BACKGROUND — Gender & Sexuality

[Vincent Veneficus]

GENDER AND SEXUALITY
In Aetheran culture, gender and sexuality are deeply fluid concepts, especially in light of their advanced magical and technological developments, including the introduction of the Birthing Crystal. This unique crystal, which enables all sentient beings—regardless of race or gender—to produce offspring, has further blurred the lines of traditional gender roles and biological limitations.

Historically, Aetheran society has always been open-minded and accepting of diverse identities. The culture's inherent focus on balance, elemental harmony, and interconnectedness reflects this in both philosophical and practical aspects. Aetherans believe that every individual is a unique blend of elemental forces and spiritual energy, which transcends rigid classifications like gender. This perspective is rooted in their view of the Aetheran Compass, a guiding principle that emphasizes balance between forces of nature, emotion, and identity.

The presence of the Birthing Crystal revolutionized their understanding of reproduction and family structures. It allows any individual, regardless of gender identity or physical attributes, to bear children, fostering a society where relationships and partnerships are based on personal connection rather than biological necessity. This crystal-based reproductive ability also means that relationships in Aetheran society are largely liberated from the constraints of traditional heteronormativity or binary gender roles.

As a result, gender identity in Aetheran culture is fluid, with individuals often defining themselves in relation to their elemental affinities, personal experiences, or magical abilities rather than adhering to a fixed gender binary. Gender is seen more as a spectrum or even a reflection of one's connection to the elements, and Aetherans may shift their gender identity throughout their lives as they explore different facets of themselves.

Sexuality, similarly, is viewed through an open and non-restrictive lens. Since gender is not a strict boundary and the societal structure supports diverse forms of family and reproduction, relationships are often defined by emotional and spiritual compatibility. The concept of love, attraction, and partnership is based on the balance and flow of energies between individuals, which can manifest in any form, be it same-gender, different-gender, or multi-gender relationships.

The Aetherans' approach to gender and sexuality is one of openness, fluidity, and acceptance, deeply intertwined with their understanding of elemental balance and magic. The Birthing Crystal plays a central role in this, allowing individuals to form families and relationships based on personal connection and emotional resonance rather than biological limitations.

PRIDE CELEBRATIONS
The Aetheran people's openness regarding gender and sexuality makes the concept of a dedicated celebration like Pride a cultural curiosity to them. In Aetheran society, where fluidity in identity is normalized and embraced from birth, there has never been a need to create a distinct event to celebrate such diversity—it is a natural part of daily life. For the Aetherans, concepts like gender and sexuality are integrated into their worldview, grounded in their belief in elemental balance and the freedom of the individual to evolve throughout their life. Therefore, while they respect the importance of Pride for other cultures, they don't immediately grasp why such an event is necessary.

When Aetherans participate in Pride celebrations with other cultures, they do so out of respect and solidarity, acknowledging that not all societies are as accepting as theirs. However, they often find the celebration puzzling from a cultural standpoint, particularly due to the symbolism involved—especially the use of the rainbow motif.

In Aetheran tradition, rainbows and bright colors have a strong association with funerals and the transition of a soul back into the Aetheril flow, the cosmic stream of elemental energy that binds all life. Funerals in Aetheran culture are vibrant affairs, where mourners wear colors representing the elemental forces (earth, fire, water, air, and aether) to symbolize the deceased's return to these fundamental forces. Each hue carries a profound meaning tied to life, death, and the eternal cycle of energy in their world.

Thus, when Aetherans unfamiliar with Pride see a rainbow-clad celebration, they may initially confuse it with a funeral. The rich display of colors could lead them to think it is a ritual honoring someone's transition into the next phase of existence, particularly if they do not understand the cultural significance behind the celebration. Some may even feel a sense of reverence or solemnity at first, mistaking the vibrant displays for a gathering to honor the passing of a great figure.

This confusion is generally short-lived, as Aetherans are quick to learn and adapt. Once the true purpose of Pride is explained to them—celebrating diversity, freedom of identity, and the fight for equality—they embrace it wholeheartedly, though still with a tinge of fascination. For them, the joy and expression that Pride embodies are always welcome, even if the underlying struggle for such acceptance is foreign to their experience.

In joining the celebrations, Aetherans often contribute their own cultural flair. Rather than focusing on the rainbow as a singular symbol of unity, they might invoke elemental displays or perform magical acts that reflect their society's fluidity and respect for balance. They bring with them the idea that identity is an ongoing journey, one that flows and changes much like the elements themselves. While Pride may initially evoke thoughts of a funeral for them, once they understand its significance, they honor the celebration with their own unique understanding of life, identity, and transformation.

In this way, Aetherans not only respect the traditions of other cultures but add their own vibrant perspective to Pride celebrations, enhancing the richness of these events while deepening their own connections with the people around them.

BEING TRANSGENDER IN AETHERAN CULTURE
Aetherans believe deeply in the freedom to be who you truly are on the inside, and this extends naturally to their views on gender. Transgender individuals in Aetheran society are fully embraced, as gender is considered fluid and changeable. With their strong magical potential, Aetherans can shift their physical form to align with their gender identity, either through glamour spells that alter their appearance or more permanent magical transformations of their bodies. The choice to embody one's inner self is seen as a fundamental expression of personal truth, and there is no stigma attached to such transformations. To the Aetherans, it is simply a natural part of the journey of self-discovery and alignment with one’s true essence.