In many Native American tribal societies, it was not uncommon for some men to live as women and some women to live as men. In this land, the original America, men who wore women’s clothes and did women’s work became artists, ambassadors, and religious leaders, and women sometimes became warriors, hunters and even chiefs. Same-sex marriages flourished. Berdaches—individuals who combine male and female social roles with traits unique to their status as a third gender—have been documented in more than 150 North American tribes. By looking at this aspect of non-Western culture, Roscoe challenges the basis of the dualistic way most Americans think about sexuality, and shakes the foundation of the way we understand and define gender.

Changing Ones: Third and Fourth Genders in Native North America

Politics & Social Sciences

Roscoe, Will

Social Sciences

St.Martin's Press

Will Roscoe documents one of the most widespread and least-known aspects of native North America. In many Native American tribal societies, it was not uncommon for some men to live as women and some women to live as men. In this land, the original America

PALGRAVE~MACMILLAN

A fascinating collection of myths and stories from around the world that offers gay men a key to discovering the myths and heroes of their lives.

Queer Spirits

Self-Help

Relationships

Beacon Press

The Zuni Man-Woman focuses on the life of We'wha (1849-96), the Zuni who was perhaps the most famous berdache (an individual who combined the work and traits of both men and women) in American Indian history. Through We'wha's exceptional life, Will Roscoe creates a vivid picture of an alternative gender role whose history has been hidden and almost forgotten.
"An important book that will bring to the field a better understanding of the role of the berdache in Pueblo culture."--John Adair, San Francisco State University

The Zuni Man-Woman

History

Americas

Univ of New Mexico Pr

Biographies & Memoirs

Community & Culture

University of New Mexico Press

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Books by Roscoe, Will