There is no literal or direct translation of māhū in English. The concept of māhū in Hawaiian culture differs from Western labels like gay, transgender, bisexual, etc. and is considered by some to be a third-gender or "a place in the middle" of male and female. This webinar invites participants to learn more about the history and importance of māhū through a conversation with Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu.

This event is open to all students, faculty, and staff, and is co-sponsored by Queerify.

This webinar will feature the following speaker:

Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu

Kumu Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu is a recipient of the National Education Association Ellison Onizuka Human and Civil Rights Award, the Native Hawaiian Community Educator of the year, and the White House Champion of Change. USA Today named Wong-Kalu one of ten Women of the Century from Hawai’i. Wong-Kalu is also featured in Naomi Hirahara's book, We Are Here: 30 Inspiring Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Have Shaped the United States that was published by the Smithsonian Institution.

 

Over the years, Kumu Hina has been deeply involved in work in the community, including serving as: a former Chair of the Oʻahu Island Burial Council for 13 years; a founding member of Kūlia Nā Mamo, improving lives of māhū; the former Director of Culture at Hālau Lōkahi Public Charter School; a former member of the Community Engagement Team for Office of Hawaiian Affairs; and a Cultural Ambassador, Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement.  She speaks ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi, Samoan, Tahitian, and Tongan.

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