Gender Identity in Roshar

"Gender is a construct, identity is what really matters. And on that account, the Almighty will accept you, for by discovering your gender identity, you are getting closer to achieving your calling."

Andandius Therrah
Genderfluid Ardent & Surgeon

History

Rohasr has recognized the existence of gender identity outside of a binary for ages, and there hasn't been any dissent against such identifications since before the Era of Solitude. When the Vorin church was formed, additional gender identifications beyond the binary were enthusiastically accepted by the churches doctrine. The official stance of the modern Vorin church is "The Almighty wants us all to attain our highest form of being, or our calling, which includes a complete understanding of oneself and one's place in Roshar. Therefore, if a person identifies as something else--or beyond--Male and Female, that is the will of the Almighty. The Ardents will encourage followers to explore their identity fully, because by realizing it, they are becoming closer to him." 

While not specifically a religion by any means, and lacking a general conclusive doctrine, those who follow the passions have a more passive approach towards gender identity. In general, it is believed no matter what the passions will accept you, and thus gender identity isn't actively discussed as it is not an aspect the passions even take into consideration.

Due to these stances on gender identity, being non-binary, transgender, agender, genderfluid, intersex etc is not even met with surprise or disrespect by the Roshar public.

Participants

-The individual questioning their gender identity
-A local ardent

Observance

In general, a person is assigned either male or female at birth, however from a young age they are encouraged to explore their identity. Up until their teen years, should a child feel comfortable in one identity or another, that will be recorded by their parents (or local ardent). Once an individual comes of age, their identity will be recorded for identification purposes.

Should someone recognize that they are not the identity on their identification, it is common practice to seek out a local ardent, who will engage with the person, and help guide them into discovering their identity. Once the individual is certain of their gender identity, the ardent will often reintroduce them to their family and friends. At that point, a record of which pronouns the individual uses will be taken and sent to the local lord to update identification records held by the local lord and by the Ardents in the capital of their home land. Further, there is usually some sort of ceremony revolving around the individual's new name (should they take one). This can be anything from as mundane as a brief conversation with loved ones, to a party with close family, to even a large celebration. This all depends on what the individual wants.

In some regions, naming ceremonies are a part of the local culture, and often involve the whole village or town as a person announces their new name. When it comes to name changes, they have to be certified by an Ardent to prevent criminals from being able to abuse the system in order to obscure their identity.