insecurities, subject to psychological, sexual and physical violence, as well as economic insecurities produced through discrimination in schools and families that lead to high levels of unemployment and precarity. This chapter presents the perspective of Tongan leiti activist Joey Joleen Mataele. The chapter highlights that while laws that criminalise homosexuality, cross-dressing and a firmly rooted Christianity contribute to insecurities of leitis, social media are a new source of concern and oppression. In order to advance social justice for gender diversity in Tonga, open dialogue and sharing experiences through the indigenous talanoa methodology is seen as key to building on deep human ties within Tongan communities. Businesses also play a key role as partners in creating spaces and opportunities for leitis to work and perform.
