Many cultures worldwide recognize more than just the traditional binary genders of male and female.
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The Hijra of India have been a part of Hindu society for over 2,000 years and are considered a "third gender."
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In Samoa, there are fa'afafines and fa'afatamas, regarded as third and fourth genders, respectively.
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Indonesia's Bugis group recognizes three gender categories: Calalai, Calabai, and Bissu, going beyond the binary.
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The burrnesha, or "sworn virgins," in the Balkans are people born as women who live as men in a patriarchal society, considered a third gender.
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Muxes in southern Mexico often have male physical characteristics but identify as feminine.
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The term "Two-spirit" is used within some indigenous North American communities to encompass complex gender roles and spiritual aspects.
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These cultures challenge the notion that the binary gender system is the only historically valid way of identifying genders.
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Nonbinary genders have often held unique roles in their societies, including as artists and religious figures.
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Recognizing more than two genders is not a new concept and has existed for many years in various cultures worldwide.
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Exploring these cultures can expand our understanding of gender diversity and challenge conventional ideas about gender identity.
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