The Meaning of Mahu

A scene from the PBS documentary KUMU HINA. Mahu is the Hawaiian term for people who embody both male and female spirit. Watch the complete film on Netflix, iTunes, or many other platforms. KumuHuna.com

[@NRfun]

You know, the pretty thing about them was that they were so excepted that they could show their masculine or feminine side in the open. They didn't have to hide it, be sad about it or judge themselves for being this way. They could be thereselves from the beginning. That's nice.

[@zachblair3794]

But everything changed when the Christians attacked

[@bloopbloop248]

@@zachblair3794 Not the Avatar reference 😂 Actually speaking of Avatar they now have that translated into Hawaiian so if you guys wanna check that out...

[@zachblair3794]

@@bloopbloop248 lmao i had to. Also thanks for that info I’d be down to watch that actually

[@Incident8]

I think you mean accepted. Its subtle but excepted would mean "except" for them rather than we "accept" them. But you are right in your expression. It is indeed nice and the way it should be.

[@BipolarBisexual]

If only the whole world could be like that 😢

[@moomin2991]

"Mahu meaning 'half-man, half women'. The category mahu used by Polynesians to refer to 'both' female-bodied and male-bodied. Commonly assumed that male-bodied mahu have sex with men but many of these male-bodied mahu had also had women lovers. Female-bodied mahu are generally assumed to have sex with women, most had taken women as their lovers, but many had also at some time taken men as lovers" --from "female desires: Same sex relations and transgender practices across cultures" I read this from my college class and to all those who are still confused about mahu after watching this video, here you go.

[@jahjah525]

Hi I call myself to spirit because I'm both a man and a woman the book of Thomas actually talks about this in the scriptures and I'm two spirit but I'm not I am heterosexual ♥️

[@tecklahjames9968]

@Ari Parker what if we're natives of our own lands, practice our traditions but don't have a word for it?

[@annjen8405]

You could have just said that male/ female bodied mahu may have male / female lovers.

[@adrianahuihui8722]

I am descended from a mahu, bisexuality was the norm in Hawaii.

[@adrianahuihui8722]

@@tecklahjames9968being mahu isn’t just descriptive. It’s a way of life.

[@jessicadeltac2366]

Sadly in 1963 they passed a law on Hawai’i, that anyone wearing a dress and make up had to wear a button that said, “I am a boy,” or “I am a man,” if they were assigned male at birth. Or they could be arrested. Not sure when that changed. Or if it’s still on the law books, but not enforced.

[@Manoatevarua]

Hawaii literally accepted gay marriage and LGBT ideals since 2013

[@DaKare2126]

Can't wait to see show. When I was in Hawaii saw this and felt it. Westerners could stand to learn from Hawaiians.

[@Ask808Ecs]

+expresscourier so closed minded you are. Aloha and have a lovely life!

[@kilipaki87oritahiti]

+expresscourier We don't want you either! The way you talk about other people just proves how ugly you are on the inside. AUWE!

[@jjkjjk6758]

@@kilipaki87oritahiti what did he say? I he deleted his comment

[@DreamWriterDKS]

I’m hoale living here for 8 years. I love every second and will stay on as an environmental attorney.

[@AlwaysPeacefulMaDeuce]

You know what else us kanaka maoli practiced? Segregation of the sexes. Are we gonna bring this back as well? How’s about a caste system, we want that reinstated too? How’s about luakini heiau, we really want to bring back blood sacrifices?

[@SS-pu1vy]

Had to push the button twice is this absolutely brings me to tears.

[@leinaalanicolas3583]

Mahalo for all that you share Kumu. Gives me greater understanding of myself as a wahine mahu. Learning to love myself for who I am and feeling comfortable in my own skin. So proud to be Hawaiian! 💖

[@transspiritindigo27]

I’m transgender and grateful to learn this information via a friend. Excellent video! Thank you for sharing!!

