Leitis In Waiting

Leitis In Waiting is a compelling and deeply empathetic 2018 documentary that provides a rare insight into the indigenous LGBTQ+ communities in the Pacific Islands, particularly in the kingdom of Tonga. The film, directed by Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson, brings forth the enduring struggle of the Leitis, a transgender community in Tonga, to maintain their cultural heritage against the rising wave of religious fundamentalism and intolerance.

The Leitis, or Fakaleitis, are biologically male individuals who assume female gender roles, a sociocultural construct that has been part of the Polynesian society for generations. However, in recent years, the onset of conservative and hard-line religious beliefs has exerted notable pressure on these communities, leading to widespread discrimination, stigma, and systemic injustices. Through this documentary, the audience navigates the thread of this complex social fabric, experiencing an intimate portrayal of the Pacific Island’s gender and identity politics.

Leitis In Waiting masterfully encapsulates this struggle through the dynamic and resilient figure of Miss Joey Joleen Mataele, the narrating protagonist and the face of the Leiti community in Tonga. Mataele's prominent voice and her relentless fights for recognition, acceptance, and the defense of Leiti rights are exceptionally highlighted throughout the unfolding narrative. Mataele, who is also a beauty queen and a devout Catholic, is depicted as an elegant beacon of hope, challenging the status quo and tirelessly advocating for the Leiti community's rights in Tongan society.

Mataele’s narrative does not stand alone; the documentary also features a wealth of other fascinating stories from individuals within the Leiti community. These poignant personal accounts further diversify the narrative and create a comprehensive and touching tapestry of lived experiences, struggles, and triumphs within the community. The majority of these stories effectively draw attention to the harsh realities that the Leiti community confronts daily, challenging bigotry, societal prejudice, and cultural objections to being officially recognized as a third gender.

Accompanying Joey Mataele are other influential players, like Eva Baron and Hon. Frederica Tuita Filipe, who significantly contribute to the documentary's hearty discussion through their involvement and support for the Leiti's cause in Tonga. Their roles effectively illustrate the power of allyship and offer constructive dialogues about the intersection of gender, culture, religion, and human rights in Tongan society.

Leitis In Waiting depicts a society torn between the fast-paced inflow of Western doctrines and the struggles to maintain indigenous cultures and traditions. Dedicated to this end, the directors Hamer and Wilson superbly weave together the disparate threads of the narrative, creating a heartwarming portrayal of a community determined to assert their identities despite adversity. They approach this challenging subject with an impressive level of delicacy and respect, ensuring that the voices of Leitis shine through without any dilution or misinterpretation.

Wanderlust cinematography underpins the documentary, presenting a stunning visual representation of the Pacific Islands' natural beauty and heritage. However, as much as the documentary paints a picturesque scene of the islands, it does not shy away from exposing the dichotomy of a paradise grappling with the harsh realities of social inequality.

At the heart of Leitis In Waiting is an unwavering cry for acceptance and a hope for a future where all individuals—regardless of their gender identity—can live with dignity and deference. It is a tribute to the indomitable spirit of Miss Joey Mataele and all the Leitis in waiting who dream of a day when they no longer have to wait for their rights and reclaim their rightful place in their society.

This documentary goes beyond just a remarkable snapshot for viewers interested in exploring the issues surrounding transgender rights and acceptance. It also provokes thought and provides an essential outlook on the universal struggle for human rights, equity, and acceptance, grounded in the specific context of the Leitis and the Kingdom of Tonga. Leitis In Waiting is as much a journey through the experiences of a marginalized community, as it is an evocative plea for a more accepting, tolerant, and empathetic world.