Third Gender: A Qualitative Study of the Experience of Individuals Who Identify as Being Neither Man nor Woman

Abstract

SUMMARY The lives and experiences of 30individuals (ages 29to 77, from across the U.S.) who experience themselves as neither man nor woman, but “more like a third gender,” were explored using in-depth interviews and qualitative content analysis based on Grounded Theory. This group exhibited a high degree of resilience, courage, compassion and creativity developed through lifelong struggles with identity and authenticity issues, and by facing ostracism, pressures to conform, and actual or threatened violence. Parallels suggested by third-gendered roles of non-Western cultures include a significant number (93%) reporting experiences of transcendent spiritual events or unusual abilities. Other parallels include considerable numbers of artists, healers, and acting in mediating and leadership roles.