[MUSIC] This lecture explores transgender identities in a global context. Much like historical approaches to gender, cross-cultural comparisons allow us to see how location and culture shape our experience of gender. As a result, cross-cultural analysis invites us to explore the social and cultural aspects of identity. Most cultures have some notable examples of gender non-conforming people. In all of these places there are subtle to significance difference in how gender variation is viewed. Even further, typically there are already location and language specific terms used to refer to people who transgress gender. Which is to say, a person who might seem to fit the definition of transgender, might use another term. Because of this, cross-cultural analysis can be a useful method for showcasing the social construction of gender and transgender identity. And for exploring the rich and diverse ways that we experience our lives around the world. First a note on language, the term transgender emerged from a specific context, and that's not always applicable to other cultural context. Although it is fairly common to see the term transgender used internationally, it's important to be attune to some of the key differences between cultural ideas and identities. And it's also vital to recognize the broader value of culturally specific terms. Once we discuss some of the different terms people use worldwide, the problem with universalizing one term for a global experience will be a bit clearer. The rest of this lecture will give short introductions to a few culturally specific gender identities, that are typically broadly recognized as transgender or gender non-conforming. As a US based scholar, I do not in fact, have to look beyond US borders to discover the limits of language. The indigenous people of what is now known as the Americas, commonly referred to as Native Americans, have a long history of Two-Spirit people. A term adopted in the early 90s, to refer to Native Americans who cross gender boundaries, through gender roles, gender expression, or self-identification. The word refers to having two spirits, masculine and feminine, and it provides a way to capture the many historical, and present day examples, of Native American people, who live outside of the gender binary. Each tribe has different terms to refer to, Two-Spirit folks. There is a tremendously rich history of important Two-Spirit figures that played instrumental roles in their communities. Two-Spirit also replaced berdache, a term deployed by the French and a term that is now commonly seen as pejorative. Choosing a term that was community specific, and rejecting the term that was imposed by others, was central to PRIDE in organizing for Two-Spirit people. It's for the same reason that simply replacing Two-Spirit with transgender is deeply problematic. The term reflects more than a sentiment or way of being, it captures history and community specific logics of identity. And it registers a resistance to a term that is imposed by another culture. The term hijra has historically been used in South Asia, most notably in India and Pakistan, to refer to people who are assigned male at birth, but who live as women, or as a third gender. I should note that several countries now legally recognize a third gender, including Nepal, India, Pakistan, New Zealand, and Australia among others. Hijra history goes back to antiquity, they're a common figure in South Asian literature, religion, and culture. Hijra people typically live in intentional communities with other third gender folks. These communities tend to be well organized, and they serve as a family network, and a vital resource. In theory, there are shared aspects among Two-Spirit, hijra, and transgender identified people, but there are also very key differences. More recently, hijra and South Asian third gender people have begun to organize and advocate for their own communities, a movement we see worldwide. In Iran, trans individuals have been able to receive government assistance for gender affirming surgery since the 1980s. They're reported to be the second only to Thailand in transgender surgeries per year. Iran's seemingly helpful policy is complicated by the fact that homosexuality is still seriously condemned. As such, trans surgery is a way to correct gay identity. It should be noted that plenty of transgender people identify as gay, or lesbian, or any of the other available sexual identities. Which is to say, transgender people are not always heterosexual, and trans surgery can not make someone heterosexual. This cultural context creates serious tension between the borders of transgender and homosexual. Presently, there are advocates in Iran who are working towards more rights and safety for LGBTQIA people. So like any country, there are a range of views on the topic. The documentary Be Like Others explores the broader context of transgender Iran. Bulent Ersoy who was born in Istanbul, Turkey in the 1950s, began her career as a man singing classical Turkish music. After transitioning and coming out, she became internationally known, and her music grew in popularity. Amidst her popularity, new government attacks on so-called social deviants forced Bulent to stop performing. Her performances were forbidden and she eventually left the country. In the late 1980s, Turkey changed its law once again, and gave trans people the right to change their legal sex. Bulent's popularity and status as a national treasure persists. To her many fans Bulent is know as Abla, a term of respect and affection that means older sister. More recently, in August of 2016, the LGBTQIA community in Istanbul, publicly responded to the murder of Hande Kader, a young transgender woman. Their movement is strong, but they are also discouraged by the lack of action to protect trans people, many of whom work in sex work because of cultural stigma. In some very key ways, this very brief picture of Turkish trans politics is rather similar to the US landscape. We are frequently grieving the lives of trans people who are victims of hate crimes in the US, while we are simultaneously celebrating a small handful of transgender celebrities. Cross-cultural comparisons can remind us to be attuned to significant cultural and historical details, but it can also remind us of what we share. A west is best attitude, can cause people to assume that life is tremendously better for trans folks in the US. Upon closer inspections, the US and Turkey share a lot more than some might think. I encourage you to research trans lives and trans topics by country and location. Cross-cultural comparisons teach us a tremendous amount about difference and variance. Global perspectives can also encourage us to think more critically about our assumptions about trans lives in a global context. [MUSIC]
