In 1953, Christine Jorgensen received media attention as the first person to undergo sex reassignment surgery, sparking public discussion. The document discusses myths and figures from polytheistic cultures and ancient traditions that embodied behaviors crossing gender norms. It notes that perspectives on gender nonconforming identities have changed over time, from acceptance in some historical and religious contexts to pathologization in clinical views that labeled such identities as criminal or insane. The document argues for understanding gender diversity in the context of history, culture, and ensuring acceptance and inclusion.

4. 1953. “transvestism treated surgically”
Christine Jorgensen

6. a different perspective
myths of polytheistic cultures : divine
beings who cross-dress, have both male &
female physicality or alternate genders at
will
historical/religious figures with behaviours
& attributes traditional to the opposite
gender for their culture; & ‘homosexual’ or
‘bisexual’

7. Androgynous
Angels
ancient
Mesopotamic
and Hebrew
traditions

8. Aphroditos
Cyprus & Athens 4th c BCE
associated with the
moon/female
element
worship: cross-
dressing in public
‘lifting the dress’:
exclusive to women,
‘good luck’

9. Shiva-
Ardhanarishvara
the Hindu ‘Lord who is
Half-Woman’
two-in-oneness core
of human nature
non-duality of Being

10. The Amazons
exclusively female
ancient warrior tribe
/ Balkans
‘androgynae’
a-mazoi= breast-less

11. Illegitimates!
Gods.…sinners….‘criminally insane’….
changes in social structure: from
tribal/spiritual to capitalist societies
scientific progress & treatment

12. the clinical view…
lesbians
social
adjustment
problems
tendency to
self-mutilate
(breast-less)

13. the clinical
view…
‘female impersonator’
‘perverted homosexual’
transvestite
‘criminally insane’
….most likely to be
arrested!

14. “illegitimate sexualities”
sex//gender//sexuality
 public attitudes
 acceptance
 dignity
 social inclusion
 history & culture