As we reflect upon the legacy of colonialism and its impact on various aspects of human life, including gender and sexuality, it is natural to question whether there are any ways to decolonize our understanding of these concepts. Transgender identity, for instance, has been shaped by the Western binary system that categorizes people as either male or female based on their genitals at birth.
Many pre-colonial cultures around the world had more nuanced and fluid understandings of gender, which were often tied to social roles and expectations rather than physical attributes. In this article, I will explore how returning to pre-colonial systems can help us understand transgender identities beyond the confines of Western binaries and potentially bring about greater equality and acceptance.
Let us consider how colonialism influenced the way we think about gender and sexuality. Colonialism introduced a rigid binary system of male and female, which was imposed on societies that previously had much more diverse understandings of gender. This led to the erasure of non-binary genders and the relegation of those who did not conform to binary norms to the margins of society. It also reinforced heteronormative ideas about sexuality and intimacy, leading to the criminalization of same-sex relationships and other forms of consensual adult behavior.
Colonial powers often promoted an idealized version of masculinity and femininity that emphasized power dynamics and submission within marriage, further entrenching patriarchal structures.
Many pre-colonial cultures had fluid systems of gender that recognized multiple genders and allowed for individuals to change their gender over time.
In some Native American cultures, individuals could transition between male and female identities throughout their lives, depending on their needs and circumstances. Similarly, in Polynesian cultures, people could identify as both male and female or neither at all. These systems acknowledged the fluidity of human experience and valued people's individual choices regarding their own identity.
Returning to these systems would require challenging the dominant narratives around gender and sexuality that have been perpetuated by colonialism. We must recognize that there is no one true way to be transgender and instead embrace the diversity of experiences and identities that exist within the trans community. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive world where everyone has the right to express themselves authentically and freely.
Returning to pre-colonial understandings of gender can help us understand the complex interplay between biology, culture, and identity. Biological sex does not necessarily determine an individual's gender identity, but it is also not completely separate from it. Pre-colonial systems acknowledge this nuance by recognizing that genitals do not determine gender and allow individuals to explore their physical attributes without restricting them to a particular category. This approach allows for greater acceptance of diverse bodies and identities and promotes self-acceptance and autonomy.
To decolonize our understanding of transgender identity, we must also address the harmful effects of cisnormativity – the assumption that being cisgender (identifying with the sex assigned at birth) is the norm. This idea reinforces the binary system and perpetuates discrimination against those who do not fit into it. By recognizing that all genders are valid and equally worthy of respect and protection, we can work towards a more just society in which people can live authentically and without fear.
By returning to pre-colonial systems of gender, we can challenge the rigid binary system imposed by colonialism and promote greater equality and acceptance. This would require challenging dominant narratives around gender and sexuality and embracing the diversity of experiences within the trans community. It would also mean recognizing that biology and identity are interconnected but not deterministic and addressing the harmful effects of cisnormative thinking.
Such a shift could lead to a world where everyone has the freedom to express themselves authentically and freely, regardless of their physical or social attributes.
Is it possible to decolonize the understanding of transgender identity by returning to pre-colonial gender systems?
Gender is an important aspect of social life that has been shaped by colonialism's legacy, but it also reflects broader cultural ideas about what constitutes a "normal" human experience. Transgender identities have existed throughout history in various forms and cultures, including those prior to colonization.