Third sex facts for kids
The terms third gender and third sex describe people who are seen as neither a man nor a woman. It can also mean a social group in societies that recognize three or more genders. The word "third" here usually means "other" or "different from the usual two."
Contents
Understanding Third Gender
What Does "Third Gender" Mean?
When we talk about "third gender," we are talking about how some people identify themselves. They might feel they are not fully a boy or a girl. This is different from how most people see gender as only two options.
For some, being a third gender is about their personal identity. For others, it is a special role they have in their community. This role might be based on their culture or traditions.
Third Gender in History
People who are considered a "third gender" have existed for a very long time. Many cultures around the world have recognized more than two genders. This shows that ideas about gender can be very different from place to place.
Ancient Times
In ancient civilizations, like the Sumerians, there were stories about people who were neither male nor female. These stories often showed these people as having special abilities or roles. This means that the idea of more than two genders is not new. It has been part of human history for thousands of years.
Different Cultures Today
Even today, many cultures recognize third genders. For example, in India, some people are known as Hijras. They are often seen as a third gender. They have special roles in ceremonies and traditions. In some Native American cultures, there were "Two-Spirit" people. These individuals often held respected positions in their tribes. They were seen as having both male and female spirits.
How Is It Different from Non-Binary?
The term "third gender" is often used to describe a social category. This means it is how a society or culture sees and names a group of people. The term Non-binary gender is more about a person's individual identity. Someone who is non-binary might feel they are not just male or female. They might feel they are both, neither, or something else entirely. While similar, "third gender" often has a cultural or historical meaning. "Non-binary" is a modern term for gender identity.
Related page
Images for kids
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Stone tablet from 2nd millennium BC Sumer containing a myth about the creation of a type of human who is neither man nor woman.
See also
In Spanish: Tercer sexo para niños
