The Pacific regional winner of the Commonwealth short story competition hopes to encourage more acceptance and love for the transgender community.
Samoa human rights advocate, Jenny Bennett-Tuioneota says her story, titled Matalasi, is about a young transgender man who is preparing to be married as a female bride.
She says her inspiration came from a dream she had, and hopes the writing will raise more awareness of LGBTQIA issues in the region.
Jenny Bennett-Tuioneota told Yumi Tala'ave it is important to inform international audiences that more legal protections and tolerance for them is needed in the Pacific.
