Calabai is one of the five genders (if you include Bissu). According to the Bugis gender system, a calabai is a 'false woman'. So, to be a calabai, the person would be outwardly a man, but, in every other aspect, a woman. However, not being a woman, they do not consider themselves so, and neither do others. Nor do they want to becom women. But, they are not men either, and have created a special place for themselves within Bugis society.

PropertyValue
dbpprop:abstract
  • Calabai is one of the five genders (if you include Bissu). According to the Bugis gender system, a calabai is a 'false woman'. So, to be a calabai, the person would be outwardly a man, but, in every other aspect, a woman. However, not being a woman, they do not consider themselves so, and neither do others. Nor do they want to becom women. But, they are not men either, and have created a special place for themselves within Bugis society. "If there is to be a wedding in Bugis society, more often than not calabai will be involved in the organisation. When a wedding date has been agreed upon, the family will approach a calabai and negotiate a wedding plan. The calabai will be responsible for many things: setting up and decorating the tent, arranging the bridal chairs, bridal gown, costumes for the groom and the entire wedding party (numbering up to twenty-five), makeup for all those involved, and all the food. Rarely did I attend a village wedding with less than a thousand guests. On the day, some calabai remain in the kitchen preparing food while others form part of the reception, showing guests to their seats. "[Sharyn Graham]
dbpprop:date
  • June 2009
dbpprop:reference
dbpprop:wikiPageUsesTemplate
rdfs:comment
  • Calabai is one of the five genders (if you include Bissu). According to the Bugis gender system, a calabai is a 'false woman'. So, to be a calabai, the person would be outwardly a man, but, in every other aspect, a woman. However, not being a woman, they do not consider themselves so, and neither do others. Nor do they want to becom women. But, they are not men either, and have created a special place for themselves within Bugis society.
rdfs:label
  • Calabai
skos:subject
foaf:page