Fa'afafine

Faʻafafine (lit. 'in the manner of a woman') are biological males who are attracted to other males and have exhibit feminine mannerisms.

Fa'afafine are not assigned the role at birth, nor raised as girls due to a lack of daughters, as is often claimed in western media. Rather, their femininity emerges in early childhood, and Samoans recognize them as distinct from typical boys.

They comprise up to 3.5% of the natal male population, similar to the number of androphilic natal males in the west.

Most self-identify as fa’afafine, rather than men, while a small number identify as women. However, they recognize that they are distinct from females.[5]

Fa'afafine enjoy relatively high levels of acceptance in Samoa. They can be seen in all areas of Samoan society, whether assisting as caregivers or working in government. The current Samoan Prime Minister has spoken about the value of Fa'afafine to the country.