[@transspiritindigo27]

@Jequan Jordan I’m thankful to have found this video, and yes, being trans, it was very exciting to learn about this. 😃☮️🙌 Much love ✌️

[@landonbuenconsejo2856]

@@transspiritindigo27 Besides looking up to our mahu as superior, Hawaiians also loved and prefered bigger sized women, looks like the world could learn from hawaiian culture. We just had it right from the begining. lol

[@transspiritindigo27]

@@landonbuenconsejo2856 yes! Haha sounds right to me. 😃✌️💚

[@justiniantbh]

@Jequan Jordan Being trans is a major part of this documentary, and being grateful/saying thank you is a major part of Aloha. Yes, this comment had to point it out :) it fit here perfectly.

[@dreampopworld2996]

In my Diné culture, we also have a 3rd gender, they’re called Nádleehi (the one who change)

[@bendemare5270]

That's beautiful. Wich country is the Diné culture from?

[@dreampopworld2996]

@@bendemare5270 Turtle Island (North America)

[@bendemare5270]

@@dreampopworld2996 Cool, thank you. I know that in a lot of African culture, the Divinity is an androgynous being.

[@marcychan168]

@@dreampopworld2996 We are ALL going to be in the Spirit World if this craziness doesn't stop Men with Men Women with Women Equals = No More Children No More Future Children are our Future Without Children there is No Future Or Mankind either - just as the Fallen One, " The Father of Liars" wants. So - tell me Enlightened ones Is this really what you want ? I am not preaching - this IS the End of Humanity Result - Straight Up Zero Population Growth Mankind was directed by God the Creator to go forth and Multiply. How ? If you've got an answer I'm listening. If you reply - be polite - it's not my job to judge- this just makes me very sad for this World I am in but not of. 🙏🙏🙏❤

[@marcychan168]

P.S. when I say Mankind - I refer to Adam and Eve or after the Flood Noah and his family who were sent forth from the Ark to replenish the Earth.

[@skrelemor]

this made my non binary self happy

[@Ra_the_Sun_god]

Me too

[@anonymous-vs6vu]

Yeah me too. Especially feeling lost rn bc I'm not allowed to express myself

[@MiloThatch420]

@@anonymous-vs6vu much love. I hope you find some close friends that you feel safe to be yourself with, and can express yourself with

[@ventaliq]

Lol

[@Manoatevarua]

Mahu is not really non-binary It’s not about having no gender, it’s about being male and female at the same time

[@bunny-jv1pp]

All of my cousins use the term "mahu" as "gay" and im-😢😢😢

[@landonbuenconsejo2856]

@GrandPappi Stud Actually it is braddah, the Ancient Kanaka Maoli saw mahu as Special people cuz they possessed both spirits of male and female, its just that us modern hawaiians turned it into a bad thing. Ancient Hawaiians also preferred heavier set women, cause they represented better health which translated over to being stronger mothers. Our society just changed over time.

[@BipolarBisexual]

Yeah it's sad

[@ur_uncle4500]

I used to think being mahu was a bad thing because of the way my family used it as if it was a bad thing.

[@zakhenry6214]

Oh would love love love to meet Hina. Holding the tradition and Mana of Hula is all its integrity, love it. Much like us Māori holding on to the strands of out Tupuna after colonisation, trying to keep out traditions chants, karakia (prayers), songs, language, and dances alive, kia Kore ai e mate 'so that it never dies'. Mau kē aloha no Hawai'i....❤❤❤❤❤

[@paulmusyk4lyfe51]

As a straight male, this warmed my heart. We need to accept everybody and it’s annoying that we do not

[@dingocheez766]

I'm always happy to come across an ally

[@51spook70]

love that you are still traditional and speaking your language.

[@AConfusedDemiboy]

*enjoyment of my nonbinary Hawaiian identity intensifies*

[@scottjeune154]

Ive met a few mahu in my life (the wonderful Rhonda of Molokai comes to mind) and all of them have radiated a "mom energy" that you could drown in. Hard to describe: theyre like automatic mommies and whoever comes to them in distress is automatically their child at that moment. That energy was nice to be around.

