Cultures and gender identites
By Kana
As you know, in today's society, the two most recognized genders are "male" and "female". But did you know that there are some cultures that have always recognized and valued various gender identities other than the conventional gender categories, long before the word "gender identity" was invented? And often in those cultures, people who identify themselves as something different are considered sacred and suitable for serving as priests and ceremonial leaders. In this post, I will introduce you to some of them to help you get familiarized with the unique relationship between cultures and gender identity.
1. Hijra...Hijira is the most common non-binary gender identity in Hindu society. Many of the Hijras are born with a male body and male characteristics and also, the community includes intersex people. Hijras are said to have the ability to bless others and often occupy religious and spiritual positions.
2. Calalai, Calabai, and Bissu... The Bugis ethnic group of South Sulawesi, Indonesia, recognizes three genders beyond the binary. "Calalai" refers to people who have female sexual characteristics but are present in traditionally masculine ways. "Calabai" are people who have male sexual characteristics but occupy a role that has been traditionally occupied by women. Another gender, called "Bissu", embodies the totality of masculinity and femininity. Bugis people believe that "Bissu" surpasses other genders, encapsulating a spiritual role.
3. Sekrata... Sekrata is a gender identity that has long been appreciated by the Sakalva people, who are indigenous to Madagascar. Sekrata people are biologically men but are raised as girls by their families. They dress in a feminine way and they don't occupy male roles. Instead, they play an important role in performing in ceremonies. Sekratas are widely accepted and respected by the Sakalva people.
4. Bakla... In the Philipines, the term "Bakla" refers to people who have male characteristics but their appearances are feminine and they behave as if they were women. Nowadays, the Bakla people are often associated with the LGBTQ+ community, but historically, they were considered to have possessed the power to encompass qualities of both masculinity and femininity and served as the leaders of their communities.
5. Fa'afafine, Fa'afatama... In Samoa, people have recognized the genders "Fa'afafine" and "Fa'afatama". "Fa'afafine" refers to people who are born with female bodies but identify themselves as men, whereas "Fa'afatama " is used to describe people who are assigned females at birth but identify with masculinity. These two gender identities have existed throughout Samoa for a long time.
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