1 min readfrom Hawaii News, Advice, and Aloha

Would it be cultural appropriation or wrong to use the name "Lani" as a white American?

Our take

The question of using the name "Lani," rooted in Hawaiian culture, raises important considerations about cultural appropriation and respect. As a non-binary individual, you find personal significance and beauty in the name, which connects to the Laniakea Supercluster. However, your awareness of its Hawaiian origin and the historical context of cultural appropriation demonstrates a thoughtful approach to identity and naming. It's commendable that you wish to engage with native Hawaiians about this topic, as their perspectives are essential in understanding the implications of adopting a name from their culture. Ultimately, this conversation can foster deeper insights into cultural sensitivity, respect, and the complexities of identity expression in a diverse world.

So I consider myself non-binary, and a fair while ago I got this name from the Laniakea Supercluster, and I thought it was just such a simple but beautiful name that, at least to me, does feel like a more feminine version of my birth name. So I've used it with a friend, and I do like it. I've looked into it's history a bit, I know it's meaning, and I also know it's of Hawaiian origin.

That said, is it wrong for me as a white American to be using this name? Would it be bad if I ever change my legal name to change it to Lani? My people have already taken so much from the native Hawaiians and I don't particularly want to contribute to that history, even if it's just through a name. So I want to ask some native Hawaiians about this

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#Hawaiian mixology#Kauai cultural experiences#cultural appropriation#Lani#Hawaiian origin#native Hawaiians#Laniakea Supercluster#non-binary#cultural sensitivity#white American#history#identity#legal name#name change#appropriation debate#ethnic identity#feminine version#meaning#personal connection#cultural heritage