Yeshe Tsogyal can rightly be considered a true mother of Tibetan Buddhism. An intriguing eighth century figure shrouded in legend,
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Celebrating diversity in culture, myth and history
Category Archives: Myths & Legends
Obatala’s “Mistakes”
What follows is a story about a favorite character of mine, the Gatherer of Tales. Immortal, he roams the world collecting stories. It is also my attempt to retell myths that celebrate diversity. Continue Reading
The Fisher King’s Son and the Forging of Peredur
The Fisher King’s son, according to Welsh legend, was a blond-haired, gender fluid young man with witch-like powers who guided and mentored his cousin, Sir Peredur, in many of his adventures. Continue Reading
Gonzuole, Liberia’s Solitary Mother Goddess
According to the myths and folklore of the Kran people of Liberia, Gonzuole is a woman who lived alone at the beginning of time, farming her land without any help. Despite the fact that no man ever had sex with her Gonzuole gave birth to beautiful daughters one after the other. The women built a… Continue Reading
Florinda, Chile’s genderfluid heroine
Florinda is a transgender heroine of a folk tale from Chile. Continue Reading
Fenja and Menja, Norse Warrior Women
Fenja and Menja are warrior women and giants who also had the power of prophecy, according to the old Norse poem, “Grotta’s Song.” Continue Reading
Gefion, Norse Patron of Unmarried Virgins
Gefion is a Norse giantess and patron of unmarried virgins. All women who died without having sex with men went to live with Gefion, who brought them eternal happiness. Continue Reading
Freyja, Valkyrie and Sorceress
Freyja is a Norse goddess of love, fertility, war and women’s magic. Continue Reading
Xochipilli, the Aztec Prince of Flowers
In an era of rampant aggression and human suffering, taking time to consider a male deity of flowers and artists seems particularly appealing. In the Aztec language of pre-conquest Mexico, Xochipilli literally means “prince of flowers.” Continue Reading
KUMARA, India’s Confirmed Bachelor Deity
In the pantheon of gods celebrated in India, Kumara catches the queer eye in any number of ways. Continue Reading
Nadleehi–Legends of Navajo Two-Spirits
The name for a Dine or Navajo two-spirit, in real life and in legend, is nadleehi. Nadleehi literally means “one who changes.The legends surrounding nadleehi are among the richest regarding queer figures in Native American cultures. Continue Reading
The Secret of Job’s Daughters
Job’s daughters are mentioned but briefly in the Book of Job, but their story is far more intriguing that it would seem, if you only know where to look. Continue Reading
Loki: Trickster and Gender Rebel
Loki is a trickster god of legend capable of changing his sex at will. He is also the closest thing the old Norse narratives come to queering gender. Continue Reading
Empathy for Ereshkigal: The First Psychotherapy Session Ever?
As someone who teaches the history of psychology, I’ve wondered who might have been the first person to Continue Reading
Two-Spirit Tales–A Berry Curious Raiding Party
Two-spirit folktales, legends about individuals who possess both male and female qualities, are included in the cultures of many Native American tribes. Continue Reading
The Inclusive Message of the Eight Immortals
The Eight Immortals are among the most popular folk figures in China. They also represent a powerful message of inclusion. Continue Reading
Myths and Legends of Interest
Mythic and Legendary Tales Current and Upcoming Inclusion in this category does not imply a belief that the deities or figures do not or did not exist. Rather I am interested in exploring stories that have archetypal echoes that can be or have been re-imagined to speak to a wider and more inclusive modern… Continue Reading
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Baron von Steuben, Washington’s Gay General and Friend
George Washington had no way of knowing that the Baron von Steuben was a fraud. Earlier that summer,
Considering the Hero of Your Life Story
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The Lavender White House
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Conversations with the Serpent
Eating one bad apple isn’t all that happened in that garden.