Abstract
Cross-gender behavior in Myanmar (formerly Burma) is reported. Western concepts of transsexualism, gynemimesis, transvestism, and homosexuality are not distinct categories by the Burmese. Males with cross-gender behavior are referred to as acaults. Although Myanmar is a profoundly Buddhist society, the people still have strong animistic beliefs with an elaborate system of 37 nats (spirit gods). One of these nats is a female named Manguedon who may take possession of males and impart femininity on them. The cross-gender status of the acaults is sanctioned by their spiritual marriage to Manguedon. The acaults, while not envied, are respected for their roles as shamans and seers.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 313-321 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Archives of sexual behavior |
Volume | 21 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Jun 1 1992 |
Keywords
- cross-cultural studies
- cross-gender behavior
- homosexuality
- transsexualism
- transvestism