the problem is the sheer numbers of the ignorant.

Basically, berdache is a word with European origins and connotations. I believe “winkte” is fine, though, as it’s the word that Sioux used.

Also, good points about the Spartans and the Sioux.

I’ve come across commentary recently that ‘berdache’ is offensive terminology, and have tried to avoid using it myself.

Hmmm, well, the one tribe that kicked American butt was the Sioux (Battle Little Big Horn) who regularly had transgendered individuals, Berdache, or as they were known in the Sioux tribe, winktes: http://www.nu-woman.com/berdache.htm. The Sioux also had transmen who lived the life of a warrior. So it doesn’t seem that diversity and acceptance hurt their survival (well until Mr. Winchester invented the rifle).

Also, unlike the white supremist heterosexist film 300, the Spartans were gay through and through - they believe that if you were lovers with the people you fought with, you fought better - indeed, their entire society was built around eugenics (Darwinian Principles) and they were unbeatable at the one thing they cared about (fighting) for 800 years. They believed regular same sex encounters made male better at fighting and since the world hasn’t really seen anything quite like them since (they had an average life expectancy in the 80’s; you didn’t get to vote until you were 60) - seems like both transgender people and homosexuals, instead of unfit, are something Sal Cordova and maybe the Darwinians should explore in further detail - I can provide them with the names of some clubs that are newbie friendly.