In general Samoans tend to share the attitude of other fundamental Christians and dislike gay men and women, but this is tempered by a tolerant but teasing attitude to fa'afafine - men who dress and behave like women. They see themselves as women trapped in a man's body, and have traditionally been outsiders who played the role of satirical jester and entertainer.
Fa'afafine are quite common in daily life -- from bartenders to bank tellers to hospital employees. Back in December, we attended the Fa'afafine Pageant at the H. Rex Lee Auditorium in town. The portions of the evening included "Las Vegas Showgirl", "Talent", "Evening Gown", and maybe one other?
The reigning Queen:
Peacock costume:
All contestants (Las Vegas Showgirl portion):
Talent competition. What it lacked in actual talent, it more than made up for in entertainment value:
Our favorite eventually took the coveted crown:
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