Histories of Gender and Sexual Diversity in Hawai'i

This article surveys the histories of gender and sexual minorities in Hawai'i from early times to the present, revealing a complex narrative of inclusion, foreign-influenced rejection, and continuing advancement. It explores diverse expressions of identity, societal and institutional responses, and their impact on queer people's lived experiences of love, intimacy, and identity. A key objective is to understand the interconnected matrix of social, cultural, legal, religious, and other factors that account for Hawai'i's distinct and progressive stance toward LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, and other sexual orientations and gender identities) and Māhū individuals and rights.