While the majority of Western legal systems continue to insist on the existence of only two genders, a demand for the recognition of non-binary gender identities has become increasingly visible. Numerous individuals have gone to court demanding recognition of their identities beyond the binary, with varying degrees of success. This article provides a novel lens through which to consider these contemporary legal claims. Through an exploration of historical and cultural examples of gender beyond the binary, more specifically Byzantine eunuchs and Indian hijras, this article analyses the regulatory forces that permit and promote the existence of non-binary genders. A better understanding of societies that have carved out a space for genders beyond the binary can offer important insights into both the benefits and the dangers of the legal recognition of a third gender.

中文翻译：

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超越二元身份：从拜占庭太监和印度希吉拉到性别流动和非二元身份

尽管大多数西方法律体系继续坚持只有两种性别的存在，但承认非二元性别身份的需求变得越来越明显。许多人已经上法庭，要求在二进制文件之外承认他们的身份，并取得了不同程度的成功。本文提供了一个新颖的视角来考虑这些当代法律主张。通过探索超越二元性别的历史和文化例子，更具体地说是拜占庭太监和印度希吉拉，本文分析了允许和促进非二元性别存在的监管力量。