A characteristically 21st century phenomenon has been the manifestation of the many-coloured splendour of genders, sexes and sexualities. Yet we have also seen a backlash from some religious conservatives. They view anything outside of the traditional world of the heterosexual male or female as the work of the devil. Striking therefore, that the Cathars, for all their austere medieval outlook, would have seen sex and gender in almost exactly the opposite way spiritually
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In the industrialised world, people have come to rely almost exclusively on their intellect to discover and produce things – from new planets to smartphones – and it has resulted in some marvellous inventions and scientific breakthroughs.
The role of Cathar women has suffered two fates: to be demonised by their opponents and idealised by their supporters. Where does the truth actually lie?