What is the third gender in Hinduism?
Asked by: Kristopher Prohaska | Last update: June 2, 2026Score: 4.5/5 (31 votes)
Hinduism recognizes a "third gender," historically embodied by the Hijra community, who are transgender, intersex, or eunuchs with deep roots in ancient texts and roles blessing weddings and births, though facing stigma, with India legally acknowledging them as a third gender, granting rights while challenges remain for these communities with unique kinship systems and spiritual traditions.
How many genders are there in Hinduism?
The Vedas recognize three genders — Purusha (male), Stri (female), and Tritiya Prakriti (the third gender). Ancient Indian wisdom embraced diversity long before modern laws tried to define or restrict it.
What is the third gender in Hindu culture?
ON SEXUAL ORIENTATION & GENDER IDENTITY
The Vedas refer to a "third sex," roughly defined as people for whom sex is not procreative, either through impotence or a lack of desire for the opposite sex. Members of the third sex are not ostracized, however, and are sometimes recognized for having divine powers or insights.
Can a hijra be pregnant?
Pregnancy is possible for transgender men who retain functioning ovaries and a uterus, such as in the case of Thomas Beatie. Regardless of prior hormone replacement therapy (HRT) treatments, the progression of pregnancy and birthing procedures are typically the same as those of cisgender women.
What is meant by the 3rd gender?
Many countries use “third gender” to include various non-binary (not woman/man) gender categories. And many gender scholars note that gender is not so categorical and view it instead as a continuum. For instance, a person can identify as a woman but not follow stereotypical or traditional cultural norms for women.
What is the Vedic view of LGBTQIA+? | Hinduism About Genders
What is the third gender rule?
The "two-thirds gender rule" enshrined in Article 27 of the Constitution of Kenya, makes the provision for gender equality in governance by mandating that "no more than two-thirds of members in elective or appointive bodies should be of the same gender".
How to identify if a child is 3rd gender?
The general rule for determining whether a child is transgender or non-binary (rather than gender nonconforming or gender variant) is if the child is consistent, insistent, and persistent about their transgender identity.
How do you know if a baby is hijra?
If your child is referring to themselves with gender pronouns opposite of their born gender identity, they could be transgender. Notice if your child feels more comfortable being referred to as the other sex; ask questions about their preferred pronouns.
Is hijra a boy or girl?
Hijras are often born male but look and dress in traditionally feminine ways. Many, but not all, choose to undergo a castration ceremony, removing their male genitalia as an offering to Hindu goddess Bahuchara Mata. Other hijras are born intersex.
Can a transwoman have a baby?
How can a transgender woman conceive? Transgender women with a female partner may choose to utilize cryopreserved sperm for partner insemination. MtF patients with cryopreserved sperm who do not have a female partner may utilize a gestational carrier.
Why do hijras clap?
It is a sign of disagreement with the norms and a very powerful assertion of the non-normative ways of being and living. Jeff Roy and others have noted how the clap of hijras is a distinct marker of their identity, of their pehchan (Roy 2015, 1).
Which religions accept homosexuality?
Many religions have affirming branches or denominations that welcome and bless homosexuality, including Unitarian Universalism, Quakers, Judaism (Reform, Reconstructionist), Buddhism, Hinduism, Sikhism, Taoism, Shinto, and some Christian denominations (UCC, Episcopal, ELCA, PC(USA), Metropolitan Community Churches, etc.), while others hold differing views, highlighting a broad spectrum of acceptance, notes Pew Research Center.
Do Hindus believe in transgenderism?
Homosexual and transgender Hindus commonly identify with and worship the various Hindu deities connected with gender diversity such as Bahuchara Mata (a goddess connected with transsexuality and eunuchism), Gadadhara (an incarnation of Radha in male form), Bhagavati-devi (a Hindu goddess associated with cross-dressing) ...
Are Manu and Adam the same?
“Whom we call Adam, Hindus call Manu. Adam's progeny is called aadmi (mankind). Manu's progeny is manushya (mankind). When there was no Ram, Brahma, Shiva, whom did Manu worship?
What religion has 8 genders?
The Talmud, a central text in Rabbinic Judaism, presents a profound understanding of gender diversity through its recognition of eight distinct gender categories: Zachar (male), Nekeva (female), Androgynos (intersex), Tumtum (ambiguous/indeterminate), Aylonit hamah (female-to-male transition naturally), Aylonit adam ( ...
Which god has 27 wives?
As per Indian scriptures, Chandra Dev - the moon god - was married to the 27 daughters of Daksha, who's also the father in law of Shiva. All of Daksha's 27 daughters are said to be personifications of the lunar constellations (Nakshatras). But Chandra Dev showed affection only to one of his wives, Rohini.
Can a hijra get pregnant?
While some trans men may undergo hormonal treatments, such as testosterone therapy, not all choose to undergo surgical procedures to remove their reproductive organs. If a trans man retains his uterus and ovaries and stops or suspends hormone therapy, pregnancy is possible.
Do hijra have periods?
Can a transgender woman have a period? Absolutely. Many trans and gender-diverse people menstruate. Whether you're a woman, a man, non-binary or agender, your body may menstruate too.
What is a hijra in Lgbtq?
In South Asia, hijra are transgender, intersex, or eunuch people who live in communities that follow a kinship system known as the guru–chela system. They are also known as aravani and aruvani, and, in Pakistan, khawaja sira. Hijra. A hijra in a traditional village performance. Meaning.
How to identify a 3rd gender baby?
Is your child transgender?
- Certain bathroom behavior, such as a girl insisting on standing up to urinate.
- An aversion to wearing the bathing suit of the child's birth sex.
- A preference for underwear typically worn by the opposite sex.
- A strong desire to play with toys typically assigned to the opposite sex.
What cultures have a third gender?
The term "third gender" has also been used to describe the hijras of South Asia, the fa'afafine of Polynesia, and the sworn virgins of the Balkans.
Is it normal for a 6 year old boy to want to be a girl?
Some children's self-identified gender remains stable, while others may alternate between presenting themselves as a “boy” or a “girl” at different times (sometimes even in the same day). This exploration is normal and healthy. Children become more aware of gender expectations or stereotypes as they grow older.
Is third gender natural?
Different cultures throughout time recognised members who buck the biological binary, commonly referring to them as the third gender. Third gender, or third sex, is a concept in which individuals are categorised, either by themselves or by society, as neither man nor women.
What are my chances of having a third boy?
In fact, one in eight couples (12.5%) with 4 children have 4 of the same sex. Here's how it goes: Couples with 2 children: 50% of couples have 2 girls or 2 boys, and 50% of couples have 1 girl/1 boy. Couples with 3 children: 25% of couples have 3 girls or 3 boys, and 75% have 1 boy/2 girls or 1 girl/2 boys.
What does cisgender mean?
Cisgender describes a person whose gender identity (their internal sense of being a man, woman, both, or neither) matches the sex they were assigned at birth, such as someone assigned female at birth who identifies as a woman. The prefix "cis-" comes from Latin and means "on this side of," acting as the opposite of "trans-" (on the other side of), and is used for clarity in conversations about gender identity, contrasting with transgender people.