HIV risk behaviors among Mahuwahine (native Hawaiian transgender women)

This study explored HIV risk behaviors among Hawaiian and Polynesian- identified transgender women living in Hawai'i. The term transgender encompasses the experience of individuals who violate rigid binomial Western gender roles (Bockting, Robinson, & Rosser, 1998; Lombardi, Wilchins, Priesing, & Malouf, 2001; Yep & Pietri, 1999, pp. 199-200). Although traditional Polynesian cultures tolerate more gender role variations than Western culture, postcolonial acculturation has resulted in notable stigma for transgender individuals in Hawaiì today (Kameèleihiwa, 1999; Kanuha, 2000). Mahu is a cross-Polynesian term originally describing transgender women or female-acting males (Link, 2004; Nanda, 2000; Odo & Hawelu, 2001; Souza, 1976). Mahuwahine is a newly coined term of empowerment among Hawaiì's transgender community signifying male-to-female (MTF) transgender identity in varying, personally chosen, forms and coincides with the Hawaiian cultural renaissance (Odo & Hawelu, 2001). Although most of the participants in this study identified as mahu or Mahuwahine there was a significant range in self-identifying terminology. Because of this range and intended audience this article will use the term transgender women in referring to individuals described in the findings.