This essay was originally written for a Cultural Anthropology class at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) during the 2005-2006 academic year
I’m sure that that happens. But from what I’ve read, most “hijras” are born biologically male and join the community because they are ostracized at home either for their sexuality or their gender presentation.
In the South Pacific, there is a practice in island groups where families with many sons allow one to dress and act the female role of a daughter. They can date and even marry another man. In Samoa they are called fafafine, in the Cook Islands they are rare (pronounced raray)…. This practice long predates Western influence.
Yes, I think similar things can be observed cross culturally.
In this essay (which I wrote as an undergraduate) I was mainly making the point that the Western “two sex model” is just a cultural construct and not a universal law.
Thank you. I really enjoy reading your articles, and your philosophies.
I tell people about the time when Mahatma Gandhi was reportedly being interviewed by an English journalist. At one stage, the journalist asked him what he thought of Western civilization. Mr Gandhi paused then said he thought it would be a very good idea. I can’t help but agree with him.
How about those whose gender is ambiguous at birth? I’ve heard they get handed over to the hijra community to raise.
Thanks for your comment.
I’m sure that that happens. But from what I’ve read, most “hijras” are born biologically male and join the community because they are ostracized at home either for their sexuality or their gender presentation.
In the South Pacific, there is a practice in island groups where families with many sons allow one to dress and act the female role of a daughter. They can date and even marry another man. In Samoa they are called fafafine, in the Cook Islands they are rare (pronounced raray)…. This practice long predates Western influence.
Interesting.
Yes, I think similar things can be observed cross culturally.
In this essay (which I wrote as an undergraduate) I was mainly making the point that the Western “two sex model” is just a cultural construct and not a universal law.
Thank you. I really enjoy reading your articles, and your philosophies.
I tell people about the time when Mahatma Gandhi was reportedly being interviewed by an English journalist. At one stage, the journalist asked him what he thought of Western civilization. Mr Gandhi paused then said he thought it would be a very good idea. I can’t help but agree with him.
An interesting article from Himal Southasian:
"The Hindu nationalist remaking of transgender identity in India"
By Hritik Lalan
https://www.himalmag.com/hijra-transgender-hindu-nationalism-india
An interesting article that came out today:
"Why activists see the imprint of Hindutva in the new transgender law"
By Nolina Minj
https://scroll.in/article/1091933/why-activists-see-the-imprint-of-hindutva-in-the-new-transgender-law