Interesting Transgenders in Another Culture +
I just found this article in the New York Times.
"A Lifestyle Distinct: The Muxe of Mexico"
It’s about a specific area in Mexico, near a town called Juchitan, where males decide they want to live as females, and are termed "muxes". The article mentions that there are references to cross-dressing Aztec priests and a god that was both male and female.
These muxes are apparently celebrated and considered special. There are apparently quite a few different societies or cultures thru the ages that felt there was something special and valuable about transgendered folk.
I’ve heard several trans-folk that I respect greatly talk about the unique viewpoint that we have on human interactions and society. I do believe it. I would bet that most people are not aware of how they have "bought into" being either a guy or a gal. Do you yourself realize how you let your conceptions of what it means to be male or female, in our society, affect what you do? If those hidden internal assumptions weren’t there, how would you act?
Transfolks study the differences between male and female behavior as a matter of survival. If you want to be taken as a woman, and don’t learn the mannerisms, you’re asking for trouble.
I got interrupted, I had to run an errand, and now I’ve lost the train of thought….
Oh well. the "+" is about an interesting realization that my therapist helped me with last Friday.
I’ve always worried that I wanted to be trans for the wrong reason, or my reasons werent valid, or this or that. I was talking about that with her, and she made a key observation: "Most people come in here and they’re terribly worried that they ARE transsexual. You’re worried that you’re NOT!". I remembered then I was having a conversation with another trans person (who runs a meditation center near San Diego), and she commented "you worried whether you’re trans enough".
I think I’m worried because I do fear the alternative – if I’m not trans, then I’m a really screwed up guy, and that to me is horrible compared to being what I feel I am – a pretty well adjusted transsexual. I just found that interesting.
Okay, it’s too late, we were up till midnite last nite at our trans group’s Holiday Gala, and it’s time for bed. I’ll post some of the pictures tomorrow. We brought our own camera this time, so we don’t have to wait for some photographer to get around to mailing us CDs.
talk to you tomorrow
-Jude
I’d go with the well-adjusted option myself. 🙂
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I’ve heard of those cultures before, it is interesting, isn’t it? I do find myself wishing we could be like that in our culture, though… And as for you… I think you know what you want, and are afraid that one day you’ll find out that you can’t have it after all. I wouldn’t worry about it, if you think you’re trans you most probably are! Heehee! Sorry, this note was rambletastic.
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I’ve read various books about some Native American nations where the transsexuals were treated as someone special and an honorary woman. There was nothing about woman to man, only man to woman.
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Can’t wait to see the pics!
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I think this is very interesting stuff. I have been told that even though I am female I have sensibilities like a man. I tend to embrace that but sometimes I worry that men do not think I am feminine enough so that is why I can’t seem to get a date. I always felt that men like women who are somewhat vunerable and I do not think people perceive me as being vunerable though I really am, I just choose not to show it to anyone. As for comments on your note, I have tried that too. Men I meet don’t seem to regard me in a romantic light, just like a pal. I have some male friends but no one like me in THAT way. I am not really worried about it but it would be nice to have a date once in a while 😉
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ryn: I like movies, plays, dancing, some types of fitness but I am not the outdoors type as I HATE camping. I like to travel and am very interested in spirituality. Dining out and drinks, going to see sports and concerts, music that sort of thing. I am pretty well rounded really.
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I’ve said nearly the same thing to David before. Mostly because he never seems to think he’s “manly” enough. Kind of makes me wonder how he sees me, since he’s definitely more manly then I am! Lots of other cultures hold transgender people in high regard, though to the best of my knowledge, that only seems to extend to male to female people. I think it’s strange we think our society is so much better, yet there’s so much more hate. Hugs, John
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ryns: I am actually a member of a singles group, just haven’t gone to any events yet. I think part of the problem is I gained a lot of weight and have very few nice clothes to wear right now and am not in a postition financially to buy anything new and I am self conscious about my appearance. There I said it! As far as the article goes, it is funny but not only do I not have asthma (never did) but I have very few environmental allergies as well. I think genetics plays a much bigger part in getting asthma and allergies than being born in the fall. JMHO
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Sometimes I feel guilty
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