Gender swapping for life - Burneshas and Hijras

Sworn Virgins or "Burnesha" are biological females in the Balkans who choose to take on the social identity of a man, usually to avoid social rites and traditional obligations assigned to women such as marriage and child bearing. They change their appearances, mannerisms and names for life, and take a vow of celibacy.

The "Hijra" are a number of biological males in South Asia who have feminine gender identity, adopt female gender roles and wear women's clothing. They are often perceived as a 'third sex', and some identify and live completely as women, although few have had genital modifications. Some Hijra renounce sexuality altogether, but many are employed as prostitutes.