[@natannick8308]

Sounds creepy not gonna lie, I wouldn't want to be a son of a random dude who takes the roles of the two genders, it even sounds weird

[@BipolarBisexual]

​@@natannick8308It's okay to be a bit hesitant to these kind of things, humans fear things that are new to them, but it doesn't mean these people aren't wonderful people

[@scottjeune154]

@@natannick8308 thst feeling would last 20 mins tops. A true mahu exudes grace, dignity, stregnth and nurturance.

[@natannick8308]

@@scottjeune154 to me no it is weird because a female takes a role of a mother not a random dude who I know nothing about

[@scottjeune154]

@@natannick8308 theyre known to the family and the community. I see what you mean though.

[@jpnicolas645]

I just came here because of bretman even though he is a filipino but raised in Hawaii

[@christianbonan3679]

Same 😂😍

[@SailorK_OS2]

A’ole, sorry, at first I liked him but Hawaii no longer claims him, he is very disrespectful and has no sense of aloha in him whatsoever, but he does make a wonderful makeup artist.

[@Gainsforlife]

Hi Mahu

[@SailorK_OS2]

Bambamsounds Aloha! How are you? Have you been practicing your social distancing?

[@dalastkanakamaoli9058]

@@SailorK_OS2 why would Hawaii claim him in the first place he ain't Hawaiian

[@SS-pu1vy]

Thank you so much that makes things more so much more understandable an acceptable I know times have changed but this is beautiful

[@josephKEOarthur]

I just came here for the great animation work and wonderful use of Kapa!

[@marlontinoco312]

Dragona Joestar?

[@ryoko65]

I am so glad that the American religious oppression did not kill Hawaii's Aloha and Māhū... Hawaii was basically forced to be part of the united states, and that was wrong. It would have been better if they were invited to be part of the united states and help to preserve the Hawaiian culture and way of life. I wish we could have done the same with the native Americans.... Live in peace with them. But the christian religious beliefs are that they are following the one true God and everyone who doesn't will burn in torment after they die... Plus the prejudice towards non white people... Grieves me to my soul that such horrible things have have been done to such gentle people.

[@AlwaysPeacefulMaDeuce]

I reject the tyrant Kamehameha for forcing each and every ahupua'a to obey his rule through western influenced bloodshed.

[@natannick8308]

Wtf are you talking about, the god from Christian religion doesn't say "whoever doesn't believe in me should die" where the hell did you get that nonsense

[@BipolarBisexual]

​@@natannick8308that's literally what Christianity is

[@KupipiKillah808]

Kumu made us watch this and now I can’t get the song out of my head

[@katlouise7840]

I love this video!

[@lukeWiz44]

So who's here from fluffy?

[@kpadmirer]

There used to be a place in Kapahulu called Yappy's Cocktail Lounge where all the mahus hung out.

[@Da_bluejay]

I think I’m māhū

[@BipolarBisexual]

That's the more Hawaiian traditional term, I'd go with bigender hehe

[@serenitychacon9095]

Beautiful! Made me cry. :')

[@ericoneil9629]

Serenity Chacon Made me throw up.

[@danicaoslund6083]

Excuse me?!?

[@beansoda2772]

@@ericoneil9629 why

[@imkrisyoung]

Very fascinating!

[@Ask808Ecs]

Very beautiful!❤️❤️❤️🌺🌺🌺

[@suzannecutler1099]

Beautiful

[@overall9544]

In Pakistan few person use word mahu as their cast. I also belong with mahu family.

[@ewwsione9822]

Beautiful🌺

[@AnthonyRivera-jm7tt]

Kumu Hinu you are a very beautiful and passionate woman. Your passion and beauty is extremely powerful. Your passion and love gives off very powerful vibrations of your true passion and love.

[@uwumachine]

This is absolutely beautiful.

[@accessdenied3350]

It seems all of Polynesia had reverence or respect for their version of Mahu...it only changed when colonisers forced their barbaric belief's of gender upon our peoples

[@AlwaysPeacefulMaDeuce]

I reject the tyrant Kamehameha’s conquering of each ahupua'a through western influenced bloodshed.

