This Saddens Me
A story about a young Navajo man who really felt he was a young woman and her untimely end.

Here is a story about a young Navajo man who really felt he was a young woman. This young woman's life came to an abrupt end when she was apparently beaten to death by a young man who later bragged he "beat up a fag." His lesbian mother rushed to his defense, saying he would never have that attitude because he was raised in a gay home.

The articles in the Rocky Mountain News gently brushed over the fact that the Navajo traditionally revere these bi-gendered folk. The same can be said for many cultures, where the transgendered or "two-spirit" people are identified as having special insight to the problems of both men and women. These folks usually held positions of advisor, healer, counselor, shaman, etc. In general, the encroachment of "Anglos" and their way of life, have sentenced these beliefs and practices to an unfortunate death.

Today, we live in a society that is still so patriarchal in nature that young children with male genitalia are pushed to be strong, aggressive, and often downright ignorant. They are reminded that weaknesses are to be punished. Any action less than macho is to be ridiculed until that behavior ceases. They are not allowed to find themselves and their own place in the Universe. Instead, they are forced into the bi-polarity of the western world's definition of gender and gender identity.

Western society is grossly ignorant to the fact that there are traditionally more than just two gender classifications around the world. According to transgender activist Leslie Feinberg, the number once ranged in the hundreds in North America alone. However, the varied gender roles have been diminishing as the proverbial white man and his culture quietly, but arrogantly, proclaim itself the true way for civilized living. A parallel to the Inquisition? Perhaps.

While gender is often approached by modern society in a "conform or else" manner, there is no Torquemada to whom the finger of blame clearly points. He is manifest in the teachings of the churches, the ideals of the politicians, and the discipline of the parents. He lurks within every scolding of a boy for playing with Barbie. He floats on the breath of those who chastise the tomboy. He is a lack of understanding and education.

There once was a time where the unknown was revered, differences celebrated and embraced. Now, they are pushed away with ignorance and defeated with arrogance.

And we call ourselves civilized.

For more of Graci's thoughts visit Theirplace.com

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