Identifying Slut-Shaming, Racism, and Transphobia in the Byzantine World

Introduction to Byzantine Intersectionality

• Sarah E. Bond's article discusses Roland Betancourt's book, highlighting intersectionality in the Byzantine world.

• Importance of examining gender, race, and sexuality in historical contexts.

Key Figures and Works

• Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch: Featured in the Menologion of Basil II, symbolizing notable biblical narratives.

• Sarah E. Bond: Associate professor of history and author of "Trade and Taboo"; focuses on antiquity and digital humanities.

• Roland Betancourt: Author of "Byzantine Intersectionality: Sexuality, Gender, and Race in the Middle Ages".

Themes Explored

Slut-Shaming and Intersectionality

• Mary of Egypt: Story focuses on her promiscuous past and later ascetic life; serves as an example of historical slut-shaming.

• Modern parallels with the treatment of public figures like Megan Thee Stallion and Cardi B, showcasing ongoing biases against women of color.

• Concept of intersectionality coined by Kimberlé Crenshaw highlights overlapping forms of discrimination.

Historical Context and Methodology

• Microhistory: Focus on specific incidents to shed light on larger injustices (e.g., Flint Water Crisis).

• Minor History: Close analysis of lesser-known figures to reconstruct their identities and contributions.

• Betancourt’s approach utilizes case studies termed "miniscule intersectional histories," emphasizing marginalized voices in Byzantine history.

Chapters Overview

1. Chapter 1: Examines the Annunciation and issues of consent.

2. Chapter 2: Investigates the Empress Theodora's experiences of slut-shaming, connected to abortion and contraception discussions.

3. Chapter 3: Explores historical evidence of transgender and gender nonconforming individuals in Byzantine texts.

4. Chapter 4: Analyzes the narrative of Doubting Thomas to reflect on same-gender desire and monastic life.

5. Final Chapter: Focus on the Ethiopian Eunuch's intersectional identity, representing a complex figure in early Christianity.

Artistic Representations

• Visual Narratives: Examination of illustrations accompanying narratives suggests rich interplay between art and societal concepts of race and gender.

• Emphasis on how Byzantine art reflects the historical attitudes towards sexuality and race.

Conclusion

• Betancourt's work is crucial for understanding the intricacies of queerness, sexual violence, and racial dynamics in many dimensions of ancient and medieval life.

• The text pushes for broader inclusion of trans/gender-variant perspectives in historical analysis.

• Advocacy for the incorporation of critical race theory principles into humanities education, emphasizing the need for diverse and nuanced historical narratives.