Many scholars are actively examining ancient records for indications of queer sexual practices. I applaud this, but I fear (from a relatively uninformed but cautious position) that some of these scholars might be a bit overzealous to demonstrate that ancient gender bending or same-sex love is the same as modern homosexuality or transsexualism

This is the problem I have with Evans' book. This was the first book I read which discussed sexuality as something than an gay-straight dualism. I found the gay rights bit at the end unnecessary and a real distraction. (I'm straight, BTW.)

Yeah, I know that use of "gallae" is linguistically imprecise. Transsexual or not, I see the gallae as being kindred to who and what I am, and I believe it is a sign of respect to their practice (and their sacrifices) to use "galla" and "gallae."


I have no problems with using galla, ae rather than the formal gallus, i for the reasons you stated, though there is a rather crass pun involved, as the base meaning of gallus is "cock." Probably originally a putdown term.