Gender Diversity in Indonesia: Sexuality, Islam and Queer Selves (ASAA Women in Asia Series)

Indonesia provides particularly interesting examples of gender diversity. Same-sex relations, transvestism and cross-gender behaviour have long been noted amongst a wide range of Indonesian peoples. Based on extensive ethnographic research, this book is an exploration on the nature of gender diversity in Indonesia. It discusses in particular "calalai'" - female-born individuals who identify as neither female nor male, "calabai'" - male-born individuals who also identify as neither male nor female, and "bissu" an order of pre-Islamic shamans, who embody a perfect combination of female and male elements. Examining the role of these "intersexed" groups in everyday rituals, this book looks in particular at wedding ceremonies, both low-status and high-status and concludes by discussing the place of such "intersexed" identities in gender theory.Graham, Sharyn Leanne is the author of 'Gender Diversity in Indonesia: Sexuality, Islam and Queer Selves (ASAA Women in Asia Series)', published 2010 under ISBN 9780415375696 and ISBN 041537569X.