Māhū

Pape Moe

Māhū refers to a traditional Hawaiian and Tahitian term used to describe individuals who embody both male and female spirit, and who have a distinct gender role in their societies, different from both men and women. Māhū have been recognized and respected in pre-colonial Polynesian cultures, playing important roles in their communities, such as teachers, healers, and caretakers of artistic traditions.

Etymology

The word "māhū" is of Polynesian origin, where "ma" translates to "in the middle" and "hū" signifies "vagueness" or "ambiguity". This reflects the māhū's place outside the traditional binary gender roles, embodying qualities of both genders.

Cultural Significance

In Hawaiian and Tahitian societies, māhū were valued for their unique abilities to understand both male and female perspectives, making them effective mediators and educators. They often held significant roles in religious ceremonies and were thought to possess healing powers. The māhū's ability to navigate between genders was seen as a gift, and they were often revered as a link between the material and spiritual worlds.

Historical Context

The recognition and acceptance of māhū in Polynesian societies contrast sharply with the experiences of gender-variant individuals in many Western societies, where colonization and the introduction of Christianity led to the pathologization and marginalization of non-binary and transgender identities. In Hawaii, the arrival of missionaries in the 19th century imposed Western gender norms and homophobia, leading to the stigmatization of māhū. However, there has been a resurgence of interest and pride in māhū identity within contemporary Hawaiian and Polynesian communities, as part of a broader movement to reclaim indigenous cultural practices and identities.

Contemporary Perspectives

Today, the term māhū is sometimes used interchangeably with or alongside modern LGBTQ+ identities, such as transgender or non-binary. However, many emphasize that māhū is a distinct identity rooted in specific cultural practices and histories. Efforts to reclaim and celebrate māhū identity are part of wider initiatives to decolonize gender and sexuality, recognizing the diversity of gender expressions that have existed across cultures and history.

Challenges

Despite the growing recognition of māhū and other non-binary identities, individuals identifying as māhū still face social stigma, discrimination, and violence. Advocacy and education are crucial in combating these issues, as is the continued celebration and preservation of māhū culture within Hawaiian and Polynesian societies.

See Also

• Gender in Polynesia
• Two-Spirit
• LGBT rights in Hawaii
• Third gender