Gender and sex

Work In Progress

Gender and sex, terms that could at times be used interchangeably without representing a clear conceptual difference, referred respectively to the social and biological differences between males and females. Or more accurately in the case of gender, masculinity and femininity. However, gender and sex being binary was not a steadfast rule. There were a range of identities that didn't correspond to this binary notion.

Gender
Some individuals, like the herbalist Fala Lefaliir, did not identify as either male or female. Beholders were an example of species whose members generally did not identify as any gender.

For some individuals, their sex and gender did not align, making them feel uncomfortable with their own body or trapped within it. Such individuals were referred to on another world as being transgender, while in the Realms they were called alun in Elvish, dezek in Orcish, jertrut in Jotun, thoulal in Gnomish, thulol in Dwarvish, urdesk in Goblin, and zalshaer in Halfling.

Transgender individuals typically sought out methods by which to change their biological sex. Such a thing had no stigma surrounding it and those in this state of gender transitioning were referred to in Common as poised Western Heartlands and the Sword Coast, as well as along their trade routes to Chessenta and Sembia. An individual might achieve this change by using magic or (if not gifted in the art) hiring a wizard praying to the gods for a body transformation, or a magic item like the girdle of masculinity/femininity. Those who finished transitioning were sometimes referred to in Common as sildur.

Biological Sex
Some creatures were noted as being able to switch their sex at a whim, such as kobolds, verdans, and yugoloths. Such creatures lacked assigned gender roles in their societies. And yugoloths only identified as a gender depending upon the situation they were in.

Other creatures in the Realms were noted as being sexless, such as beholders, choldriths, driders, malaugryms, mindflayers, and most constructs, like the warforged. Though being sexless biologically did not preclude such creatures from personally identifying in a social sense as either a man or woman. Warforged and malaugryms for example were known to adopt and identify as certain genders. Choldriths chose to identify as female, in reverence to their goddess Lolth. And in rare circumstances, a creature that had underwent ceremorphosis might retain enough of their memories to identify as their former gender, such as the mindflayer Vestress.

A unique example of a sexless species were the aberrations known as grell. Once reaching adulthood, a grell could choose to develop male characteristics and mate with others, who in turn temporarily developed female characteristics. Such a choice was only made by one in every five grell. While these female grells would revert to a sexless state after laying their eggs, male grells could not reverse their bodily changes.

Some species were "hermaphroditic", meaning both biologically male and female. These included aboleths, haundar, leeches and giant leeches, lock lurkers, mortiss, piercers, starsnakes, tentamorts, webbirds, and wingless wonders.

Nagas and slaadi were also hermaphroditic species, yet for some reason other creatures tended to view and refer to them as being either male or female. Similarly, the genderless and sexless beholderkin known as hive mothers were so named by misinformed adventurers.

Personal Pronouns
Individuals that identified as male or female were typically referred to by the terms "he" and "him" or "she" and "her" respectively. Those who identified as neither male nor female would request of others to refer to them as "they." And creatures of a collective consciousness, such as cranium rats, might refer to themselves with collective pronouns like "we" and "us".

In Societies In General
For most societies in the Realms, there was no bias of role on the basis of sex or gender. Many societies tended to have women occupy a domestic role, though people exhibited little to no resistance when a woman chose to occupy a position of leadership or sought to become a proficient magic-user. Though (depending on the species) some professions were more common among certain sexes due to the body weight and strength that was involved, such as smithing.

Cultures where there was equality among the sexes looked down upon those who believed one should oppress the other.

Cross-dressing
Some individuals in the Realms presented themselves as the opposite sex, dressing in clothing that were typically associated with them, like the beautician Talessyr Tranth and the Harper agent Shalar Simgulphin. Such people were referred to in Common as saece. In the Sword Coast North, warriors of either gender who dressed as the opposite (often for the purpose of acquiring a job) were often referred to as winkhelms.

In the city of Waterdeep, some festhalls employed individuals who cross-dressed for the purpose of entertainment.

Sex workers in the Realms were sometimes known to crossdress for a variety of reasons, including simply liking too. Male sex workers that crossdressed were often known as glimmersheaths, though that term was also used to refer to beautiful prostitutes in general. Female sex workers who disguised themselves as men for the purpose of hiding their identity, or for protection from the law and those who disapproved of sex work, were often referred to as slyblades.

Among shield dwarves, women who frequently traveled or "wandered" the Realms would frequently pass themselves off as the opposite gender. Dressing like male dwarves, growing and braiding a beard, adopting a deeper voice, and becoming fluent in cursing. Some claimed this was because in human cities they tended to garner better treatment than visibly female dwarves, but in actuality it was done to avoid the unwanted advances of wandering male shields dwarves, who were avid in finding a mate in light of their race's centuries long decline towards near extinction. Though such behavior gradually lessened over time as a result of the Thunder Blessing.

