What can we learn from Indonesia which recognises 5 genders?

Some bissu are born intersex, possessing ambiguous genitalia.

How many genders do you know of? Two I suppose-man and women. They are the two genders that have been drilled into most of our heads. Thanks to the Transgender Bill introduced in 2016, there is an attempt to 'recognise' the third gender in our country.

But are there only three genders?

The Bugis of South Sulawesi in Indonesia provide an interesting break in usually understood notion of gender. They recognise five genders, and each is considered essential to the maintenance of balance and harmony in Bugis society.

What are the 5 genders?

Bissu embody elements of all genders within them, and thereby occupy a space outside or above any single gender identity

As in most other cultures, the majority of Bugis belong to one of two main genders: people who are biologically male and who also identify and live as men (oroané); or people who are biologically female and who identify and live as women (makkunrai).

But in addition, Bugis also recognise 'calalai' - biological females who live and work more like men in society; and calabai' - biological males who live like women, wear feminine clothes, and perform many of the functions that women traditionally perform. Typically, neither calalai' nor calabai' actually want to become the opposite gender. They are comfortable holding gender identities that are non-binary, and they are generally accepted as such in Bugis society.

In addition to these four genders, a fifth is also recognised. Bissu are a class of traditional priest - experts in pre-Islamic Bugis belief systems and rituals. They are regarded as embodiments of male, female, mortal and deity combined.

Bissu- the complete form of gender

Bissu are a class of traditional priest - experts in pre-Islamic Bugis belief systems and rituals.

Bissu embody elements of all genders within them, and thereby occupy a space outside or above any single gender identity. They are essentially considered beyond the concept of gender - 'meta-gender' or 'gender-transcendent'.

Some bissu are born intersex, possessing ambiguous genitalia. This is not always the case, but irrespective of their biology most bissu have a gender-ambiguous or androgynous appearance. This blending of genders is believed to bestow special spiritual powers upon them, and they are highly regarded in Bugis society for having a unique ability to intercede with the spirit world.So, most bissu are priest in Indonesia.

Activists are condemning the Transgender Bill.

In a country where the trans bill is being protested against in a vehement manner, there is a lesson to learn from a neighbouring country.

Here is a video about them :