Joleen Mataele leads the Tonga Leitis Association in advocating for transgender rights amid rising religious fundamentalism in Tonga, highlighted by the Miss Galaxy Queen pageant.
Synopsis
Joleen Mataele leads the Tonga Leitis Association in advocating for transgender rights amid rising religious fundamentalism in Tonga, highlighted by the Miss Galaxy Queen pageant.
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Synopsis
Joleen Mataele stands at the forefront of the Tonga Leitis Association, advocating for transgender rights in Tonga. The documentary follows Mataele and her community as they confront rising religious fundamentalism and intolerance in their South Pacific kingdom. Central to the narrative is the Miss Galaxy Queen pageant, an annual event celebrating transgender women. The film also documents a national consultation on LGBT rights initiated by Mataele, capturing the challenges and activism faced by the Leitis in their pursuit of equality.
Deep Dive
Why Watch
- Meet Joleen Mataele, a key LGBT rights activist in Tonga.
- See the Miss Galaxy Queen pageant for transgender women.
- Find out about anti-sodomy laws still in effect in Tonga.
Did You Know
- The film was presented at the Documentary Edge Festival's DOC Pitch Competition in 2017.
- Leitis in Waiting won the 2018 Audience Award at the Festival of Commonwealth Film.
- The documentary was screened at over 50 film festivals worldwide.
- Joleen Mataele launched a national discussion on LGBT rights in Tonga in 2016.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who directed Leitis in Waiting?
Leitis in Waiting was produced and directed by Dean Hamer, Joe Wilson, and Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu.
What is the Miss Galaxy Queen pageant?
The Miss Galaxy Queen pageant is an annual beauty competition for Tongan leitīs, or native transgender women.
What awards did Leitis in Waiting win?
Leitis in Waiting won the 2018 Audience Award at the Festival of Commonwealth Film and the Special Jury Prize at FIFO Tahiti.
What are people saying?
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