2010

MĀHŪKĀNE & MĀHŪWAHINE: 

TRANSITIONING IN HAWAI’I

November 12, 2010 

At Honolulu Community College

This was an afternoon special event addressing issues related to Hawaii’s transgender community both male to female and female to male. Topics included transgender people’s experiences with education, with health, and with relationships.  Basic topics were discussed in sessions aimed at newcomers to these issues. More complex discussions of transitioning, medical situations, and the transgendered person in sex work were also on the agenda. 

Opening Plenary 12:30 Introductory Remarks by Kimberly Gallant Event Logistics Coordinator and Tracy Ryan Executive Director of Harm Reduction Hawaii, thank you Honolulu Community College. Two keynote speeches followed.  1. Growing up Māhūwahine in Hawaii was delivered by Hinaleimoana Wong Kalu. 2. Growing up Māhūkāne in Hawaii was delivered by Brayden Alexander Kaleokuikeolahou Tevaitea Ramos.  

Breakout session One 1:30.  

A. Going to College: Our Māhūkāne and Māhūwahine in the Education System Moderator: Kimberly Gallant. Panelists: Hinaleimoana Wong Kalu, Nioi Kalua-Heleloa, Camaron Miyamoto and Robert Bidwell.

B. TG 101: Understanding the Diversity of TG People in Hawai‘i Moderator: Tracy Ryan. Panelists: Milton Diamond, Kim Ka-upu, Aunty Pat, and Valeri D.J. Keahi-Wong

C. E waiho i ka lei hoʻohihia a e lei i ka lei hoʻohiehie o ke ola Moderator: Heather Lusk. Panelists: Ashlie Hawelu, Cathy Kapua. This panel discussed the various risk factors and harm reduction steps available to address them. Topics of STD/AIDS, suicide prevention, drug and alcohol abuse, and mental health were included.  

D. Transform Me: the How’s of Changing Gender Moderator: Connie Diamond. Panelists: Maddalynn Sesepasara, Kaleo T Ramos

Breakout session  Two 3:15.  

E. State of the Industry: Sex Work 

Moderator: Tracy Ryan. Panelists: Pam Vessels, Nioi Kalua-Heleloa

F. He kai ulu a he kai emi, He kai piha a he kai hoʻi...He kai akea nohoʻi: A flowing sea, an ebbing sea, a rising sea, a receding sea...A vast sea of challenge and triumph. Moderator: Connie Diamond This roundtable discussion was aimed at transgendered persons who want to rap. 

G. REPEAT - (E waiho i ka lei hoʻohihia a e lei i ka lei hoʻohiehie o ke ola  

Moderator: Heather Lusk. Panelists: Ashlie Hawelu, Cathy Kapua 

“Relinquish the wreath of entanglement and wear the wreath empowerment in life.”
This panel discussed the various risk factors and harm reduction steps available to address them. Topics of STD/AIDS, suicide prevention, drug and alcohol abuse, and mental health were be included.  

H. REPEAT - Transform Me: the How’s of Changing Gender Moderator: Milton Diamond. Panelists: Maddalynn Sesepasara , Kaleo T Ramos

Closing plenary 5 PM 

Robert Bidwell will give the speech Closing Thoughts: The Next Generation