J'naii

The J'naii are an adrogynous race located on a planet of the same name (aboriginal) in the Alpha Quadrant. Most J'naii do not exhibit bioligical distinctions such as "male," "female," etc. as nearly all other known sentient beings do. There may be exceptions to this pattern, but J'naii society is not open on this subject in general.

Until recently, J'naii society rejected the concept of sexuality completely. The small number of J'naii who appear to be born into more traditional sexual or anatomical traits are thought to need "therapy" to remove the gender-identification (though it is unclear if this is a physical or psychological endeavour).

Such a squelching of individuality runs counter to the diverse values of the Federation, a discrepancy that came up when the USS Enterprise-D visited the planet in the 24th century. Commander William Riker began a brief relationship there with a J'naii person who exhibited female physical and phychological traits. The planet's government removed "her" remaining thoughts, emotions, and physicality that were inherently female.

Exposure to the principles of the Federation (which includes a variety of alternative-gender societies such as the Andorians, Bolians, and Hermats, and also a large number of intensely sexual peoples such as the Deltans, Risians, and Orions), may soften attitudes toward the minority of J'naii society who exhibit traits of both individual gender and sexuality.