berdache Definition
a person who identifies with a gender identity that is not exclusively male or female and who may have a traditional role in their indigenous culture, typically a Native American culture.
Using berdache: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "berdache" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The berdache was respected and held a special place in the tribe.
Example
Berdaches often served as mediators between men and women in their communities.
Example
The concept of berdache has been present in many indigenous cultures throughout history.
berdache Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for berdache
- two-spirit
- third gender
- gender variant
Phrases with berdache
two-spirit
a term used by some Indigenous North Americans to describe certain spiritual people - gay, lesbian, bisexual and gender-variant individuals - in their communities
Example
The two-spirit person played an important role in the community.
a gender identity that is neither male nor female, but rather a blend of both or something different altogether
Example
The third gender individual was accepted and respected in their community.
a person whose gender identity and/or expression differs from the societal norms expected of their sex assigned at birth
Example
The gender variant person faced discrimination and prejudice in their daily life.
Origins of berdache
from French 'bardache', from Arabic 'bardaj', meaning 'youth kept for homosexual practices'
Summary: berdache in Brief
'Berdache' [bərˈdæʃ] refers to a person who identifies with a gender identity that is not exclusively male or female and who may have a traditional role in their indigenous culture, typically a Native American culture. Synonyms include 'two-spirit,' 'third gender,' and 'gender variant.' Berdaches were respected and held a special place in their tribes, often serving as mediators between men and women. The concept of berdache has been present in many indigenous cultures throughout history.
