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Mahu and Native Hawaiian Culture: Experiences of Non-Heteronormativity

There are extensive amounts of psychological research that highlight the needs and experiences of racial ethnic minority populations in general and more specifically minority sexual identities and genders, also referred to as non-heteronormative populations (Alexeyeff & Besnier, 2014). However, there continues to be a lack of representation in the research of Polynesians and an even greater lack of representation of non-heteronormative Polynesians and their experiences (Allen et al., 2011). Māhū, a population of native Hawaiians who identify as non-heteronormative or third gender, are almost completely absent from scholarly work. This study examines the experience of self-identified māhū and how mental health professionals can support them. Qualitative interviews of six Native Hawaiians who identify as māhū were completed. Hermeneutic principles guided the interpretation and analysis of the interviews. Analysis of the interviews produced three main themes comprising seven subthemes. Primary themes included (a) the definition of māhū has changed over time and can be dependent on personal views through a cultural lens (b) the Hawaiian culture provides safety and protection for those who identify as māhū and (c) māhū have suggestions regarding the ways in which mental health practitioners (both Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian) can serve this population.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:BGMYU2/oai:scholarsarchive.byu.edu:etd-11093
Date14 August 2023
CreatorsChapman, Rachel Beth
PublisherBYU ScholarsArchive
Source SetsBrigham Young University
Detected LanguageEnglish
Typetext
Formatapplication/pdf
SourceTheses and Dissertations
Rightshttps://lib.byu.edu/about/copyright/

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