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Not just ‘eunuchs’ or sex workers: in ancient Mesopotamia, gender-diverse people held positions of power

By Chaya Kasif, PhD Candidate; Assyriologist, Macquarie University

Today, trans people face politicisation of their lives and vilification from politicians, media and parts of broader society.

But in some of history’s earliest civilisations, gender-diverse people were recognised and understood in a wholly different way.

As early as 4,500 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia, for instance, gender-diverse people held important roles in society with professional titles.…

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