What is ashemale?

Ashemale refers to individuals assigned male at birth in Albania who adopt a female gender role and live as women. This is a traditional, recognized third gender role within Albanian culture, particularly in rural areas. The phenomenon is also tied to specific societal circumstances and familial needs.

• Motivations: Often, the driving force behind becoming an ashemale is the lack of male heirs in a family. In patriarchal Albanian society, male children are highly valued to carry on the family name, inherit property, and provide for aging parents. If a family only has daughters, one daughter might be chosen to live as a man to fulfill these roles.
• Social Acceptance: Unlike modern concepts of transgender identity which emphasizes individual's inherent sense of self, ashemales are often accepted and even respected within their communities, particularly if the transformation benefits the family. However, acceptance can vary depending on the region and the family's standing.
• Restrictions: Living as an ashemale typically involves taking on male duties and responsibilities, such as working in traditionally male jobs, wearing male clothing, and behaving in a masculine manner. They are expected to remain celibate, and in some cases, take an oath of virginity.
• Distinction from Transgender Identity: It is important to distinguish the ashemale tradition from contemporary understandings of transgender identity. While both involve crossing gender lines, ashemales often make this choice out of social and familial obligation rather than a deep-seated feeling of being female. While some ashemale might feel a closer alignment with the female gender it is still a role/status imposed.

The role of Ashemale provides a compelling example of how gender can be socially constructed and fluid, adapting to specific cultural and historical contexts.