Languages

 * Ti was a genderless term in Thieves' cant that could refer to a man, woman, or other.
 * The holy warriors, outcast thieves, nomadic bards, and idol priests of Zakhara were generally known by the gender-neutral Midani terms faris, matrud, rawun, and kahin respectively. Though there did exist less commonly used, feminine versions for each in the form of farisa, matruda, rawuna, and kahina.

Titles of Address
There were a variety of titles used to refer to people regardless of their gender. These included the following:
 * The druid, warlock, and wizard forms of spellcaster were all typically referred to by those titles regardless of their sex or gender. With "wizardess" only being used in ancient titles. Though it was not uncommon for people to see a female wizard or sorcerer referred to as a "sorceress".
 * When someone addressed a wizard of uncertain skill they used the term "Master of the Art" regardless of their sex or gender. While those known to be of a low skill were referred to as hedge wizards.
 * The title of "Grand Duke" among the Council of Four in Baldur's Gate was a genderless honorific.
 * The title of "Lord" among the nobility of Mulmaster was a genderless honorific, while the male and female family members of Lords were referred to as "Zor" and "Zora" respectively.
 * The Red Wizards were addressed by the people of Thay as "Master" regardless of their sex or gender.

Religions
Deities were typically portrayed or believed by their followers to be male, female, or genderless. For example, the major members of the Halfling pantheon were women, while the Gnome pantheon was entirely made up of men. Deities themselves often preferred one gender over others, but could manifest as any. Even the normally feminine Lolth could be seen manifesting as a male.

Elves (with the exception of drow) often looked down upon those who believed their god to be of only one gender, viewing it as a narrow mindset to quantify gods in mortal terms. In turn, all members of the Elven pantheon were represented in art by both male and female forms. For example, in Cormanthor, there were statues of the Seldarine in either both their male and female forms or in a single androgynous form.

When it came to clergy, most religions allowed individuals of any gender to become members, though some only allowed those of a particular gender. Due to long standing traditions the Dwarven faiths, up until the Time of Troubles, required priests to be the same gender as the Dwarven deity they served. This practice ceased following that event, though priests of the opposite gender were likely to receive some resentment. The churches of Marthammor and Thard Harr were exceptions to this, having broken from the tradition long before the Time of Troubles. And in the nation of Wa, monasteries generally only allowed men, with Nakamura being a notable exception to this rule.

Generally the word "priest" was used as a gender-neutral term, however, the titles priest and priestess were often used interchangeably. In some cases, "priestess" was used to refer to members of a clergy that consisted of only women. The Church of Deneir was one such faith to use the term "priest" regardless of gender. When addressing a cleric of uncertain rank, people would use the terms "Avowed" or "Devout." Specialty priests more often had gendered terms, though some churches had genderless ones. Such as the Dreadmasters of the Church of Bane, the Doommasters of the Church of Beshaba, the Joybringers of the Church of Lliira, and the Stormlords of the Church of Talos.

Some churches, while allowing a mix of genders in their clergy, had segregated ceremonies. For example, the Church of Lolth performed private ceremonies behind closed doors in which men were not allowed, but its public ceremonies allowed both men and women. In that female dominated society, the Church of Vhaeraun stood out as advocates of the drow creating a society of equality between the sexes on the surface. Others had women live in separate quarters, such as the Strong Claw Monastery, or in entirely separate buildings or temples, such as the Moralist faith.

Some faiths had priestly vestments differ depending upon a priest's sex. For example, the Church of Sune had men wear robes and women wear habits, both dyed crimson. While the Church of Beshaba had male priests wear robes of crimson and female priests wear robes of black, mauve, and purple.

Lamas, the religious leaders of the Plain of Horses, could be either male or female. Though in the city of Li-Raz, who sought to curb the growth of lamas, encoded in their laws that a male lama could not speak to women in public.