[@iagainstiification]

Yes, once upon a time the native peoples of the americas and Polynesia lived in peace and harmony. They never fought with each other, enslaved others, treated women as property or practiced human sacrifice. In fact, Each morning all the woodland creatures would come out to sing to them as they readied themselves for their noble tasks. Then, the evil white people came and took it all away. They ended slavery, brought things like penicillin, aspirin and iPhones. And their horrible western civilization notions of human rights, democracy and personal freedom to go with it. It would be better if things were as before.

[@Siosifa]

@@iagainstiification I exist because of the Tonga-Fiji conflict that was happening even before the white man poked his nose around the islands, which resulted in Tonga importing thousands of Fijian slaves. I guess I can be grateful for that harmonious exchange 🤣

[@toast_2375]

i love this video

[@watchfuleagleson]

Informative & beautiful. Unfortunately, during my years on Oahu from '75 to '89, "mahu" was used as a put-down term, equivalent to "faggot" by both Japanese & indigenous Hawaiian residents.

[@PhilosophiceRetardari]

Hahahaha mahu

[@a-levelking8610]

Jojo anyone?

[@Morscrow]

hell yes

[@gr1mm268]

Same here man

[@etruscanetwork]

At þis point everyþing þat exists in þe universe is a JoJo reference, including þe universe itself

[@NoelJohnCarlo]

Me! :D

[@mateajarebc]

i know exactly why you are here.....

[@NoelJohnCarlo]

Oh heck yes, Dragona Joestar 😎

[@anonymous-vs6vu]

My mom always says I'm a healer. I'm non binary and can't express my true self at the moment but this made m so happy. ❤️

[@natannick8308]

Why? cuz it goes along side your delusions?

[@BipolarBisexual]

​@@natannick8308it's because it proves there are different unconventional social classes and therefore genders unlike the 2 generally pushed onto the western world

[@anonymous-vs6vu]

@@natannick8308 mf you have a Minecraft pfp 💀 Ik u don’t know two things… the psychology behind being trans and getting laid 💀💀🤡

[@sirmac480]

Brettman

[@azusa004]

Bitchhh

[@Seacheroftruth]

Respect for all people...

[@AnthonyRivera-jm7tt]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💕 Our love and support to you. 👍

[@ethosinformatics3791]

Blessed is the Hawaiian Kingdom and the innovative methodologies of this ancient culture. The Hawaiians have practice their theological science for 3000 years. That predates Christianity and Islam. I hope the Hawaiian Kingdom banishes all religion and Resorts back to its roots.

[@Manoatevarua]

3000 years? Hawaii has only been inhabited since the 4rth century bruh…

[@AlwaysPeacefulMaDeuce]

I reject the tyrant Kamehameha’s illegitimate rule over each ahupua'a through bloodshed by means of western technology.

[@user-vm6wk2yc3p]

im doing a presenttion in my school about diffirent gender identities around the world. This helped me a lot thanks!

[@sabien1111]

this is so beautiful

[@kaleoc01]

what is the name of the song in the end of the video

[@_samoanmarmakoko]

Alofa e le uma for my Hawai'ian Mahu sisters. O alofa na, o alofa nei

[@ulp2020]

Hey Mary!!!

[@StellarDiversityTraining]

I will be sharing this with my students. Thank you!

[@natannick8308]

God please no, leave this out of schools and education they don't need that

[@BipolarBisexual]

​@@natannick8308okay so should we also not teach about male and female genders too then?

[@natannick8308]

@@BipolarBisexual I didn't say that, I meant that this nonsense about third gender has nothing to do with the education system and what they learn in schools, they should definitely learn about how male and female bodies operate but I am pretty certain we all eventually find out how it works even without the schools help like, for example an uncomfortable talk with your parents

[@BipolarBisexual]

@@natannick8308 so we shouldn't responsibly teach about gender identity in school?

