The Bodhisattva [Avalokitesvara][1] can be seen as having an indeterminate gender. Quoting from this [website][2] > One interpretation of this development contends that the bodhisattva > is neither male or female but has transcended sexual distinctions > [...] the flowing drapery and soft contours of the body seen in > statues and paintings have been intentionally combined with a visible > moustache to emphasize the absence of sexual identity. So the issue of gender can take on a more flexible interpretation with some more Mahayana aspects of Buddhism [1]: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avalokitesvara [2]: http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/45363/Avalokiteshvara