In many cultures, worldwide, more than two genders are recognized. In such places, individuals exist that are perceived as being neither men, nor women. Instead, such individuals are recognized as “third” genders.
The speaker works in two such cultures. Since 2003, he has conducted research in the south Pacific island nation of Samoa, where feminine same-sex attracted males are recognized as a third gender, known locally as fa’afafine.
Since 2015, he has worked in the Istmo region of Oaxaca, Mexico, where feminine same-sex attracted males are recognized as a third gender, known locally by the indigenous Zapotec as muxes. The speaker will describe his research in both these cultures that illuminate the role third gender males play within the family.
Speaker: Dr. Paul Vasey
Dr. Vasey is a Professor and a Board of Governors Research Chair at the University of Lethbridge. His research has been funded by all three of the Canadian tri-council agencies (NSERC, SSHRC & CIHR) in addition to local, provincial and international agencies. He is the author of numerous peer-reviewed articles on sexuality and gender and co-editor of two books. His is an Associate Editor of the Archives of Sexual Behavior.
Vasey’s work has been the subject of various television documentaries (National Geographic, Discovery Channel, The Nature of Things) and has been reported on in hundreds of newspapers and magazines worldwide including Globe & Mail, New York Times, The Economist, National Geographic, and Oprah Magazine. He has been interviewed on U.S National Public Radio, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, and Radio Netherlands.
Moderator: Tad Mitsui
Date: Thursday, March 30, 2017 Time: Noon - 1:30 PM (30 minutes each for presentation, lunch and Q & A) Location: Country Kitchen Catering (lower level of The Keg) 1715 Mayor Magrath Dr. S
Cost: $12.00 (includes lunch) or $2.00 (includes coffee/tea)
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