There has been evidence of trans people existing since the beginning of civilisation, in different cultures and contexts. Here, we take a look back to Ancient Rome, especially to the cult of Cybele and her genderqueer followers, known as the Galli. 

Despite the fact that being gay during the Roman Empire period was common, at the time, they were quite strict on gender expression, wanting people to wear clothes that matched their sex assigned at birth. However, some still found ways to break these social rules. Known as the followers of Cybele, the Galli were ‘male’ individuals who behaved and dressed femininely.

There is a record of a Roman author writing about the Galli, saying they would go out of their way “to curl their hair, smooth their legs with pumice stones” and “wear fine clothing. In some cases, surgically removed their testicles.”

But who was Cybele? Known as the mother of the gods, records of the goddess were first seen in Greece in 500 B.C.E. and then in Rome around 205 B.C.E. In Ancient Rome, she was recognised as the mother of the state. Attis was her companion, described as a person who followed Cybele around, who was born male but dressed femininely and “self-castrates”. Later, authors who wrote about Attis started to refer to her as a female. 

Fascinating Roman relief showing an Archigallus. He was head of the ‘Galli’, eunuch priests that led worship of the mother goddess Cybele. The Galli castrated themselves in an orgiastic ritual, grew their hair long, and wore women’s clothing and jewellery. Rome, 2nd century AD pic.twitter.com/yfQD25JtzH

— Gareth Harney (@OptimoPrincipi) May 26, 2022

A popular relief sculpture dating back to the 2nd century is one of the few surviving representations of the Galli, showing a depiction of a Gallus priest. The sculpture is ambiguous in the subject’s gender expression. The person is wearing feminine ornaments, an elaborate headpiece, expressive clothing, a whip, a box of cult objects and musical instruments, jewellery, a torque necklace and a small breastplate, which are all items associated with the Galli. 

Julian the Philosopher, who was the the last non-Christian ruler of the Roman Empire, wrote about the Galli. He wrote that the Galli would chant with musical instruments and that they would offer readings to people on the street and do eccentric dances in return for payment. The Galli used to enhance their individual looks in order to get more money from people. 

There are some records of trans masc individuals in the Roman Empire, but not as many as there were for trans feminine people. Quite a few philosophers have spoken about seeing gender-diverse people. Trans people have always existed, and looking back at history proves that they are here to stay. Acknowledging the genderqueer identitiesof Ancient Rome is a way to honour them and their legacy.