Arts and Humanities Commons^™

Gender Identities Outside Of The Binary Existed In Ancient Rome, Samuel Cash

Research on Capitol Hill

Transgender individuals are erased from the historical narrative due to little definitive evidence of their existence in language, literature, or the archaeological record. Items like clothing, textiles, and wigs, which distinguished them from cisgender people, are largely lost to time. However, one way that we can view gender nonconformity is through art. This presentation analyzes the use of androgyny and gender non-conformity in Greco-Roman marble statues, focusing on Apollo. Although he is biologically male, Apollo is known for being effeminate and gender non-conforming. His physical appearance contributes to his feminine attributes, including his androgynous body structure, hairstyle, and clothing. This …