Introduction
Recently, issues of gender and the restricted acceptance of the existence of only two sexes have gained public attention. It is conceivable to employ mythical beings who were entirely understandable to people in the past to demonstrate the futility of male gender norms. According to the research, several mythical and legendary characters would be classified as androgenic, intersex, nonbinary, or belonging to a “third gender.” Karma and Shia are two examples of such personalities. Therefore, examining these cultural figures will present a chance to verify the veracity of the third gender’s existence and the extent to which it is accepted in contemporary culture.
Karma
People identifying as transgender, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming are known in Thailand as “Karma.” The Kathoey community is especially well-known among these people. In Thailand, the Kathoey has a lengthy history that dates back to prehistoric times, and their descendants have had a considerable impact on Thai culture (Ojanen et al., 2020).
In Thai mythology, Karma is frequently equated with Brahma, the creator god credited with creating the Kathoey as a “third sex.” Brahma supposedly formed the Kathoey by combining the “mistakes” from constructing male and female physiques and transforming them into a new, separate gender. Many Kathoeys are currently LGBTQ+ rights advocates and have participated in Thai culture and beauty contests.
Shia
Shia, an ancient Egyptian god of destiny, is frequently shown as an androgynous or hermaphrodite persona. Shia is occasionally called “He-She,” emphasizing the figure’s gender ambiguity. Shia’s androgynous characteristics reflect ancient Egyptian gender views, which did not follow traditional gender binary concepts of male and female (Moaddel, 2020).
In Egyptian folklore, Shia played a crucial role in the afterlife, assisting in the direction of souls to their last resting place as they traveled through the underworld. Shia’s function as a mediator and guide shows that the androgynous aspect of the figure may have been viewed as a “third gender” that functioned outside of conventional binary classifications or as an intermediary between male and female.
Conclusion
Karma and Shia are legendary characters who could be identified as androgynous, gender nonconforming, intersex, or belonging to a “third gender.” Both characters have essential roles in culture and mythology, and their gender identities are entwined with the functions and purposes they play in their mythologies. These examples prove the validity of intersex and nonbinary orientations throughout cultures and periods, challenging binary concepts of gender that are frequently considered stable and universal.
References
Moaddel, M. (2020). Religious fundamentalism as disciplinarian deity, literalism, religious exclusivity, and religious intolerance. In The Clash of Values (pp. 116–149). Columbia University Press. Web.
Ojanen, T. T., Newman, P. A., Ratanashevorn, R., de Lind van Wijngaarden, J. W., & Tepjan, S. (2020). Whose paradise? An intersectional perspective on mental health and gender/sexual diversity in Thailand. In N. Nakamura & C. H. Logie (Eds.), LGBTQ mental health: International perspectives and experiences (pp. 137–151). American Psychological Association. Web.