The construction of sex and gender as binaries does not reflect the lived realities of millions of people across the world. Thanks to intersex activists, we know that "male" and "female" are not the only ways people exist in the world. Thanks to activists from cultures across the globe, we are aware that gender is a construct, and there are way more than two. When I was studying anthropology, students were frequently introduced to cultures that had more flexible understandings of gender. A common term in academia for identities other than "man" and "woman" is "third gender"; as we'll demonstrate below, that is nowhere near an accurate term to describe the full, fantastic picture.
While we're on the topic of improper terminology: we must be careful about referring to someone as part of the LGBT+ community when they may not consider themselves so. The late Fa'afafine activist To’oto’oali’I Roger Stanley spoke to OutRight on this very issue:
““The advent of the global struggle for LGBTQUI rights has certainly impacted and influenced the work of the [Samoa Fa’afafine Association]. Although the SFA and I are very clear in terms of the positioning of fa’afafine as a cultural identity, which is thus largely outside of the LGBTQUI framework.””
Sometimes non-binary identities are cultural identities, and deserve to be respected as so.
We think it is important to learn how gender is experienced in different cultures because people who live outside of the gender binary face the same forces of oppression as the LGBT+ community, even if they don't identify under our umbrella. We must stand in solidarity with their unique struggles. Furthermore, we are often told that being trans, genderqueer, or non-binary is "unnatural"; people from cultures where their identities are traditionally respected have much to teach us. Below are some examples of cultural identities that challenge our notions of a gender binary.
Two-Spirit
Two-Spirit is considered somewhat of a pan-Indigenous term in North America. According to Tony Enos, "Two Spirit people have both a male and female spirit within them and are blessed by their Creator to see life through the eyes of both genders." This term does not replace a term used by a particular nation, he notes, such as 'nadleeh' by the Diné (see below), but is an umbrella term. Two-Spirit people have held honoured positions in their communities since time immemorial. Writes Enos,
“Two Spirit people held a meaningful place in the sacred hoop. In many tribes Two Spirits were balance keepers. Thought to be the “dusk” between the male morning, and the female evening. As the role has evolved over time as necessary, the tradition is still alive. At Two Spirit gatherings and communal events, we can be found saying prayers that have needed to be said for decades, and fostering healing to all present. Restoring much needed balance to spirit.”
Femminielli
In the Neapolitan region of Italy, femminielli are traditionally those who were assigned male, but identify outside of the gender binary. They hold an important role in their communities; "people ask them to bless their babies and interpret their dreams." Thanks to their contributions to their communities, their participation in religious life, and Italian artists throughout history, we know that femminielli have lived in Italy for centuries.
Nádleeh
The Diné, also known as the Navajo, have long recognised multiple genders and sexualities. According to Sherrick Roanhorse, nádleeh are those who live outside of the gender binary. There has been a decline in recognition and support for nádleeh and LGBT2S+ people in their communities as a result of colonialism, but with the support of Elders, LGBT2S+ Diné are reconnecting with their heritage.
Hijra
In India, hijras "held important positions in court and various facets of administration... [and] were also considered to hold religious authority and were sought out for blessings, particularly during religious ceremonies". As is the case in many countries, colonialism is responsible for enacting severe laws against deviation from Western gender norms, but today the hijra community are reclaiming their power and rightful status in their communities. Below you can watch hijra activist Laxmi Narayan Tripathi tell her story:
Fa'afafine and Fa'afatama
The Samoan Fa'afafine have likewise held important roles in their communities. In an interview between OutRight and President of the Samoa Fa’afafine Association To’oto’oali’I Roger Stanley, who sadly passed away this year, Roger said that "being a fa’afafine is at times both a blessing and a challenge. A blessing in the sense that fa’afafine play fundamental roles of service within the family, church, [and] village unit. Fa’afafine play a significant role in the rearing and raising of children, caretaking responsibilities for the elderly and disabled. Many of our fa’afafine do well in education and employment and thus provide financial sustenance to families and the many obligations attributed to being a Samoan." Fa'afatama face similar discrimination, but the SFA are doing important work in building strong and resilient communities working towards acceptance. There is a documentary on youtube featuring the fa'afafine telling their stories, but we have yet to watch it - let us know if you'd recommend it!
Māhū
Hawaiian musician and dancer Kaumakaiwa Kanaka‘ole said that “māhū is the expression of the third self...It is not a gender, it’s not an orientation, it’s not a sect, it’s not a particular demographic and it’s definitely not a race. It is simply an expression of the third person as it involves the individual. When you find that place in yourself to acknowledge both male and female aspects within and accept the capacity to embrace both … that is where the māhū exists and true liberation happens.” Before colonialism, māhū were respected members of society with strengths that were valued. Below, you can watch a beautiful short documentary that follows one student's experience "in the middle", and their teacher's guidance:
This list does not even begin to encompass the identities outside of "man" and "woman" that exist, but we hope that this inspires you to understanding and acceptance of people from other cultures and with gender identities that you might be unfamiliar with.