article

Sluts and superwomen: the politics of gender liminality in urban Tonga

Ethnos62 (1-2) • Published In 1997 • Pages: 5-31

By: Besnier, Niko.

Abstract
This is a study of the various identities of transgendered men in Tonga's modern urban society. LEITĪ do woman's work in the household and service industries. Some do have sex with men. Besnier profiles two LEITĪ, who represent two extreme poles of behavior. One is a very industrious and matronly seamstress and clothes maker, and the other is a glamorous and feminine cross dresser. He also examines the stereotypes of LEITĪ and their resistance to such stereotyping. Rather than trying to type transgendered identities, Besnier argues that it is more worthwhile to examine the socio-cultural processes that shape their identities.
Subjects
Homosexuality
culture
Tongans
HRAF PubDate
2006
Region
Oceania
Sub Region
Polynesia
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard; 2004
Field Date
1977-1995
Coverage Date
1977-1995
Coverage Place
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Notes
Niko Besnier
Includes bibliographical references (p. 27-31)
LCCN
45053696
LCSH
Tongans