Glossary / Lexicon

Berdache refers to a male who takes on the roles of women and who may also dress as a woman and engage in sexual intimacy with man. A term used in some cultures for a male who assumes female dress and gender role. In these cultures, these individuals are often thought to be a third gender and have special powers.

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Other /More definition:
Berdache refers to a third gender in Native American culture in which an individual takes on the social role of the other gender. It is also referred to as a "two-spirit.”