Fakaleitī

A Tongan “third gender” used to describe someone who was assigned male at birth but who has a feminine gender expression. The term translates to “like a lady.” Fakaleitī is one of many culturally specific genders represented across the Pacific Islands and around the world. Note: When living in another country or visiting other states that don't have the same cultural genders, people with this identity may code-switch and call themselves trans women, gay men, or non-binary in order for their identity to be legible to others. For more on the fakaleitī identity, here is a personal account.