sophiaserpentia (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
sophiaserpentia) wrote2005-03-05 11:05 am
sophiaserpentia) wrote2005-03-05 11:05 am
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Someone asked me recently why I referred to the gallae as "quasi-transsexual" instead of just "transsexual." I can't find the comment now, so I'm replying here.
I used the term because I'm not sure if I'm entirely comfortable using modern terms to refer to ancient forms of sexual or gender variance. Ancient Greek homosexuality, for example, was of an entirely different nature than modern experience. The modern term "transsexual" is primarily medical and technical in meaning.
OTOH, I believe there must be a strong affinity between the gallae and modern transsexuals -- so perhaps I am being overly cautious.
I used the term because I'm not sure if I'm entirely comfortable using modern terms to refer to ancient forms of sexual or gender variance. Ancient Greek homosexuality, for example, was of an entirely different nature than modern experience. The modern term "transsexual" is primarily medical and technical in meaning.
OTOH, I believe there must be a strong affinity between the gallae and modern transsexuals -- so perhaps I am being overly cautious.