A Journey of Advocacy as a Young Transgender Woman from Tonga

Malo e Lelei, and warm Pacific greetings. My name is Lady Jase Heimuli, a proud transgender woman from Tonga now living in Australia. Over the past 13 years, I’ve dedicated my life to advocating for human rights and gender equality, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community. My journey has been both challenging and rewarding, and I’m excited to share my story with you.

My advocacy began at 22 in Tonga, where I faced many struggles as a transgender individual in a society often resistant to diverse identities. A pivotal moment came when I attended a workshop where a transgender activist spoke about inclusivity. Their words resonated deeply, and I realized I wanted to be part of the change I wished to see—a world where everyone, including myself, could live authentically and without fear.

In my early 20s, I became actively involved in capacity-building and training initiatives. I’ve facilitated over 50 workshops on gender identity, rights awareness, and self-advocacy, reaching more than 3,000 individuals across Tonga and the Pacific. These sessions provided participants with the tools to advocate for themselves and others, fostering empowerment and community. One of my proudest achievements was leading workshops for LGBTQIA+ youth, creating safe spaces for them to share experiences, build confidence, and develop leadership skills. As a result, 70% of attendees reported feeling more empowered to express their identities and advocate for their rights.

I’ve also initiated impactful projects, like an anti-bullying campaign to combat stigma against transgender individuals. Through community forums, educational materials, and social media outreach, we reached an estimated 15,000 people, sparking understanding and acceptance. Additionally, I collaborated with local organizations to establish a mentorship program, pairing over 150 young people with experienced advocates for guidance and support.

The path of advocacy hasn’t been easy. As a transgender woman, I’ve faced discrimination, violence, and systemic barriers. There were moments of doubt, but I refused to let these challenges define me. Instead, I used my experiences to fuel my advocacy, turning pain into purpose and drawing strength from my community’s resilience.

Advocacy is more than a job for me, it’s a lifelong commitment to creating a world where everyone, regardless of gender identity, can live freely and authentically. I invite you to join me in this fight for equality. Together, we can uplift marginalized voices and build a brighter future for all. Don’t give up, let’s fight together to end inequality and mistreatment. You are the future of your country, our community, and the world.

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About the Author

Lady Jase Heimuli, is a proud transgender woman from Tonga now living in Australia. Over the past 13 years, They have dedicated their life to advocating for human rights and gender equality, particularly within the LGBTQIA+ community. Their journey has been both challenging and rewarding.

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The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Royal Commonwealth Society.