Whilst the author has spoken in depth of Sacramento’s Nisenan Tribe and her neighbors, she will now speak of the Yokuts. Despite the fact that these people dwelled in what is today called the San Joaquin Valley, they also held some of the southernmost tips of the Sacramento Metropolitan Statistical Area. Unbeknownst to most, this Californian Tribe held an especially prominent role for trans-women.

Whilst all Californian Tribes had their fabulous trans-people, the trans-women of the Yokuts enjoyed a most unusual privilege—they took on the role of undertaker! Undertaking was an important task to the Californian natives, yet nevertheless, it was a frightening task that only the chosen few could handle. Death was a moment of great concern, and once someone had passed, a variety of steps were taken to prevent the deceased’s spirit from returning home. The world was only for the living, and thus ghosts were horrifically feared. Because of the trans-women’s extraordinary power, they were considered equipped with the strength and power of handling the situation. As for why trans-women were specifically chosen out for this task, it is not recorded, but nevertheless, it is obvious that trans-people were seen to be imbued with powers unavailable to the common majority.

In accordance to custom, it was the trans-women who prepared the deceased for cremation or burial. Once complete, the undertakers were then allowed to keep the dead’s property. The fact that they were allowed to do this is alone highly unusual, for that was normally a strict taboo. Not burning or at least burying the deceased's property might in the Yokuts’ belief system give the spirit a reason to return. For whatever reason this might be, trans-women were powerful enough to be exempt of this regulation. Aside from the funerary rights, there was one other step to the role of the undertakers, which was in conducting the annual mourning ceremony, an event in which the dead were remembered.

In conclusion, it is obvious that trans-women helped keep the Yokuts’ world in balance. Serving as intermediaries between the living and the deceased, they were seen as the ones who helped all spirits transition after death. Though times have of course changed, the essayist realizes the necessity of seeing value in everyone. In order for the trans-community to advance in today’s society, trans-people must first come to see themselves as invaluable and worthwhile people. With a mix of ancient wisdom, modern science and open-mindedness, the misunderstood will become understood and accepted.