Among Demihumans and Humanoids

 * Cyclopskin had patriarchal societies, where women were expected to be subservient to men.
 * Deep gnomes had a strict division of labor among gender lines.
 * Devils had no conception of gender, but were likely to adopt a gendered appearance that conformed to what a mortal expected, especially devils that were known to mortals like the Lords of the Nine Hells.
 * Dwarven society generally had equal rights in both family and clan for all sexes and genders. Notably, adventuring was once almost exclusively the providence of male dwarves, but over time female dwarves became involved in the activity. By the 14th century DR women had achieved equal opportunities and status in dwarven society. By that time one could find all-male, all-female, and mixed bands of adventuring dwarves.
 * Gold dwarves had a long history of favoring female rulers.
 * Shield dwarves and their kingdoms in the the north were traditionally a patriarchal people, but their race's steady decline over the centuries left many to consider new ways of doing things.
 * Elven societies generally had equality among the genders, reflective of their pantheon the Seldarine.
 * Aquatic elves had largely patriarchal societies, though women held considerable influence, particularly among their clerics and wizards.
 * Drow, specifically the udadrow, lived in a militaristic matriarchal society. Influenced by the Church of Lolth's dogma, men were largely considered to be inferior physically, mentally, and spiritually. With women being afforded better opportunities and lording over their male relatives. And these gender prejudices extended to other creatures. Though in the lowest ranks of udadrow society, both genders could be seen occupying the role of artisan, household servant, shopkeeper, and soldier. Their status in society inspired many male drow to excel, finding subtle and nontraditional roads to power. This was typically done through accomplishments in the magical field or in the military, though even then, most udadrow cities had a segregated army.
 * Green elves often had segregated villages that were governed by either a matriarchy or patriarchy, though some villages were jointly ruled by both men and women.
 * Among frost giants there was no societal distinction made between men and women, with both being viewed equally under the ordning and the elderly of both handling child rearing.
 * Goblinoids had patriarchal societies, where men held all the power and women were expected to stay home and raise as many young as possible. Women were generally not allowed to engage in a clan's battles or hunts. Because of this attitude, female goblinoids often left their clans and became adventurers in search of better opportunities.
 * Goliaths viewed men and women as equal in all things and did not tie birth names to sex. They were puzzled by and mocked societies that had gender roles.
 * Grung typically lived in matriarchal communities, ruled by a female war chief, though some were led by a male king or chief.
 * Hai nu, a race of aquatic humanoids native to Kara-Tur, lived in matriarchal communities.
 * Ixzan communities made no distinctions between the genders in their caste system.
 * Kir-lanan made no social distinctions between sexes.
 * Kopru lived in small colonies governed by women.
 * Lizardfolk had patriarchal tribal societies, where women were in charge of maintaining camps and raising the hatchlings.
 * Locathah communities that were small in number had a patriarchal bent to them, but once any community of this race reached over a hundred members it gradually shifted into a matriarchy.
 * Orcs had patriarchal societies where women were often regulated to the role of wife and servant, though rarely a particularly tough orc woman managed to muscle her way into armies. Though who sought power within their community often turned to becoming adepts, clerics, or druids.
 * Tinker gnome society was noted as having equality among the sexes.

Among Humans
Humans typically seemed to provide equal chances to both males and females, though this could vary depending upon the ethnic group. Among the Bedine tribes of Anauroch for instance, men generally had more freedom than women.

It was permissible in Bedine society for men to closely approach women of another family, though it was considered "brazen" for women to do the same, even when riding a camel. Women were not permitted to speak privately with men of another family and marriages were arranged by fathers, though most tribes gave daughters the right to veto marriage choices. And Bedine women who wielded magic were viewed as threats to the social order. Altogether, this left some women among the Bedine to desire greater independence and rumors circulated of tribes that were run by women or composed entirely of them.

The Marsh Drovers, the ethnic humans of the Farsea Marshes, had a matriarchal culture and yet had men and women strictly divided in labor roles as hunters or herders and heads of households respectively.

During the 14 century DR, the Northlanders of the Moonshae Isles generally restricted their women from meeting with strangers. Nor did they normally allow women to fish or join in raids.

In the Great Glacier, the Nakulutiuns held all sexes in equality status and the Iulutiuns had no fixed gender roles, though men often tended to hunting while women raised children.

The wu-haltai of the Northern Wastes were a fairly egalitarian people. In their culture women were consulted in all manners, but rarely played a leading role beyond that of a shaman.

Distinctions in Clothing & Hair

 * Abas were worn by all members of Bedine tribes, though women were made to cover their faces, with the exception of when alone with themselves or their spouse. The wearing of a veil for women in these tribes began at the onset of puberty, though sometimes earlier. An exception to this was the tribes that dwelled in the eastern central stretches of the Sword, as among them women went without veils and men covered their faces with scarves.
 * Drow of both genders typically wore their snow-white hair long.
 * Male and female dwarves often dressed in a similar manner of dress and had a similar tone of voice. This was especially true of arctic dwarves and wild dwarves.
 * In terms of hair, both genders among the gold dwarves, shield dwarves, urdunnir, and wild dwarves. grew their hair out long,   Gold dwarves  and wild dwarves often had elaborately braided their hair, with the latter weaving in into crude clothing.
 * Both genders among all dwarves regularly oiled, trim, perfumed, or shaved their beards. Shaving was most common among female dwarves, though they had no societal expectations to do so. At times they did this so they could match the standards of beauty in human societies. And both genders of dwarf were seen to hang gems or gold ornaments on their beards.
 * Lythari typically dressed in a similar manner regardless of sex.
 * The Reigar, a race of androgynous spacefaring humanoids, attached no gender distinctions to dress, makeup, and hairstyling.
 * Strongheart halflings of both genders tended to grow sideburns down to the mid-cheek and plaited them into long braids.
 * Triton males kept their hair short, while females let it grow long. Though both genders were known to braid their hair.

