Third gender

These societies have a third (or fourth) category for people who don't fit the binary—typically feminine males, masculine females, intersex people, or those who transition socially or physically—instead of forcing everyone into "man" or "woman."

Important point: It's not just a personal identity; it's a cultural category. This third group is subject to social norms, jobs, roles, and attire.

Since the term "third gender" refers to a wide range of individuals who may or may not want to be associated with it, there is no official definition.

Gender was only seen as a binary until very recently. You can be classified as either male or female. However, because it does not account for the wide range of individuals who identify within (or even outside of) the broad spectrum between male and female, this model is regarded by many as being extremely restrictive.

Scholars attempted to present the idea of a "third gender" in an effort to acknowledge people who identify as neither male nor female.

The term "third gender" has been criticized. The term "third gender" is not widely accepted. Its hierarchical, and consequently patriarchal, nature is one of the primary criticisms leveled at it. Critics question which genders belong in the first and second gender categories if there is a "third gender."

For transgender individuals, who are frequently misinterpreted as not being fully male or female, the concept of a "third gender" also causes issues. Advocates contend that the existence of a "third gender" category enables institutions to further marginalize transgender individuals and prevent them from occupying significant spaces that correspond with their gender identity. The case for creating a distinct category for transgender men and women in sporting events to prevent them from competing in their respective categories is a good illustration of this.

Principal Traditions of the Third Gender:

Who They Are in Terms of Culture South Asia (Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India)Hijra transgender women, intersex men, effeminate men who reside in guru-chela communities and are recognized legally as "third gender" Native Americans in North America have a revered spiritual role and both masculine and feminine spirits. Fa'afafine, Samoa, PolynesiaLiving as women, biological males are essential to the family unit and frequently raise nieces and nephews. Kathoey, ThailandTransgender women and effeminate gay men are visible in the entertainment and beauty industries. Bissu, Calabai, Calalai, Indonesia (Bugis people)Bissu are shamans who combine all five genders. Oman XanithMale-to-female spectrum; separate social group Burrnesha, AlbaniaCelibate women live as men and are granted the same inheritance rights as men. Muxe from Mexico (Zapotec) were born as males but lived as women and were welcomed into the community. The Sex Industry's Third Gender

Yes, there is a substantial but complicated presence:

South Asian Hijra:

Huge prevalence in sex work: 10–50% of hijras are thought to rely on sex work, begging, or blessing rituals to make ends meet. Due to discrimination, many were forced into sex work, and the historical religious role of blessing births and marriages declined. Work in certain red-light districts, such as Delhi's GB Road, Karachi's Napier Road, and Mumbai's Kamathipura Usually found on the streets or in brothels, they charge less than cis female sex workers (₹500–₹2,000/$6–$25 on average). arranged in guru-chela (master-disciple) hierarchies, with elders controlling areas and receiving a portion of profits. Thailand's Kathoey:

Bangkok's Patpong, Nana Plaza, and Soi Cowboy are major hubs for sex tourism. Work in street prostitution, escort services, massage parlors, and go-go bars In tourist areas, they are frequently more costly than cis female sex workers—a "exotic" premium Additionally, work in fashion, beauty parlors, and cabarets—sex work is just one of many options. Some upscale escorts ($100–$500+) that serve Western, Middle Eastern, and Japanese tourists Samoa's Fa'afafine:

Less involvement in sex work and greater integration into family structures; frequently caregivers Due to financial necessity, some migrate to the USA, Australia, and New Zealand and start working as prostitutes. Unlike hijras, Two-Spirit (Native American) is not a conventional "third gender sex worker" category:

Historical: Prior to colonization, some tribes employed two-spirit sex workers. Modern: Rare as a separate category; the majority of two-spirit individuals identify as LGBTQ+ and may engage in sex work as transgender or gay people rather than as the "two-spirit" marketed category Indonesian Bissu:

Traditional shamans are not primarily sex workers; sex work would be culturally unsuitable for this role. Western "Transgender" vs. Third Gender

Western Transgender Third Gender Cultural category: You have roles in society.Individual identity—personal identity Frequently assigned at birth according to body type and behaviorSelf-identified; may undergo a medical transition Hijra houses and fa'afafine families make up the community structure.Based on an individual or a support group may unite transgender women, gay men, and intersex people.Differentiating between trans women, gay men, and intersex Legal recognition varies and is frequently binary (M/F) in certain countries (India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh). Promotion in Contemporary Sexual Work: "Third gender" as a brand:

In contrast to Western "trans escort" marketing, some escorts specifically market themselves as "third gender" or "hijra"—playing on exoticism, religious/mystical angles, and particular body types (often non-op or limited surgery). "Hijra" is a popular search term in South Asian porn/escort searches. "Ladyboy" (kathoey) is a huge industry in Thailand. Variations in price:

Due to stigma, the number of hijra sex workers in South Asia is frequently lower than that of cis women. In Thailand, Kathoey are more expensive than cis women in tourist destinations due to their scarcity. Western "third gender": Seldom used in marketing; typically referred to as "trans," "non-binary," or "genderqueer" Problems with exploitation:

Extreme violence is experienced by third-gender sex workers, including client violence, police abuse, and, in many cases, a lack of legal recourse. Hijras are especially vulnerable because of colonial-era laws that criminalize them, police harassment, and family rejection. HIV prevalence among hijra and kathoey sex workers is disproportionately high. Easy Response:

Third gender refers to societies that believe that "not everyone is just male or female—we have a third box."

The most visible third-gender sex worker populations in the world are Hijras from South Asia and Kathoey from Thailand. They are organized, culturally unique, and economically significant, but they are also frequently marginalized and vulnerable.