LGBTQ+ History Month: Celebrating Gender and Sexual Diversity Across Cultures
As February marks LGBTQ+ History Month, communities around the world unite to honour, celebrate, and acknowledge the rich tapestry of gender and sexual diversity that has existed throughout history.
The month was created by members of the LGBTQ+ community to “claim our past, celebrate our present, and create our future.”
Delving into a snapshot of global gender and sexually diverse cultures below, we uncover a mosaic of traditions, identities, and acceptance that have endured through time.
Whakawahine and Wakatane (Maori, New Zealand)
In Maori culture, the concepts of whakawahine and wakatane represent individuals assigned male at birth who live as women and vice versa. These identities predate colonialism, embodying cultural and gender diversity within Maori society.
Māhū (Hawaii)
Hawaiian culture embraces the māhū, individuals assigned male at birth who embody both masculine and feminine qualities. Despite colonial attempts to erase Indigenous traditions, māhū continue to hold sacred roles as educators, tradition bearers, and contributors to Hawaiian society.
Quariwarmi (Inca, Peru)
Within Inca culture, the worship of Chuqui Chinchay, a dual-gendered deity, was accompanied by the presence of quariwarmi, third gender attendants who served in ritual and ceremonial capacities. This recognition of diverse gender identities reflects the inclusivity of precolonial Incan society.
Chukchi (Siberia)
Indigenous peoples such as the Chukchi, Koryak, and Kamchadal have long recognised third gender shamans who embody roles and dress associated with both genders. This acknowledgment extends beyond binary notions, with the UN Human Rights Office noting the recognition of seven genders among these communities.
Across these diverse cultures, gender and sexual diversity have been not only acknowledged but revered, serving as integral components of societal norms and spiritual practices.
To further explore the breadth of gender diverse cultures, the following resources provide valuable insights into the historical and contemporary expressions of gender and sexual diversity.
A Map of Gender-Diverse Cultures | Independent Lens | PBS
UNFESexual_orientation_gender_identity_throughout_history.pdf (ohchr.org)
As LGBTQ+ History Month unfolds, let us continue to amplify diverse voices, celebrate resilience, and advocate for a future where all identities are embraced and celebrated.
