There is a lot of controversy in the U.S. regarding gender roles and identification. Many are divided in their beliefs about how gender is assigned. However, a 2021 discovery shows evidence that a non-binary human being lived almost 1,000 years ago.

Non-Binary Found in Finland

In Finland, in 1968, a buried body was discovered by archeologists and published in the European Journal of Archaeology. The body was buried along with a sword and jewelry. DNA results have finally been identified and the body is that of a woman warrior, leading to the conclusion that she may have been a non-binary human.  “Biology does not directly dictate a person’s self-identity,” explained Ulla Moilanen, the study’s lead author and an archaeologist at Finland’s University of Turku.

DNA Sheds Non-Binary Light

Now, nearly 50 years after the discovery, the DNA has finally shed some light on the soldier’s life and identity. Apparently, the chromosomes didn’t match those of a male or a female. Instead, scientists believe the warrior was non-binary and may have had Klinefelter syndrome.

Klinefelter Syndrome Believed to be the Cause

Klinefelter syndrome “is a genetic condition that results when a boy is born with an extra copy of the X chromosome.” According to the Mayo Clinic. It’s a genetic condition that affects around 1 in 600 males and generally isn’t diagnosed until adulthood. However, there are some early signs. Signs include weak muscles or delays in the development of motor skills. In older boys and teens, symptoms include a delay in puberty or none at all. It may also include enlarged breast tissue, an excess of emotions, and less facial or body hair than other boys around the same age. Men may experience these signs as well as an increase in belly fat or a decrease in sexual desires. Conditions like these can lead people to have numerous gender crises including the feeling of being neither male nor female, or in other words, non-binary.

A Well-Respected Warrior

Some individuals in Medieval Scandinavia didn’t adhere to typical gender roles and were valued in society, much like the culture today, a balanced system is in place when it comes to gender norms. However, Medieval Scandinavia was still an “ultra-masculine environment” and “feminine social roles and [who] dressed in feminine clothing were disrespected and considered shameful.” Therefore, it’s unknown if the warrior was indeed non-binary, as another detail arises further convoluting the conclusion.

Non-Binary Choices

A person who identifies as non-binary generally makes that decision for themselves, whereas people with Klinefelter syndrome don’t necessarily identify as non-binary. Either way, the discovery does revolutionize the way people view gender roles, and hopefully create more acceptance for those who choose to lay their own foundation, including identifying as neither male nor female but instead as non-binary.

Others Share in Excitement

Shortly after the discovery, scientists spoke with Livescience to share their excitement, despite not being part of the official project. “It is a well-researched study of an interesting burial,” said Leszek Gardela, a researcher at the National Museum of Denmark. “It demonstrates that early medieval societies had very nuanced approaches to and understandings of gender identities.”

Another Theory

In the same way that it’s a little unclear whether or not the remains belonged to someone who does identify as a non-binary, another theory has been speculated. The research team also suggested the possibility that the person “was associated with feminine magic,” and may have been a shaman. Reportedly, texts from the time show men and women wearing clothing similar to the clothing found buried with the possible non-binary person. The text implies that feminine clothing may have been associated with the Norse god Odin.