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The gender binaries of "male" and "female" aren't as universal as you think 
From Samoa
to Albania 
, here are eight cultures throughout history showing that the concept of non-binary gender is far from new 
From Samoa
to Albania , here are eight cultures throughout history showing that the concept of non-binary gender is far from new
Two-spirit (North America) 
Identifying with masculinity and femininity, indigenous North American two-spirit people are often said to contain both male and female 'spirits'.
They're often revered in their communities, seen as a channel between the physical and spiritual
Identifying with masculinity and femininity, indigenous North American two-spirit people are often said to contain both male and female 'spirits'.
They're often revered in their communities, seen as a channel between the physical and spiritual
Fa’afafine (Samoa)
Identifying as a separate gender, fa’afafines' roles in society move fluidly between the traditional male and female.
While they're assigned male at birth, Samoa also recognises fa’afatama – an equally fluid gender for those assigned female at birth
Identifying as a separate gender, fa’afafines' roles in society move fluidly between the traditional male and female.
While they're assigned male at birth, Samoa also recognises fa’afatama – an equally fluid gender for those assigned female at birth
Hijras (South Asia) 
The centuries-old third gender, associated with sacred powers, usually refers to those assigned male at birth but don't identify as such.
In 2014, India legally recognised hijras as a third gender after they were criminalised by the British in 1871
The centuries-old third gender, associated with sacred powers, usually refers to those assigned male at birth but don't identify as such.
In 2014, India legally recognised hijras as a third gender after they were criminalised by the British in 1871
Sworn Virgins (Albania)
In this dying practice, women take on the social identity of a man for life, while taking a vow of chastity.
By taking on this identity, they're elevated to the status of a man, entitled to the rights and privileges of the patriarchy
In this dying practice, women take on the social identity of a man for life, while taking a vow of chastity.
By taking on this identity, they're elevated to the status of a man, entitled to the rights and privileges of the patriarchy
Metis (Nepal) 
Officially recognised as a third gender in Nepal in 2007, metis have a long history in the Himalayan region. Assigned male at birth, they assume a traditional feminine appearance.
Nepal set a global precedent with a third gender category on official documents.
Officially recognised as a third gender in Nepal in 2007, metis have a long history in the Himalayan region. Assigned male at birth, they assume a traditional feminine appearance.
Nepal set a global precedent with a third gender category on official documents.
Bugis (Indonesia) 
The ethnic group has for centuries seen gender as a spectrum, with three additional genders in addition to male and female.
Bugis genders include 'calabai' (feminine men), 'calalai' (masculine women) and intersex 'bissu' priests
The ethnic group has for centuries seen gender as a spectrum, with three additional genders in addition to male and female.
Bugis genders include 'calabai' (feminine men), 'calalai' (masculine women) and intersex 'bissu' priests
Brotherboys and sistergirls (Indigenous Australians)
Used by Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders, brotherboys describes people with a gender experience inconsistent with their assigned sex, with a male spirit and male roles in the community – sistergirls are the opposite
Used by Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders, brotherboys describes people with a gender experience inconsistent with their assigned sex, with a male spirit and male roles in the community – sistergirls are the opposite
Toms (Thailand) 
One of the dozen or more common gender identities in Thailand, 'toms' are women who adopt masculine mannerisms and style, while using male speech terms.
Toms are often attracted to 'dees' – women who follow traditional Thai gender norms
One of the dozen or more common gender identities in Thailand, 'toms' are women who adopt masculine mannerisms and style, while using male speech terms.
Toms are often attracted to 'dees' – women who follow traditional Thai gender norms
While far from being all-inclusive, this list goes to show that non-binary concepts of gender are not a recent phenomenon
Were any of these new to you? Share your thoughts below
Were any of these new to you? Share your thoughts below
