More Than Two Genders?

Watch this episode of Taboo for a more in depth look at the existence of multiple genders in Indian, Indonesian and Albanian culture.

Throughout Western Society, there is only room for two genders: male and female. Although there is a growing acceptance of homosexuality and transgendered people in the modern world – most homosexuals and transgendered folk still live on the fringes of society.

Yet in some cultures around the world, there are more than two accepted genders.

In India there is a third gender: The Hijra, men who cut off their genitals and live like women.

In parts of Indonesia there are five genders.

In Albania, a woman traditionally could forsake her female gender in exchange for male duties and responsibilities.

In the cultures that accept other genders – this other gender is often endowed with a spiritual significance. People with both male and female gender have a certain relation to the Gods that heterosexuals with their one gender do not.

I believe that in indigenous cultures there is more acceptance – and even an embrace of such sexual diversity, because this is only natural. After all, if nature chose you to have a unique gender, that is a destiny chosen for you by the Gods. Do not be ashamed. You are a product of the natural world and thusly beautiful as you are.