Page 2 of 18 Introduction“Male,” “female,” “man,” and “woman,” are only words. One cannot deny the reality that there is diversity in the chemical and physical make-up of human bodies. However, the notion of definite and prescribed social behaviors and attitudes based on the form and function of one’s body is built on infinite interactions, ideas, and events throughout the history of humankind. The decisions we make today about what to wear, how to speak to one another, or countless other ways that we “perform gender,” are influenced by this history more than it is possible for us to know. Concepts of gender are deeply ingrained in the cultures in which they exist, and differ even on an individual basis. Thus, whenever one investigates  Gender identity, the deep history behind these words must be acknowledged. South Africa has a long history of patrilineal rule, and of masculine dominance. In examining the history of same-sexuality and gender variance in this country, I wondered how masculine women and transgender men fit into this history. Same-sex partnerships and the existence of people who crossed lines of gender (or who even stood on the line itself) are an undeniable part of South African history. Knowing this, I wondered how these individuals were treated in their communities – were they elevated to a higher level of respect because men and masculinity are seen as powerful? Shunned and concealed from public view because their identity was somehow false? Or, was their worth as humans examined holistically, their gender only a part of the equation? In addition to trying to uncover the history of gender variance in South Africa, I wanted to find out what life is like today for South African masculine- and male-identified women and transgender men. What challenges do they face? How has the larger ‘queer’ community been affected since the introduction of the term “transgender,” and the recent development of a transgender rights movement? What are organizations that claim to address the needs of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) population doing specifically to serve the needs of transgender people and those who do not conform to prescribed gender norms? Are transgender people looking to these organizations for support? Through this paper, I seek to begin to reveal the history of gender variance, female masculinity, and transgender male identity in South Africa, and give voice to the life histories, challenges and concerns of individuals who identify this way. Additionally, I seek to determine if and where these individuals find support, and whether LGBT non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are giving serious consideration to the unique needs of transgender and gender non-conforming people.
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