About the Book

Indonesia provides particularly interesting examples of gender diversity. Same-sex relations, transvestism and cross-gender behaviour have long been noted amongst a wide range of Indonesian peoples.

Based on extensive ethnographic research, this book is an exploration on the nature of gender diversity in Indonesia. It discusses in particular "calalai’" – female-born individuals who identify as neither female nor male, "calabai’" – male-born individuals who also identify as neither male nor female, and "bissu" an order of pre-Islamic shamans, who embody a perfect combination of female and male elements.  Examining the role of these "intersexed" groups in everyday rituals, this book looks in particular at wedding ceremonies, both low-status and high-status and concludes by discussing the place of such "intersexed" identities in gender theory.