Belonging beyond the binary

From Byzantine eunuchs and Indian hijras to gender‐fluid and non‐binary identities

Bibliographic Data

ID11448858
AuthorsDamian A Gonzalez‐Salzberg (Law School University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham B15 2TT England), Damián A González-Salzberg (0000-0003-2730-3098, University of Birmingham, corresponding author), Maroula Perisanidi (0000-0002-7077-8497, School of History University of Leeds Parkinson Building Leeds LS2 9JT England)
Year2021
Volume48
Issue4
Pages669-689
Publication date2021-12-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Law and Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0263-323X • E-ISSN: 1467-6478
PublisherWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/jols.12323
OpenAlexW3166162594
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited10

While the majority of Western legal systems continue to insist on the existence of only two genders, a demand for the recognition of non‐binary gender identities has become increasingly visible. Numerous individuals have gone to court demanding recognition of their identities beyond the binary, with varying degrees of success. This article provides a novel lens through which to consider these contemporary legal claims. Through an exploration of historical and cultural examples of gender beyond the binary, more specifically Byzantine eunuchs and Indian hijras, this article analyses the regulatory forces that permit and promote the existence of non‐binary genders. A better understanding of societies that have carved out a space for genders beyond the binary can offer important insights into both the benefits and the dangers of the legal recognition of a third gender

Binary number · Binary opposition · Epistemology · Linguistics · Political science · Sociology · African Sexualities and LGBTQ+ Issues · Gender Studies · Law · Mathematics · Philosophy · Psychology · Social Psychology

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