ANP 220 Chapter 1: Neither Man Nor Woman: Introduction & Ch. 1
Document Summary
Religious community of men who dress and act like women and worship. Not completely accepted in indian society, much of previous writings sensationalize their experience. Keep to themselves because of ridicule, hard to learn about them. Most of book centered on personal narratives. Disjunction between hijras experience and cultural perception (social role, gender identity, sexual orientation, life histories) Hijras defined culturally by their performer role at auspicious occasions (births, weddings), but many make a living in more ways or do not perform. Cultural definition as neither man nor woman, but many have experienced gender identity of women. Definition of impotence based on intersexuality but not the case for most. Definition that they are emasculated (genitals removed but no vagina constructed), not all undergo that process. Definition of renouncing male sexulaity, many have sexual relations with men and live through prostitution. Individual have different experiences of common culture, have to reconcile differences within the larger cultural context.
