Ancient Civilizations: Many ancient cultures recognized more than just two genders, with roles and identities that would be considered non-binary today.
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Two-Spirit People: Indigenous cultures in North America have long recognized the existence of Two-Spirit individuals, who embody both masculine and feminine spirits.
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Hijra Community: In South Asia, the Hijra community, often considered a “third gender,” has been recognized and respected for centuries.
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Greek Mythology: Greek myths are replete with stories of gods and mortals changing genders, hinting at an ancient understanding of fluid gender identities.
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Roman Culture: While the Romans had rigid gender roles, there were instances and festivals where gender norms were subverted or blurred.
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Renaissance Period: Art and literature from the Renaissance era occasionally depicted androgynous or gender-ambiguous figures, challenging the strict gender norms of the time.
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19th Century “Molly Houses”: In 18th and 19th century England, “Molly Houses” were secret meeting places for gay men, some of whom would dress and live as women.
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Early 20th Century: The early 1900s saw the rise of gender non-conforming performers and artists, pushing the boundaries of societal gender expectations.
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The 1960s and 70s: The sexual revolution and the rise of the LGBTQ+ rights movement brought more visibility and acceptance to diverse gender identities.
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Modern Day Recognition: While the concept of gender fluidity is not new, modern society, especially millennials, have given it a name and broader acceptance.
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