How are trans people like Shiva, Joseph, and Joan of Arc? - a podcast by Avery Smith

Instead of an interview, this episode dives into faith history to present three stories that may resonate with trans and nonbinary people today. I draw from others' research to share accounts of: the divine manifestation Shiva from Hindu scriptures (as well as some of his devotees across time); Judaism's Joseph of Genesis; and the Catholic Saint Joan of Arc.



Each of these figures (or their followers) breaks out of the gender roles assigned to them, sometimes facing condemnation for doing so - and yet they share their gifts in ways that bring healing and transformation to themselves and to others.



Content warning: descriptions of anti-trans ideologies and violence. 

Talking Points:

- (0:00 - 3:33) Housekeeping, introducing the episode themes

- (3:34 - 11:06) Shiva - the ultimate binary breaker

- (11:07 - 13:46) Hijras - a "third gender" community of India that will not be erased

- (13:47 - 22:44) Joseph of Genesis - from family violence to the gratitude of whole nations

- (22:45 - 29:21) Saint Joan of Arc - called by God to wear men's attire, adored by peasants

- 29:22 - end) Wrapping up

Resources Used:

- The Man Who Was a Woman: And Other Queer Tales from Hindu Lore by Devdutt Pattanaik

- sapiens.org/body/hijra-india-third-gender/ - article by Ina Goel

- keshetonline.org/resources/baal-hachalomot-keepers-of-the-dreams-parashat-vayeshev/ - article by Karen Lee Erlichman

- myjewishlearning.com/keshet/joseph-liberation-of-a-soul/ - article by Mijael Vera

- keshetonline.org/resources/we-are-family-parashat-vayigash/ - article by Jase Schwartz

- Transgender Warriors by Leslie Feinberg

- qspirit.net/joan-of-arc-cross-dressing-lgbtq/ - article by Kittredge Cherry

- blessedarethebinarybreakers.com/1400-1799

Further episodes of Blessed Are the Binary Breakers

Further podcasts by Avery Smith

Website of Avery Smith