When it comes to expressing ourselves in contexts of our cultural worlds and working together to make a more welcoming and inclusive community for all gender identities and expressions, it may be difficult to find where to begin or how to address and understand these complex concepts.
The University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s Counseling and Student Development Center (CSDC), LGBTQ+ Center, Women’s Center and Native Hawaiian Student Services offers a stepping stone to address these topics. A free screening of the award-winning film KUMU HINA: a place in the middle, will be followed by an open discussion with Kumu (teacher) Hinaleimoana Wong-Kalu and directors/producers Dean Hamer and Joe Wilson on topics of gender and cultural identity on campus and within the Native Hawaiian community.
This livestream event will be held on Monday, April 17, 4:30–6:30 p.m. The presentation is open to the public. (Register online)
About KUMU HINA
KUMU HINA is a powerful film about the struggle to maintain Pacific Islander culture and values within the Westernized society of modern day Hawaiʻi. During a momentous year in her life in Honolulu, Kumu Hina uses traditional culture to inspire a student to claim her place as leader of the school’s all-male hula troupe.
An incredible docu-drama that unfolds like a narrative film, KUMU HINA reveals a side of Hawaiʻi rarely seen on-screen. It is told through the lens of an extraordinary Native Hawaiian who is both a proud and confident māhūwahine, or transgender woman, and an honored and respected kumu, cultural practitioner and community leader. KUMU HINA brings an empowering cultural perspective to the quest for respect and inclusion for all.
The webinar is partially funded by the SEED Initiative for Diversity, Equity, Access and Success grant awarded to three CSDC doctoral interns in health service psychology.
For more information, call CSDC at (808) 956-7927.
