The Delta of Amacuro, located in eastern Venezuela, is considered one of the most inhospitable places in the world. For the past 8,500 years, the Warao Indians have made their home in its 20,000 square kilometers of water canals and swamps. Despite the significant acculturation they have endured due to colonialism, the Warao people have successfully preserved their culture and way of life, deeply intertwined with this environment.
Before the late 20th century, the term 'berdache' was commonly used by anthropologists as a general term to describe 'two-spirit' or transgender individuals. In Native American societies, berdaches held vital roles, both in religious and economic aspects. They were assigned specific duties within their religion and were not expected to provide for their families in the same way as males. Instead, they undertook some of the women's work and adopted the behaviors and attire of women.