From: celeste%express@freedom.msfc.nasa.gov (Celeste)
Subject: Re: Gender differences - Sophie Germain
Followup-To: alt.feminism
Organization: AEGIS
Date: Tue, 22 Dec 1992 15:21:42 GMT

In article <1560@ozz.oasis.icl.co.uk>, dvp@oasis.icl.co.uk (Geezer) wrote:
> 
[stuff deleted]
> 
> What is your opinion of the native American tribes of the past? Would
> you say that their masculinity was something to be ashamed of or would
> you perhaps say that their masculinity enabled them to survive in a
> hostile environment and was therefore a necessity, an admirable trait
> that enabled them to survive - except when the odds where too long?
> 
[stuff deleted]
> 
> When a female exhibits masculine tendencies (kicks ass, whatever),
> she is often admired by her peers for being go-ahead, take what you want,
> person.  Men exhibiting the same tendencies are are labelled boorish,
> chauvenistic (if women are involved) etc. 
> 
[stuff deleted]
> 
> Why can't we have equality for all without dictating role models for
> people? None of us are perfect or will ever come close.(another
> profound statement :-) ).
> 
> Dave
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------
> ------              Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year          -------
> -------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am a transgedered person. That is I am more comfortable in the
"feminine" role than that of the "masculine" role even thought
I was born a male.

It turns out many of the native American tribes had members that
fit the role I am identify with, the "berdach".

I was reading about one berdash. She/he was born male. Around the camp,
she dressed, worked and lived as a woman. When there as a need for
a war party, she would remove her dress and put on male cloths.
He would then lead the war party and was know for his incrediable
feats of cunning and courage. He too many scalps. Once back camp,
she took back up her dress and continuted with "woman's work".

Pictures of wester tribs would have the men on one side, women on the
other and the berdach in the middle. The berdach were the natural
mediators of the disputs between husbands and wives.

Not all berdach were born male. There were a number of "she" warriors.

Many tribes had a ritiual. A child that showed cross gender behevior
was put in a circle with articles that were typically male or female.
A fire was started around that circle. The child was instructed to
pick up the article that that indicated their cross
gender behevior. This was a planned and concious decistion!
A male "cross gendered" child would pick up a woman's carring
bag or a female a bow and arrow or tomahawk.
The fire would be lit, the child would grab the object and flee the
cirle of fire. At that point the cloths of the child would be removed
and replace with those of the other gender (cross dressed). The
child's name would also be changed to reflect the new gender of the
child. This rite was approate for males that acted feminie or
females that acted masculine.

The transgendered were the "natural" teachers and frequently became Shamans
of the tribe. Many "Shamans in training" had to live in the other gender
role.

A berdach was frequence sought after to give "special" names to a child.
This "gift" provided much wealth for a berdach. Such leaders as
Sitting Bull, Crazy House and the like were give "special" names 
by berdach.

To find a deeper undstanding of how the "other half" lives I suggest
both men and women spend some time living as the other.

For men I suggest you read "From Masculine to Femine and all points
Inbetween" by Jennifer Ann Stevensions

For women I suggest you read "The Guide for the Female to Male Cross
Dresser
and Transsexual" (cannot recall author)

Spend a weekend away from home as the other "gender".
A 100,000 words can never replace the experience "being" a man or a woman.


"Oh Great Sprit, Grant that I do not critize my brother (or sister)
until I have walked in their mococsens."

Love and hugs,

Celeste

P.S. Spend a long day in a skirt, panty hose and heels, and you "men" might
     have a tad of understanding
     Spend a long day in suit, tie and heavy wingtips shoes, and you
"women"
     had a tad of understanding.

     I do both!

     It ain't easy for either one!

"Being a guy is not bad. Being a woman is not bad either. Its being
 both that is a bitch!" -- From the movie "Switched"
Newsgroups: alt.feminism