UK Museum Reclassifies Roman Emperor Elagabalus as Transgender Woman

The decision, based on interpretations of classical texts, sparks debate among academics over the accuracy and implications of such historical reclassification.

The North Hertfordshire Museum in the UK has reclassified Roman Emperor Elagabalus as a transgender woman, based on interpretations of classical texts.
Elagabalus, who ruled from AD 218 until his assassination four years later, is said to have insisted on being referred to as a woman and allegedly sought a procedure to transition.
The decision by the museum has sparked debate among academics, with some suggesting the accounts of Elagabalus' gender identity may have been politically motivated insults rather than factual representations.
Moving forward, the museum will use 'she' and 'her' pronouns when referring to Elagabalus in its displays.
Critics argue that such reclassification risks erasing historical figures who identified as gay or bisexual, and normalizing extreme interpretations of historical evidence.