The murder of Polikalepo Kefu leads to a nationwide outpouring of grief and calls to revoke discriminatory laws.
The death of Tongan LGBTQ+ activist Polikalepo “Poli” Kefu, 41, has ignited widespread outrage across the Pacific island nation. Kefu was tragically murdered on a beach near his home in Lapaha, and a 27-year-old man has been charged in connection with the incident. His death has profoundly affected both the LGBTQ+ community and broader Tongan society, prompting urgent calls for change.
On Thursday night, the Tongan capital, Nuku’alofa, saw a rare gathering at the basilica, where hundreds of people, many dressed in black or traditional woven ta’ovala dresses, participated in a candlelight vigil in Kefu’s honor. Despite COVID-19 restrictions, authorities allowed an exemption to the 50-person indoor gathering limit, ensuring that citizens could pay tribute to Kefu’s memory.
Kefu, the president of the Tonga Leitis Association, was a leading figure in the country’s LGBTQ+ rights movement and a well-respected humanitarian. His untimely death has sparked calls from activists to tackle homophobic attitudes and advocate for the repeal of Tonga’s discriminatory sodomy laws. Princess Frederica Tuita, a member of the royal family, also attended the vigil, struggling to hold back tears as she remembered her close friend of nearly two decades.
In the wake of Kefu’s tragic passing, many in Tonga are now demanding that authorities prioritize the humanity and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals and take meaningful action to end discrimination in the country.
