[Dragaera] Shamanism and sexual identity

[Maximilian Wilson]

Wikipedia has an interesting note about shamans:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shamanism#Gender_and_sexuality

In some societies, shamans exhibit a two-spirit identity, assuming the
dress, attributes, role or function of the opposite sex, gender
fluidity and/or same-sex sexual orientation. This practice is common,
and found among the Chukchi, Sea Dayak, Patagonians, Araucanians,
Arapaho, Cheyenne, Navajo, Pawnee, Lakota, and Ute, as well as many
other Native American tribes. Indeed, these two-spirited shamans were
so widespread as to suggest a very ancient origin of the practice.
See, for example, Joseph Campbell's map in his The Historical Atlas of
World Mythology [Vol I: The Way of the Animal Powers: Part 2: pg 174]
Such two-spirit shamans are thought to be especially powerful, and
Shamanism so important to ancestral populations that it may have
contributed to the maintenance of genes for transgendered individuals
in breeding populations over evolutionary time through the mechanism
of "kin selection." [see final chapter of E.O. Wilson's "Sociobiology:
The New Synthesis] They are highly respected and sought out in their
tribes, as they will bring high status to their mates.

Interesting in light of what Sethra says about Drien.

-Max

-- 
"The presentation or 'gift' of the Holy Ghost simply confers upon a
man the right to receive at any time, when he is worthy of it and
desires it, the power and light of truth of the Holy Ghost, although
he may often be left to his own spirit and judgment." --Joseph F.
Smith (manual, p. 69)

"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my
brethren, ye have done it unto me."