[@natannick8308]

@@BipolarBisexual no because this theory has nothing to do with your education and definitely doesn't really help you in life

[@jpnicolas645]

I came here because of bretman rock new video his new highlighter palette 😍

[@Prettieniq]

Jp Nicolas sameee😂

[@janicerespicio7395]

#ALOHA

[@PracticalPerry]

Guess what? Mahu means "fag" in modern Hawaiin slang/language, and is extremely offensive (pejorative) just like it is in English.

[@natannick8308]

Dam didn't know thanks for the clarification mate

[@PracticalPerry]

@@natannick8308 Yup. A University of Oregon (UofO) Hawaiin football player, whom I did not know, called me "Mahu". I asked him what it meant, and he would not tell me. He also lied and told me he was Tongan. I later researched this word and although the word "Mahu" historically is a respectful term, in modern, hawaiin (including slang) it is an offensive term or may be used in an offensive manner, depending on context.

[@natannick8308]

@@PracticalPerry wow cool

[@jackiotero5809]

Am I the only one from Fluffy's special xD

[@danicaoslund6083]

I LOVEEEEEE Fluffy! But no, sadly

[@liuqs1990]

Same !!

[@danielrivera3603]

Just saw it today that’s why I’m here lol

[@demonhive1o1]

Yep 2 years down the line

[@MsUltrafox]

Hé, Sit down maho.

[@dalastkanakamaoli9058]

Usually polynesian mahus arent the ones you like scrap they usually can swing and they usually nutz but they cool I wouldnt act up to em tho i seen mahus sleep some tuff guys

[@kahekilikahahawai586]

Had a Tongan Mahu friend that slept 2 haole military guys making fun of him at a bar. Busted them up bad

[@zakhenry6214]

Mau kē aloha no Hawai'i

[@janicerespicio7395]

#HAWAIIFOREVER

[@janicerespicio7395]

#HAWAII

[@steev75]

Does mahu son / sun mean anything? I've heard it chanted.

[@camigwentoups5686]

Thank you for sharing this! I’m curious if there were any restrictions on who could be Māhū. Did it matter what your biological sex was?

[@skellydoom3860]

I believe Mahu are (traditionally) male at birth. However, Im sure that has changed quite a lot now^^

[@jackmahoney1001]

@@skellydoom3860 from what I’ve learned, it has! I’m not well educated on the subject, but the modern resurgence of māhū people seems to incorporate several modern changes, including a more prevalent AFAB population of māhū I may be wrong, but that’s been what I’ve gathered from the bits of research I’ve done

[@snakesheal]

U HAVE BEEN BLESSED BY THE "UNIVERSERAL LOVE LIGHT LAUGHTER HEALING ENERGIES". I AM HUMBLED N HONORED, TO HAVE HAD THE PREVILAGE TO VIEW UR PBS DOCUMENTARY. U R A VOICE HERE, TO AWAKEN THE DORMANT, IN TIME OF "THE SHIFT" LOVE N LIGHT SnakesHeal🐍💖

[@barousoclarkdiawara6588]

❤

[@ameliabuns4058]

People: ugh look at these trendy trans people, it's all social media's fault! Mahu: *does a dance*

[@tanyalake9152]

I have been done with brainwashed/indoctrinated "humans". Black/brown (trans) women (myself included) and men are still be/getting targeted/harmed and no one actually/really cares. (trans) women (of color) are still viewed as sexual fantasies by cisgender, straight, "men" (of color). There are trans people who are still brainwashed/indoctrinated, as well, when it comes to a lot of things. Ugh at "humanity".

[@fsmprophet8319]

Quick question did you know about this before you came on this video *cough* though social media Cuz excuse me I'm no Sherlock Holmes but I do detect that you didn't know about it so you searched it up like I did and you found the video. You've been caught turn yourself in with Nowhere to Run

[@natannick8308]

​@@fsmprophet8319dam Gotem

[@DrMedicsGameSurgery]

Here come the jojo fans lol

[@NoelJohnCarlo]

Hahaha! >:D

[@The_Heroic_Bruiser]

Americans, because History stories need a villain

[@Bluecheese1400]

In most peaceful cultures, transgenderism, homosexuality and non-binary is accepted. Christianity and Islam was born in the Middle East, a center for warfare and conquest. Christianity and Islam developed beliefs that restrict homosexuality so women reproduce more and boys are taught to be masculine so they can fight in wars better. Africa is a culturally diverse continent and as such war was frequent. African cultures tend to be homophobic despite pre Islamic and pre colonial influences. Regions that experience warfare will develop a strict and warmongering culture to survive meanwhile peaceful cultures will develop more accepting and tolerating beliefs.

