Sexuality and Gender in Antiquity

In antiquity, sexuality and gender were viewed differently than today. Many ancient cultures, such as Greece and Rome, recognized a spectrum of sexual orientations and practices. Relationships between same-sex individuals were often accepted, particularly among men. Gender roles were typically rigid, with clear distinctions between masculine and feminine behaviors. However, some societies included roles for individuals who didn’t conform to these norms, such as the "two spirits" in many Indigenous cultures. Overall, ancient views were complex, reflecting a variety of beliefs about sexual identity and the roles of men and women in society.