The third gender is a term used to refer to people who are not recognized as women or men either by themselves or by society. In some cultures, it is a distinct social category, and countries such as India or Nepal officially recognize the existence of more than two genders.
The third gender in the world
We can meet representatives of the third sex m.in. w:
- India – these people are most often called Hijra, sometimes Kinnar or Arawani. Most of them were born male, but they do not identify with the male gender.
- Mexico – among the Zapotec people living in the state of Oaxaca there are Muxe. These are people who usually wear women’s clothes, but identify themselves indirectly between a woman and a man.
- Nepal – the presence of the third gender here has historical roots, and since 2012 it can be included in identity documents.
- Cambodia, Laos and Thailand – people of the third sex are called kathoey, and according to researchers, this term has its roots in ancient times. These are people born in a male body who do not identify as either male or transgender women.
- In Australia – this is another country that officially recognizes the third gender. Since 2011, citizens have been able to have “unspecified gender” information in their documents.
What is the life of the third sex like?
In many cultures, the third gender has been around for hundreds or even thousands of years. Such people are usually treated with acceptance, and sometimes they play a special role in the life of their community. In Siberia, they were considered shamans. In Mexico, too, being a Muxe is considered a source of pride for the whole family. In relations with representatives of the third sex, respect for their gender identity and the culture they represent should be guided.