Queerness and Transgender Identity

Abstract

Contemporary Paganism portrays gender in an array of different ways and, as such, is very inclusive of sexual diversity. Much if this phenomenon happens through what Pagans call witchcraft. But how does witchcraft help queer and transgender Pagans take part in the Pagan community? This article will examine different kinds of negotiations regarding the notion of gender. It will give a brief definition of the Pagan movement as found in Montreal and examine how the Montreal traditions of Wicca and Reclaiming Witchcraft develop opposite views on gender. This research suggests that queer negotiations dealing with gender norms in Wicca, and in society at large, position participants in different ways in regards to religious and magical practices, as well as to the Montreal Pagan community. Mainly, these negotiations, rooted in the practice of magic, allow the participants to gain power, in terms of gender identity, over the Wiccan binary and, to some extent, to contest gender stereotypes outside the Pagan community.