Unraveling the Eunuch Myth: Men, Eunuchs, and the Multifaceted Nature of their Roles

Abstract

The purpose behind this study is to examine the factors contributing to the prevalence of large number of eunuchs worldwide, with specifically focus on Pakistan. The Eunuchs are marginalized subcultural groups that include those who identified as genderqueer women. Their unique begging techniques, such as slapping their hollow hands together, are one of their strategies to divert others attention towards them. Data for the paper was gathered from 12 semi-structured interviews with Eunuch and three semi-structured interviews with Guru in three Dera locations: Taxila, Wah, and Hasanabdal. Their live experiences were also recorded from childhood to old age across a wide range of settings, such as family, school, Guru, Dera colleagues, the workplace, and encounters with the public. The findings showed that, despite the fact that some of the eunuchs that come out in the market may look or behave in a manner that is often associated with eunuchs, most of them are male, and some of them were even married. They adopt it for economic reasons; however, adopting an artificial female role has caused role conflict in their lives. Traditionally, at household level, a male is supposed to take care of the home, such as finances, and appear masculine, but adopting an artificial female role for the male body increases the complications at social and family levels. The men by the name of Bread Winner have been facing exploitation, pushing them to adopt a character that is culturally and socially forbidden in the Pakistani community.