Watch Leitis In Waiting

Leitis In Waiting is a movie from 2018 that tells the story of Joey Joleen Mataele, a transgender woman from Tonga, who fights for equality and acceptance in her conservative island kingdom. Directed by Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson, the film documents Mataele's rise as an LGBTQ activist and her fight against discriminatory laws that criminalize homosexuality and transgender identities.

The movie begins with a beautiful scenic view of the Pacific Ocean, showcasing the picturesque island of Tonga. The audience is introduced to Mataele, who belongs to the Leiti community, a group of transgender women who have long faced persecution in Tonga. We learn that the word Leiti is a combination of the Tongan words for lady and man, and it refers to a transgender person in the Tongan context.

The film highlights the struggles that the Leitis experience, as they are often ostracized and discriminated against both in their families and society at large. Mataele recounts her own story of being kicked out of school and disowned by her family when she came out as transgender. She then shares how she found a sense of belonging and family among the Leiti community who shared similar experiences of rejection and marginalization.

As the movie progresses, we witness Mataele's courage and determination to fight for her community's rights, despite the danger it poses to her personal safety. Mataele and her fellow Leitis launch an initiative to have transgender identities legally recognized in Tonga, and they take their case to the Parliament.

The film sheds light on the various challenges that the Leitis faced during their campaign, including backlash from conservative lawmakers and religious leaders who view LGBTQ identities as a Western import that is incompatible with Tonga's culture and values. Tonga is a deeply religious country, and the documentary provides valuable insights into how religion influences societal attitudes towards LGBTQ identities.

As Mataele and her fellow activists work to change the social and political landscape, we see the impact of their efforts on the broader Tongan community. The film showcases interviews with various Tongans, including a mother who openly supports her transgender son, and a pastor who admires Mataele's courage and tenacity.

Throughout the movie, we get glimpses of Mataele's personal life, including her struggles with health issues and her search for a partner who accepts her for who she is. These moments provide an intimate look at her life, and we get a sense of the challenges she faces not only as an activist but also as an individual navigating life in a society that doesn't fully understand or accept her identity.

Overall, Leitis In Waiting is a touching and thought-provoking documentary that highlights the struggles of the Leiti community in Tonga. The film provides a rare insight into a community that is often overlooked and marginalized, and it sheds light on the ongoing fight for LGBTQ rights in a conservative society. Through Mataele's inspiring story, we see the power of activism and the importance of fighting for equality and social justice.

Leitis In Waiting is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 9 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4.