The 'Curing' of Australia’s First Transgender Man

[Natasha]

The 'Curing' of Australia's First Transgender Man

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2013/12/the-curing-of-australia-s-first-transgender-man/282447/
12/18/13
Olga Khazan

One Irish maid lived as a man in 19th-century Melbourne for decades. The horrifying story of his discovery and "treatment" speaks to attitudes about transgender people that circulate to this day.

[Jamie D]

Interesting history.

Though uncommon, even in that day, FAABs living as men were sometimes noted in some societies and cultures.  The "Sworn Virgins" of Albania come to mind.

The article mentions the American West.  There were several similar individuals who were accepted in their masculine role.  Martha Jane "Calamity Jane" Canary, perhaps being the most famous.

Edit: Here are some other examples

http://www2.wi.net/~maracon/lesson2.html