Are there any "Hijra"-esque individuals in any sect of Busddhism?

DaftChris

Hijra, in a very broad and generalized sense, are transsexual "gypsies" in India and Pakistan. They are born men and live as women, but are considered a third gender. They are considered to be lower class, but are thought to have the power to give blessings and curses. Thus, they travel to weddings, childbirths, etc. and perform blessings for money (or curse if they don't get enough).

Even though they are pretty much only found in these 2 countries (as well as in Hinduism, historically) , have there ever been these types of individuals in any sect/form of Buddhism? Historical or contemporary?

vinlyn

My adopted son (born Pakistani) told me about these folks. Interesting, though I don't know the answer to your question. He told me they are very popular to be used in marriage ceremonies.

Takuan

I don't believe that there are any sect specific transgender traditions, but I do know that culturally thailand has a large number of transgender people. I forget what their proper name is, but they are considered a third gender.

vinlyn

it's not a "proper" term, but most call the Thai transgender "katoey".

Takuan

Ah, I had no idea it wasn't a proper term.

vinlyn

Some see it as insulting, others do not. Some think it is very accepted in Thailand, but under the surface it is not as accepted as it appears. I once walked into a shopping mall and thought wow, what a beautiful woman! Then an old lady spat directly in her face, and I realized why -- a katoey. They often have a bad reputation for petty theft with the men they meet in bars.

federica

We have lesbian, homosexual, bisexual and transgender members on this forum.
I personally regard any discussion which might put people of these persuasions, in a bad light, as in poor taste.

just a heads-up....;)

caz

Its not their bodies we should be concerned about but their minds :)

federica

We shouldn't even be concerned about that.
We should be far more concerned about our own.

vinlyn

We have lesbian, homosexual, bisexual and transgender members on this forum.
I personally regard any discussion which might put people of these persuasions, in a bad light, as in poor taste.

just a heads-up....;)

Personally, as a gay man, I find saying "these persuasions" to be a tad offensive.

vinlyn

We shouldn't even be concerned about that.
We should be far more concerned about our own.

Well put!

DaftChris

I'm a gay man as well, so rest assured that this topic is not meant to be hurtful in any way, shape or form.