6. Three Genders? In Ancient Egypt? It's More Likely Than You Think

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In today’s episode, cohosts Leigh and Gretchen head way back in time to Ancient Egypt. That’s right, get ready to walk like an Egyptian! Take a tour through Egyptian mythology to discuss what Set and Nephthys imply about Egypt having a concept of third gender. Plus, the dancing woman mummy, gender transformation in burial, the gender presentation of women pharaohs like Hatshepsut, and Gretchen’s favorite gay Egyptian tomb! By the end, you’ll see why having 3 genders in Ancient Egypt is more likely than people think! 

Outline

0:00 – Introduction
5:38 – A Note on Mythological Sources
9:44 – Gender Ambiguity in Mythology
30:29 – What Does this Have to do with Gender?
40:00 – Other Evidence of Non-Cisheteronormative Gender
54:58 – Linguistic Evidence of Third Gender
1:07:36 – Two Famous hm Priests: Niankhkhnum and Khnumhotep
1:23:52 – Takeaways
1:29:39 – How Gay Were They?
1:36:51 – Closing and Where to Find us Online

For a full list of sources and bonus content, visit our Notes page! 

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3. Mei Ai Hold Your Hand? Homosexuality in Imperial China

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As your hosts return to examine the unexplored corners of history to highlight overlooked queer ladies, gents, and gentle-enbies, they bring a conversation about homosexuality in Imperial China. They will discuss the unique tradition of male homosexuality present for over 2500 years, what made it possible, and how tragic it’s loss is for modern China. And don’t worry, even though female homosexuality doesn’t have the same strong literary tradition, there are plenty of delightful stories, and a new ‘word of the week’ related to queer lady experience!

Outline

0:00 – Introduction
3:55 – Main Topic: Homosexuality in Imperial China
      13:38 – Social Context: Confucianism, Daoism, and Conceptions of Sex
      22:46 – Social Context: Different Kinds of Sexual Relationships Between Men
      23:41-24:36 - CONTENT WARNING: pederasty mention
      30:23– Examples!
1:10:30 - CONTENT WARNING: pederasty mention
1:11:50 – Word of the Week: dui shi (“shared eating”)
1:17:33 – Takeaways
1:20:14 – How gay were they?
1:23:06 – Where to find us online

For a full list sources and bonus content for this episode, visit our Notes page!

Apple Podcasts  |    Google Play    |    Stitcher    |    Download