"A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology."

Ph.D. University of Auckland 2024.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 161-215).

Acknowledgements -- Fakamālō mo e loto hounga'ia -- List of tables and figures -- List of abbreviations -- Glossary of terms -- Chapter 1: introduction -- Introduction to this study -- Rationale for this study -- Key terms in this study -- The life story of this study -- The setting for this study -- Thesis outline -- Trans and gender-diverse (TGD) people -- The gender binary -- TGD identity models -- Health and wellbeing of TGD people -- TGD Black, indigenous, people of colour (BIPOC) -- Relevant theoretical approaches -- Health and wellbeing of TGD BIPOC -- TGD Black, indigenous, people of colour (BIPOC)'s experiences of rejection and violence -- TGD BIWOC's sources of resilience -- Pasifika peoples in NZ -- Time, environment and context -- Culture -- Family -- Spirituality -- Physical and mental wellbeing -- The other pou -- Research on experiences of MVPFAFF+ -- Kakai Tonga (Tongan people) -- Kumi fonua -- Langa fonua -- Tauhi fonua -- Tufunga fonua -- Research on leitīs' experiences -- Chapter summary -- Present study -- Chapter 2: methodology -- Methodological approaches -- Kakala research framework -- Qualitative research -- Narrative research -- Teu, toli mo e tui (method) -- Community advisory group -- Participants and recruitment -- Teu (talanoa preparation) -- Toli (data collection) -- Tui (data analysis) -- Chapter summary -- Chapter 3: luva (results) -- Theme 1: growing up feeling different -- Exploring my difference -- Others' responses to me -- Theme summary -- Theme 2: family -- Familial hurt -- Familial acceptance -- Familial roles -- Theme summary -- Theme 3: culture and church -- Embodying faka-Tonga -- Challenges within church -- Theme summary -- Theme 4: nonfamilial relationships -- Chosen families and friends -- Intimate relationships -- Theme summary -- Theme 5: living now as leitī -- Advocacy and authenticity -- Continued coping -- Seeking safety -- Hopes and aspirations -- Theme summary -- Chapter summary -- Chapter 4: discussion -- Developing a sense of self and identity as leitī -- Challenges to leitīs' mo'ui lelei -- Positive influences on leitīs' mo'ui lelei -- Social implications -- Fāmili -- Kolo -- Fonua -- Clinical implications -- Limitations -- Future research directions -- Conclusion -- Appendix a. Ethics approval -- Appendix born Study advertisement -- Appendix c. Participant information sheet -- Appendix d. Participant consent form -- References.

"Limited research exists about the intersectional experiences of Pasifika trans and gender-diverse peoples, and less so of kau leitī Tonga (trans, femme/feminine, and gender diverse individuals/women of Tongan heritage - leitī). This study aimed to gain insight into the life experiences of leitī growing up and being leitī in Aotearoa New Zealand. Grounded in Tongan methodology (the Kakala Research Framework, talanoa and ngaahi me'a 'oku mahu'inga [treasured objects]), this qualitative study explored the development of Aotearoa New Zealand-based leitīs' sense of self in relation to others, from childhood through to adulthood, and the experiences of self, others, and environments that have supported and challenged their mo'ui lelei (wellbeing). Twelve leitī (aged 25 and over) were recruited for this study. They participated in talanoa (open-ended informal conversations or exchanges) anchored in each me'a 'oku mahu'inga belonging to the leitī. The talanoa involved leitī sharing their life stories and exploring experiences across three distinct times in their lives: growing up, in the present at the time of talanoa, and the times in between. A thematic narrative analysis of the data gathered from the talanoa was conducted. The results indicated that the growing-up experiences of all leitī involved them feeling different because of their anga fakafefine (femininity). For some, this involved gender dysphoria; and based on others' responses, a perception of their anga fakafefine as wrong. Key to the leitīs' developing sense of self was tauhi vā (nurturing relationships) with their families and Tongan culture. As adults, leitī recognised self-determination for authenticity and resilience, for themselves and other leitī, as key to their identity. The leitī in this study also expressed challenges and supports to their mo'ui lelei. Challenges included experiences of stigma, rejection and discrimination, including abuse and violence. Conversely, leitī believed their mo'ui lelei was nurtured within supportive, safe and affirming relationships and spaces, and cultural self-expression. This thesis considers these results in relation to relevant literature and contributes to the expanding international body of intersectional research with leitī and, more broadly, Pasifika trans and gender-diverse peoples. The results also have social, policy and clinical implications for supporting the wellbeing of leitī"--Abstract.

Text in English and Tongan (Tonga Islands).