Male cross-gender behavior in Myanmar (Burma): a description of the acault.
Cross-gender behavior in Myanmar (formerly Burma) is reported. Western concepts of transsexualism, gynemimesis, transvestism, and homosexuality are not distinct categories by the Burmese. Males with cross-gender behavior are referred to as acaults. Although Myanmar is a profoundly Buddhist society, the people still have strong animistic beliefs with an elaborate system of 37 nats (spirit gods). One of these nats is a female named Manguedon who may take possession of males and impart femininity on them. The cross-gender status of the acaults is sanctioned by their spiritual marriage to Manguedon. The acaults, while not envied, are respected for their roles as shamans and seers.
Coleman
E
E
University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Colgan
P
P
Gooren
L
L
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health / Q000208:ethnology; D006716:Homosexuality / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D002052:Myanmar; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D014189:Transsexualism / Q000208:ethnology*; D014190:Transvestism / Q000208:ethnology*