Why was transgender unheard of in history?

[How to be wise]

If it can be such a big topic today, why was transgender literally unheard of in previous generations? Where were all of the trans men and women back then?

[trenton]

To quote Wikipedia.

"Sumerian and Akkadian texts from 4500 years ago document transgender or transvestite priests known as gala. Likely depictions occur in art around the Mediterranean from 9000 to 3700 years ago. In Ancient Greece, Phrygia, and Rome, there were galli priests that some scholars believe to have been trans women."

 apparently some trans women were priests.  Perhaps they proved their dedication to God by cutting off their private parts and becoming female.  The olden days were intense for religious faith.  I guess that's one way to abstain from sex.  Transgenderism would be an honor if used in this way to prove dedication and integrity.

I remember some ancient emperors were afraid of their guards having sex with the harem of women.  These guards were castrated to prevent them from having sex.  I believe that was in Rome.  They were called Eunuch.

[Carl-Richard]

You're talking about the West. Look up gender fluidity in Hinduism. Echoing Roy's point, even homosexuality was considered a psychiatric illness by the American Psychiatric Association until 1973. And that's only homosexuality.

[vizual]

It’s not unheard of, even the Bible speaks about men acting and dressing like women. The difference is just that we are living in a time where you don’t get prosecuted and/or killed if you come out as a transgender. Even to this day there are countries and cultures where you will be in trouble as a transgender. Think about orthodox muslim countries, transgenders are stoned to death there.