Hina Wong-Kalu is a māhū. That is the native Hawaiian term for a person who embodies both male and female spirit. In the language of Western culture a māhū would be called transgender.
But that is limiting the concept.
It is not a gender, it’s not an orientation, it’s not a sect, it’s not a particular demographic and it’s definitely not a race. It is simply an expression of the third person as it involves the individual. When you find that place in yourself to acknowledge both male and female aspects within and accept the capacity to embrace both … that is where the māhū exists and true liberation happens.
--Kaumakaiwa Kanaka‘ole
Hina and the concept of māhū are the subject of a PBS documentary, Kumu Hina, which is being shown on Independent Lens tonight on many PBS stations.
I didn’t take to life as my family’s son. I wanted to be their daughter. However, for me to expand my own personal journey and the challenges in my life, I’ve had to embrace the side of me that is the more aggressive, the more Western-associated masculine when I need to. But that’s the beauty of being māhū, that’s the blessing. We have all aspects to embrace.
--Hina Wong-Kalu
I invite you to watch it. I know I will.
Hina also gave a TED Talk. I invite you to watch and listen right now: