Genly

Genly is a fictional character from Ursula K. Le Guin's novel *The Left Hand of Darkness*. Genly Ai is the human envoy sent to the planet Gethen, also known as Winter, by the Ekumen, a confederation of planets. Their mission is to invite Gethen to join the Ekumen.

Genly is ambisexual, meaning they can adopt either a male or female sexual state. This is a characteristic shared by all Gethenians, who are hermaphroditic and only develop distinct male or female characteristics during a period of "kemmer," their monthly mating cycle. Genly's species, humans, are sexually dimorphic, possessing fixed male and female sexes. This fundamental difference in biology significantly impacts Genly's interactions and understanding of Gethenian society and culture.

Throughout the novel, Genly struggles to comprehend the Gethenians and their social structures. Their initial attempts to establish diplomatic relations are met with suspicion and misunderstanding. A key relationship develops between Genly and Estraven, a disgraced Gethenian politician who becomes an unlikely ally. Their journey across the frozen planet is central to the narrative, highlighting the challenges of cross-cultural communication and the nature of identity. Genly's experiences on Gethen force them to confront their own preconceived notions and biases, leading to personal growth and a deeper appreciation for the Gethenian way of life. The story explores themes of gender, sexuality, politics, and xenophobia.

---