[4] Sometimes the word laelae is also used typically when implying criticism or ridicule of feminine behaviour displayed by a man, for example being described as effeminate or homosexual.
This is without prejudice to acts or feeling attitudes that may accompany ontogenetic character development in the strict analytical sense but which, even if they occur may not properly be classed as perversions.
At present there is one youth in Yato village who is said to wakawawine (be like a woman): between 16 and 17 years old, he appears fully developed physically but has a rather effeminate high-pitched voice.
He performs general women's work, make plaited and beaded objects, sews more than is usual for a male, and cooks.
Peculiarities in his behavior are noticed by fellow villagers but not commented upon openly.Nearly two decades later Beaglehole (1957:191) did not follow-up on the wakawawine—or even recall him—in writing that Homosexuality is an unknown practice in Aitutaki.
Two adolescent boys gave up fishing and gardening in favour of women's work and acquired a high reputation in the community for their skills at housework, embroidery and mat-making.
[11] Te Tiare Association Inc (TTA) was formally incorporated on 30 November 2007 at the Rarotonga High Court; an organisation set up to bring together 'akava'ine in the Cook Islands, to help nurture, strengthen and educate them so that they can help themselves.