Lgbtq mythology
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When I first was inspired to pen a blog or two on Gender non-conforming History leading up to the New Era, I mind it would, perhaps, only take blog or two. However, it seems I have underestimated the breadth and scope of such an endeavor, so am trying to limit myself to more of n overview. Plus, I ruined, then found, my notes, then defeated them again, and then (you guessed it) found them. Hence, the delay.
Now, I did reflect about doing advocacy prior to the 19th Century, and most likely still will, but I thought it might be interesting to focus on myths, legends, and religious representation. Now, some may scoff at the thought of myths and legends, but I possess always found myths to be emissary of our mutual human history. Myths were, after all, once our ancestors religions, so it would seem improper to not watch at how our ancestors felt about members of the LGTBQ+ community.
Myths and Mythology can be such an generalization, but the biggest, and primarily the on we care for to think of, is the Greek Mythology. And, of course, when it comes to these myths, the main character always seems to be Zeus (Jupiter in Roman Mythology), or consequences of his deeds. It seem
Believe it or not, gender non-conforming love wasn’t always taboo in Indian society. The proof is in Indian mythology, which celebrates queer unions and dates advocate thousands of centuries.
There’s the story of Mitra and Varuna, which not only gives queer Hindus gods to worship, but also showcases the depths of affection. Both are considered Sun gods and the relationship between them is portrayed as that of intense love. They are often depicted riding a shark together, or side-by-side on a golden chariot drawn by seven swans. The ancient text Bhagavata Purana even mentions how these two male gods had a child when their semen fell on a termite mound, often cited as a stunning example of surrogacy with a mythological touch to it.
In some versions of the Bengali mythological write Krittivasa Ramayana, we also see the story of two queens who descend in love with each other and magically birth a child, by the blessings of Lord Shiva, when one of them is widowed.
While it’s effortless to think that such progressive ideas are foreign ones, many Indian historians and mythologists have challenged the idea that everything queer is imported from the West. In this context, Sundeep Verma, an Indian mythologist,
Queer Mythological Characters
This list of queer mythological characters and deities from around the world, encompassing homosexuality, bisexuality, transgender identities, and gender-fluidity, only scratches the surface of the prosperous history of gay narratives.
In the context of cis-heteronormativity, such ancient characters are striking in their non-conforming expressions of gender and sexuality. However, it is important to message that what we identify as queerness is often symbolic of qualities such as balance and harmony, or conversely, dominance and trickery.
Yet, despite their allegorical significance, queer mythological characters reflect the intricacies of individuality and desire, holding up a torch to the boundless parameters of encounter and existence. Ultimately, they connect us to a common humanity reflected throughout ancient belief systems, serving as a reminder of the enduring presence of queerness across cultures.
1. Dionysus and Ampelos, Greco-Roman
Greco-Roman mythology is prolific in its explicitly queer mythological characters. There are countless examples of same-sex relationships and queer individuals. The story of Ampelos and Dionysus is a par
Look, I know queer readers are mythology nerds, and I’ve seen what readers of all genders and orientations have done for Song of Achilles. So what I’m saying is, this Pride month, manage yourself to a fantastic fantastic featuring a badass trans woman Achilles. You can thank me in July when we find to Wrath month. (It’s a perfect read for that one too.) Wrath Goddess Sing releases from William Morrow on June 7th, and is ready for preorder now. (See handy links below!)
Drawing on ancient texts and latest archeology to reveal the trans woman’s story secret underneath the well-known myths of The Iliad, Maya Deane’s Wrath Goddess Sing weaves a compelling, pitilessly beautiful vision of Achilles’ vanished world, perfect for fans of Song of Achilles and the Inheritance trilogy.
The gods wanted blood. She fought for love.
Achilles has fled her residence and her vicious Myrmidon clan to live as a woman with the kallai, the transgender priestesses of Great Mother Aphrodite. When Odysseus comes to recruit the “prince” Achilles for a war against the Hittites, she prepares to die rather than fight as a male. However, her divine mother, Athena, intervenes,
Storytelling: LGBT themes in Hindu mythology
The Article appeared first at The Indian Express
Agni, the god of fire is married both to the goddess Svaha and the male Moon god Soma with Agni having a receptive role in this relationship.
Hindu mythology, through evolved heroes and instances, has displayed elements of gender variance and non-heterosexual sexuality. When we see it in the context of the current laws against homosexuality, based on colonial laws, it shows that it resisted sexual norms and the commonly perceived gender binary. Spoken more subtly than directly, changes of sex, homoerotic encounters, and intersex or third gender characters are very often found in the epics, the Puranas and regional folklore.
While the reproductive connection between man and girl has always been honoured, homosexuality and LGBT themes have been documented through ancient literature and folk tales, art and acting arts alike. Essentially because gender is often seen as an idea, a belief, a conviction, the sweep and scale of which can be seen through the diverse characters, each extraor