Throughout history, many societies recognized people whose gender identity or expression differed from the sex they were assigned at birth. Although the cultural meanings of these roles varied, they show that gender diversity is not a modern phenomenon but a recurring aspect of human societies. Notable examples include We’wha (1849–1896), who served as a cultural ambassador; the Roman emperor Elagabalus (218–222 CE), described as preferring feminine titles and clothing; and South Asia’s Hijra co

Gender equality means empowering women and girls