Faerûn
In east Faerûn, The nation of Mulhorand, for much of its history, was patriarchal in nature and had encoded in its inheritance laws that the first son of a family would be the one to inherit two-thirds of a family's property and the second son getting the remainder. But by 1372 DR, under the reign of Horustep III, its laws started enforcing equality between the sexes.

In the Moonsea Lands of north Faerûn, the nobility and wealthy merchants of the city-state of Mulmaster expected women to wear the skimpier fashions they managed to obtain from warmer lands to the south. To compensate for this, women grew their hair out long, wore huge fur cloaks, and silk under-robes lined with cotton.

In northeast Faerûn, the nation of Rashemen was, on its surface, a society that seemed patriarchal to outsiders and was ruled by powerful male warrior called the Iron Lord. But in actuality, the nation was a magocratic matriarchy, wherein the true rulers&mdash;the Wychlaran or "Witches of Rashemen"&mdash;chose men for the position of Iron Lord in order to deal with questions of daily rulership and command their armies. The native humans of this land, the Rashemaar, all viewed themselves as warriors regardless of their gender and were allowed to participate in the same vigorous activities. Women were also taught to fight and properly wield weapons,

In northwest Faerûn, there was relatively good social standing between men and women. This was especially true of the port-city Luskan, where men and women had equal standing in society. Elsewhere in that region of Faerûn, the city of Waterdeep was accepting of all gender identities and the Kryptgarden Forest was home to a matriarchal clan known as the Enclave Panax Anima.

In southeast Faerûn, the nation of Dambrath was a matriarchy during the reign of the Crinti.

In the Vilhon Reach region of Interior Faerûn, the Shining Plains women typically had a domestic role in life, but were free to pursue any profession except politics and marriages were viewed as even partnerships. By 1370 DR there were increasingly calls for women to be allowed into politics and sages speculated that women would gain the right within a few years. In a body of water in this region, also known as the Vilhon Reach, stood the small Isle of Ixinos where lived a amazon-style culture where women were trained almost from their birth to fight.

In west Faerûn, the nation of Calimshan had codified gender divisions and women were of a lesser status in society. Women were expected to maintain the home, raise children, and manage funds. Unlike men, they were allowed to marry above their social class. Disgrace would befall any woman who failed to get married, leading them to live shamefully with their parents or be objected from the household. From the perspective of the people of northwest Faerûn or "Northerners," the Calishite treatment of women was inhumane.

Hordelands
The various indigenous, nomadic human tribes of the Hordelands lived with equality among men and women. Men generally served as leaders and warriors, while women served in domestic roles, though it was not unknown for women to take up such roles and women warriors especially were treated as equals. Children of both genders were taught at young age the art of archery and divorces (though frowned upon) could be initiated by either spouse.

Kara-Tur
Women were afforded many liberties in the Plain of Horses. There they were allowed to hold government, own property (but neither men nor women could own land), choose their own spouse, have affairs without legal repercussion, and property inheritance passed down through them. Some tribes in the region preferred female rulers. And whenever a child was born, it was always raised by its mother's family without concern for the father's identity.

By contrast, women in Wa had a lesser status then men, being unable to divorce their husbands and expected to submit to men. And men were taught from a young age to respect and not mistreat them.

Maztica
Most of the native human societies of Maztica had patriarchal structures, with the most patriarchal of all being the nation of Huacli.

By contrast, the Dog People of northern Maztica and the Payit people had a fairly equal societies, with the latter being accepting of women in positions of power and the former allowing women to serve as warriors.

Zakhara
Generally, gender did not affect one's station in life in Zakhara. However, women were often the target of blame for dishonorable acts, all homes had separate quarters for them, and those who lived a nomadic life had more freedom than those who lived in cities.

In terms of clothing, women in Zakhara generally wore veils, especially in settlements. Women in regions controlled by the Moralist faith commonly wore full-body robes, known as chador, and in such regions barbers were required to only offer their services to those of the same gender. A few tribes went so far as to have women hide their features behind dark, heavy masks.