Transvestites in Marrakech, Djemaa El Fna

[ButtyBoy]

When I was in Marrakech, I saw these transvestites at Jemaa El Fna. Who has seen them too? What's your opinion about them?

The transvestites at Jemaa El Fna are a touristic attraction, and the Moroccan people seemed to like them too. Which kinda surprised me, because I know the general opinion about homosexuality in Morocco (I know that homosexuality and transvestism isn't the same, but still..). I realised that the transvestites were there for entertainment purposes, but I was still surprised to see them in public. I'm guessing that 'real' transvestites would have a harder time being out in public?

In Arab countries, what's the general opinion about transvestites? Are transvestites 'as bad' as gay people, and treated equally?

Can transvestites walk in the steets without getting negative comments or being attacked and so on?

Is transvestism, cross-dressing etc. illegal in the Arab countries in which it is illegal to be gay?

[luxhombre]

I have to go and see this, never heard ot it though!

[8thfloorben]

It's certainly frowned on BIG time in the Qur'an... (And the Bible for that matter!)

[bader]

I have to go and see this, never heard ot it though!

[geisha]

Hey ButtyBoy,

This is indeed very insightful... tks for the info!
What u've raised is really thought-provoking and curious... made me wonder too.


Love ;)
Geisha

[Murat]

i have never understood the attitude to transvestes in the arab world or for Turks. Once i was at a Turkish wedding everybody was watching a belly dancer. I remember asking my mother why a man was dressed as a woman and dancing. she said nothing I was eight years old and it was 1956!

[tiffany_tv]

Well when i was in Marrakech , i did not see them. As a transvestite myself i have to dress in male clothing when out in public in Arab countires and i can only be myself again when i am in the privacy of my hotel room and dressed again. i spent a lot of time in Marrakech, i wonder why i did not see them ? i wonder what the reaction would have been if i had joined them "dressed"?

[serieusboy]

yeh they are very known !!! they are men acting like women soo

[eradesso]

Found this old post while looking around.. so I figured I'd share my knowledge since I
I remember watching a show on tv (think it was Discovery channel or National Geo..or similar) and it explained that in some arab and hindu countries there are transvestites that have a specific role (and they have a specific name i now forget) and they are mainly hired for weddings, births and funerals.
They sing, they bring blessings etc. Sometimes they are hired in "very strict" muslim countries as belly dancers because women aren't allowed... so they basically get the same kick without doing something that isn't allowed.. the arab hypocrisy never ceases to amaze me lol

They are not seen sexually, and as always happens in those countries, people pretend they don't have a sexual life.

In India some consider them deities..