Third gender and Transgender
This is a page in progress. It's about societies, communities, and organizations that have recognized gender categories beyond the male-female binary.
Ancient Societies
The Indus Valley Civilization had transgender priests.
Early Israelites recognized several genders.
Zachar: male
Nekevah: female
Androgynos: someone with both male and female genitalia
Tumtum: someone with indeterminate or obscured genitalia
Ay’lonit: someone born female who develops male characteristics
Saris: someone born male who develops female characteristics
Indigenous Societies
The Kuna people have a third gender called Omeggid referring to those who are assigned male at birth and then adopt mainly feminine traits. The Omeggid often choose traditionally feminine professions such as weaving blouses called "molas."
The Zuni have recognized a third gender known as the lhamana who was assigned male at birth and adopted feminine characteristics. The lhamana "dressed as women and performed women’s crafts such as weaving and potting, but also had the physical strength to fulfill certain male-oriented pursuits such as hunting big game and cutting firewood."[1]
Movements and Organizations
ACT UP had influential transgender members including Miss Major Griffin-Gracy. So has FIERCE!. Earth First! has a Trans and Women Action Camp (TWAC).
Resources
https://www.ncai.org/policy-research-center/initiatives/Pruden-Edmo_TwoSpiritPeople.pdf
- ↑ Brian Joseph Gilley, Becoming Two-Spirit: Gay Identity and Social Acceptance in Indian Country (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 2006), 8.
