Lei Pua ʻAla Queer Histories of Hawaiʻi presented the premiere of their new hula show, “The Return of Kapaemahu,” which is based on the long-hidden story of four legendary voyagers of dual male and female spirit who brought healing arts from Tahiti to Hawaiʻi long ago.

The premiere took place two days after President Donald Trump declared that “there are only two genders, male and female,” saying that is “official policy of the United States government.”

Despite the president’s declaration, Native Hawaiians and Tahitians celebrated mahu people, who embodied both masculinity and femininity in spirit, as they were revered as healers and leaders.

In a heartwarming event, the City and County of Honolulu marked the beginning of Honolulu Pride Month by raising the pride flag and dedicating a very special tree. The 2024 was the fourth time the city hosted such an event; and the crowd continues to grow each year.

The highlight of the day was the dedication of a new plaque gifted to the City by Lei Pua ʻAla Queer Histories of Hawaiʻi for the Wilhelmina Tenney Rainbow Shower Tree. This beautiful tree, which has has been the official tree of Honolulu since 1963, is now also the Official Pride Tree and a symbol visibility and inclusion for the LGBTQ+Māhū community.