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Gender diversity, gender liminality in French Polynesia
1Department of Sociomedical Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
International Journal of Transgender Health
|October 28, 2024
Summary
French Polynesia
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Anthropology
- Gender Studies
Background:
- French Polynesia recognizes māhū and raerae as third gender statuses.
- This recognition historically provides social integration and respect.
- Raerae are a subset of māhū with more overt female gender expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe gender identity, expression, sexual behavior, and orientation of gender diverse individuals in French Polynesia.
- To identify protective factors in cultures that recognize third genders.
- To inform sexual and gender health promotion and HIV/STI prevention strategies.
Main Methods:
- Ethnographic work, field observation, in-depth interviews, and survey data.
- Study focused on māhū and raerae (gender diverse individuals).
- Data collected from ten islands in French Polynesia with 47 participants.
Main Results:
- Collected demographic data, self-identification, gender identity development, and family/social acceptance.
- Detailed current gender identity, expression, sexual experiences, relationships, and sex work involvement.
- Assessed health status, including HIV risk and status.
Conclusions:
- Cultural recognition of māhū and raerae acts as a protective factor for gender diverse individuals.
- This recognition contrasts with cultures that heavily stigmatize transgender and gender diverse individuals.
- Despite challenges, French Polynesia offers a comparatively safer environment for gender variant people.
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