[@jigold22571]

🪷🕊🪷💐🔅🔆🔅✨️🌟✨️🔥❣️🙏

[@redpanic2950]

Who came here because genders such as this one are sometimes mentioned in nonbinary discourse?

[@MonasteryOfSilence]

If mahu were respected and embraced in hawaiian history why do Hawaiians use the word mahu as an insult?

[@Hawaiian_Viking]

Generations of ignorance caused by the banning of our language, made a lot of people forget the true meaning of the word. Its very shameful. But I cant say its our fault.

[@Manoatevarua]

@@Hawaiian_Viking It’s totally our fault

[@Hawaiian_Viking]

@@Manoatevarua How? Pls explain how them banning our language is our fault?

[@kris6216]

christians wish to colonize everything, they even colonized their own religion. hawaii is no exception, when the missionaries (who were transphobic, homophobic, etc) came to hawaii shunned cultural practices. they tried banning hula, they tried banning the hawaiian language, and a lot more.

[@kahekilikahahawai586]

@@Manoatevaruait’s our fault lol what a lame stfu your prob white haole

[@johnwalters800]

If Mahu is half man half Woman why are most Mahu. Men who act like Women? Where is the half man? Is the Man part purely physical?

[@alphabeta525]

It could mean that they are "male bodied with women's psyche/female bodied with men's psyche" which implies they are not completely men or completely women. They are in between --> half man and half woman.

[@kpadmirer]

Not too many women want to look like a man.

[@bendemare5270]

probably because of misoginy, only the "male bodied" mahu where recognised. Misoginy is common in every culture ofvthe planet, saddly... It could explain why the "women bodied" mahusc were not as respected. Especially if the women of that culture were under patriarchy, "female bodied" mahu could have been strategically been keot from the higher hierarchy. My thoughts.

[@ojitosrodriguez114]

Haoles ruin everything.

[@AlwaysPeacefulMaDeuce]

This platform, invented by haoles, air travel, invented by haoles. The photo you take for your profile picture, haoles. The tyrant Kamehameha conquering the islands by way of blood shed, haoles. You’re privileged.

[@Nikki-bo8to]

:(

[@Tanzenergise]

don't call a somoan a mahu braddah. he give you da dirtylickin's right dere. lol

[@kenodabo3171]

"The Meaning of Mahu" = Lost and Confused.

[@BipolarBisexual]

No, it was an established social class for thousands of years

[@natannick8308]

Or political nonsense you mean

[@BipolarBisexual]

@@natannick8308 it was an established social class for thousands of years

[@user-jd3gf5xw1x]

so... mahu means gay?

[@matangofie0073]

No. From a western perspective it may be considered gay because they see it as a relationship between a man and a man. But in Hawai'i it's not gay because they aren't necessarily identifying as male. Despite their physical appearances/biology and everything inbetween, they are respected for who they are.

[@sonnyboy9257]

The boys were dressed as girls because that’s what the white man wanted.

[@ineedbetteraim883]

where we say it mahu means gay

[@vp7757]

XParkourSlayerX yeah thanks to English language same for my tribe nadlhee was respected too now that word means gay or a rude thing to say

[@dawsonkuloloia6411]

Couple screws must have been loose, Mahus nowadays just gay they only showings kids for be gay unreal

[@kahekilikahahawai586]

Mahus weren’t real trust me

[@BipolarBisexual]

Proof?

[@lacecox8920]

So homosexual drags

[@dalastkanakamaoli9058]

I mean do you have a problem scrub

[@zekcool5468]

Nope

[@BipolarBisexual]

Nope, had nothing to do with sexuality or romantic attraction, was a social class for thousands of years