Koanbred
09-05-2010, 02:47 PM
Prior to being invaded by the west, Tahitians lived a very sexually liberal life.
This liberal life included the Mahu, the Third sex. The Mahu were regarded as gay or effeminate men and some even cross-dressed.
As Tahiti became more modernized and influenced by the west, they became more sexually conservative. Therefore, the role of the Mahu became more specific, it now defines gay Tahitians only, and not, crossdressing Tahitians. Crossdressing Tahitians or the MTF transsexuals are now called RaeRaes. As described by a prominent cultural minister, Marco Tevane, they are considered as being less respectable than Mahu, because of their promiscuity and their involvement in prostituion.
In the 1960's, when the French military landed in Tahiti (for the French nuclear program), the French servicemen found that there weren't enough available women. The servicemen then found the RaeRae as a convenient resource for sex. However, effeminate members of the Mahu (gay bottoms), soon discovered the financial advantages of making themselves available to the servicemen and they became prostitutes, as well.
Since the French servicemen are no longer present, the RaeRae are viewed as the primary targets of prostitution, while the Mahu are seen as an accepted and integral part of Tahitian society.
It is therefore, quite alright to be a Mahu, or gay in Tahiti. It is not so ok to be a RaeRae!:eek:
PS.
It will appear that throughout the world, societies will not allow transsexuals into the mainstream of society. Therefore, prostitution becomes the occupation of many by default.
Please observe the RaeRae of Tahiti below:
This liberal life included the Mahu, the Third sex. The Mahu were regarded as gay or effeminate men and some even cross-dressed.
As Tahiti became more modernized and influenced by the west, they became more sexually conservative. Therefore, the role of the Mahu became more specific, it now defines gay Tahitians only, and not, crossdressing Tahitians. Crossdressing Tahitians or the MTF transsexuals are now called RaeRaes. As described by a prominent cultural minister, Marco Tevane, they are considered as being less respectable than Mahu, because of their promiscuity and their involvement in prostituion.
In the 1960's, when the French military landed in Tahiti (for the French nuclear program), the French servicemen found that there weren't enough available women. The servicemen then found the RaeRae as a convenient resource for sex. However, effeminate members of the Mahu (gay bottoms), soon discovered the financial advantages of making themselves available to the servicemen and they became prostitutes, as well.
Since the French servicemen are no longer present, the RaeRae are viewed as the primary targets of prostitution, while the Mahu are seen as an accepted and integral part of Tahitian society.
It is therefore, quite alright to be a Mahu, or gay in Tahiti. It is not so ok to be a RaeRae!:eek:
PS.
It will appear that throughout the world, societies will not allow transsexuals into the mainstream of society. Therefore, prostitution becomes the occupation of many by default.
Please observe the RaeRae of Tahiti below: