Queerness has been present throughout human history, regardless of societal norms and religious beliefs. Despite attempts to suppress and erase it, evidence of queer divinity can be found in the suppressed myths of ancient religions. These myths often contain elements of same-sex desire, gender nonconformity, and divine beings who challenge traditional gender roles. Here are some examples of this evidence:
1. Sumerian mythology - In Sumerian mythology, there were several gods and goddesses who had romantic and sexual relationships with each other.
The goddess Innana was said to have a passionate love affair with the goddess Ninsumun. There was also the story of Enki and Ninlil, where the god Enki seduced the goddess Ninlil while she was married to another god. This kind of same-sex desire is not uncommon in ancient mythologies, as many cultures around the world also had stories of divine couples who loved each other.
2. Greek mythology - The Greek myths are full of characters that defy conventional gender roles. One such character is Hermaphroditus, who was born with both male and female genitalia. According to the myth, he was created by the god Hermes and the nymph Salmacis, who wished to merge together into one being. Hermaphroditus became a symbol of bisexuality and transgender identity, representing the blurring of gender boundaries. Another example is the goddess Artemis, who was depicted as a virgin huntress but was also associated with fertility and women's mysteries. Her worship was closely connected to women's reproductive health and sexuality.
3. Hinduism - Hinduism has a rich tradition of nonbinary deities, including Shiva, who is often depicted as having both male and female qualities. The goddess Kali, on the other hand, embodies the energy of destruction and transformation, which can be seen as a subversion of traditional feminine qualities. Both these deities challenge the binary conception of gender and offer alternative representations of divinity.
4. Norse mythology - In Norse mythology, there were several gods and goddesses who engaged in same-sex relationships.
The god Freyr was said to have a passionate love affair with the giant king Gilling. Similarly, the god Odin was known for his love affairs with men, including the warrior Baldr. These stories suggest that same-sex desire was not just acceptable but also revered among the Nordic people.
5. Egyptian mythology - In ancient Egypt, there were several deities who had both masculine and feminine traits. One such deity was Thoth, who was considered the patron god of wisdom, magic, and writing. He was often depicted as a man with the head of an ibis or baboon, highlighting his ambiguous gender identity. Other examples include the goddess Hathor, who was both motherly and seductive, and the god Anubis, who was associated with mummification and death, but also held great power over fertility and rebirth.
6. Aztec religion - Among the Aztecs, the god Xochipilli was considered a patron of art, dance, and sexual pleasure. His name literally means "Flower Prince," suggesting a nonbinary or transgender identity. The goddess Tlazoltéotl, on the other hand, represented earthly and carnal desires, including same-sex desire and orgasmic ecstasy. Her worship was closely connected to fertility rites and healing practices, underscoring the importance of queer experiences within traditional religious contexts.
7. Mayan religion - In Mayan mythology, there were several gods and goddesses who embodied different aspects of nature and human experience.
The god Itzamna was associated with creation, knowledge, and healing, while the goddess Ixchel was linked to childbirth, medicine, and weaving. Both these deities were seen as androgynous or nonbinary in their representations, challenging binary notions of gender and sexuality.
8. African religions - Many African cultures have traditional belief systems that recognize multiple genders and sexual orientations.
In some Yoruba traditions, there are three main categories of gender: male, female, and intermediary (also known as "third gender"). These intermediaries are believed to possess both masculine and feminine qualities and often hold positions of spiritual authority within the community. Similarly, in some parts of West Africa, the term "two-spirited" is used to describe individuals who embody both male and female energies.
9. Indigenous American religions - Native American mythologies also feature divine beings who challenge traditional gender roles and sexual binaries.
Among the Navajo people, the figure of Changing Woman represents the cyclical nature of life and transformation. She is depicted as a woman who transforms into a man during certain phases of the moon, highlighting the fluidity of gender identity. The Hopi tribe has a similar concept called Kokyangwűtsya, which refers to a being who possesses both male and female reproductive organs.
What evidence of queer divinity persists in the suppressed myths of ancient religions?
Queer divinity is an umbrella term used to refer to deities that are not strictly masculine or feminine, but rather have attributes associated with both genders. There is evidence of this type of divine figure in various ancient cultures' mythologies, which has been suppressed by patriarchal religions as they gained prominence over time.