The word "queer" has been used to describe people who identify as LGBTQIA+ since the early 1990s. In the late 20th century, it was adopted as a positive label for those who did not fit into traditional binary gender roles or heterosexual relationships. Today, queer identities are diverse and encompass many genders, orientations, and ways of expressing oneself. Indigenous philosophies and cultural practices from Asia have also shaped contemporary queer identity and activism. This article explores how these indigenous traditions can inform our understanding of the relationship between culture, community, and sexuality.
Historical Context
Indigenous cultures throughout Asia have long celebrated diversity in gender expression and sexual orientation. They believed that individuals' spiritual journeys were influenced by their relationships with ancestors, deities, and nature. These belief systems emphasized the importance of living harmoniously within one's environment and accepting differences among peoples.
Colonialism, industrialization, and globalization have led to the marginalization of these perspectives and the erasure of non-heteronormative identities.
Contemporary Queer Activism
In response to this, Asian queer communities began organizing to fight for visibility and acceptance. Many turned to indigenous philosophies and practices for inspiration.
Filipino transgender activist Geena Rocero cited Philippine history and literature as sources of pride and strength during her TED talk. She noted that pre-colonial Philippines recognized three genders: man, woman, and "bakla," a third gender role reserved for people who lived outside societal norms.
Rocero explained that bakla embodied "the spirit of creativity" and played essential roles in society, such as healers and entertainers. Their stories are recorded in ancient manuscripts known as 'bayok,' which tell tales of warriors, shamans, and other heroes who defied conventions. These narratives helped Filipinos understand and embrace non-binary identities.
Indigenous Philosophy and Practice
Indigenous philosophies and cultural practices have also informed contemporary LGBTQIA+ activists globally.
Maori from New Zealand believe that all people possess both masculine (tangata whenua) and feminine (tangata tiriti) energies, regardless of their biological sex or sexual orientation. This philosophy can be seen in traditional performances like haka, where dancers express power through physicality, rhythm, and facial expressions.
In India, Hijras represent an ancient transgender community with a unique spiritual tradition. They worship Lord Bahuchara Mata, a goddess associated with fertility and the divine feminine. Hijras wear brightly colored saris, bind their breasts, and take on feminine names to honor their sacred status. This practice reflects the idea that gender is fluid and subjective.
These examples illustrate how indigenous cultures can inform queer identity and activism by emphasizing the importance of relationships with nature, ancestors, and others. They suggest that sexuality is part of a larger web of social, environmental, and spiritual connections.
How do indigenous philosophies and cultural practices inform contemporary queer identity and activism in Asia?
The idea of identity is intricately linked with culture and the way people are socialized into it. Indigenous cultures have their own unique ways of understanding gender and sexuality, which can inform contemporary queer identities and activism in Asia. The traditional concept of gender is often rooted in nature-based spiritual beliefs, where masculinity and femininity represent the balance between yin and yang forces.