Author(s): CHEN Wen-yi
Pages: 13-19
Year: 2016 Issue:  3
Journal: Journal of Shenzhen University(Humanities & Social Sciences)
Keyword:  American Indians; gender variance and alternative sexuality; gender-crossing; woman-man; man-woman;
Abstract: With a splendid and brilliant ancient culture, native Americans boast a unique and multiple gender culture that features gender variance and alternative sexuality. Distinct from the binary opposition of gender in Western culture, the gender culture of American Indians emphasizes spiritual connotation and cultural significance implied and embedded in its gender diversity and advocates the fluidity of gender identity. Native Americans can cross into women-men or men-women after gender-role changes according to their own expectation, values, and need of the tribes. Thought to possess spiritual power, these gender crossers play a special role in the tribal society, enjoying high esteem and status. This culture-specific gender crossing undoubtedly smashes Western “either the one or the other” way of thinking in regard to the two sexes, and constructs a multi-layered gender perspective. Though being questioned and obliterated as alien by White colonists, the gender culture of American Indians is pristine, brilliant, and self-contained. It is an integral part of human culture, and makes it more diverse and heterogenic.