Dr. Charla Hathaway

The Third Gender, 'Mahu,' in Polynesia

Added 2022-05-28 02:47:07 +0000 UTC

In Tahiti, I swan with black reef-tipped sharks, gentle sting rays, and rainbows of fish and coral. My favorite—the fat, lush-lipped, ruby red pulsating clams—looked like lips of smiling and beckoning brothel queens.

A Tahitian Mahu (though not my Meeta)

I just returned from Tahiti where a beautiful woman ran our rustic beach pension with pebble floors. Long and strong like a man, graceful and sweet like a woman, ‘Meeta’ was a Mahu, or man who behaves as and considers himself to be a woman. My 3-yr-old grandson especially fell in love with her who brought him chocolates, watermelon, and a Tahitian pearl bracelet.

Polynesia reserves a special role and social position for the third gender, two-spirited, who are valued and respected as healers, caretakers, and teachers of ancient tradition. Historically in Tahiti families with multiple children raised the eldest boy as a girl, or a Mahu. The European and Christian influence, especially in Hawaii, has made ‘people in the middle’ more marginalized and outcast.

One night by by moonlight on the ocean shore, Meeta danced for us, a handful of pension guests. Transported beyond the binary and into the Milky way, I bowed at her sandy feet in appreciation. By day she prepared us fish fresh from the sea, usually served raw and adorned with tropical sauces and garnishes. She played with my grandson and taught him native words in her language. She is my Tahiti.