Good for you. One example.
Goddess Tara, a female Buddha and meditational deity, is one of the most popular goddess in the Buddhist pantheon. She is considered to be the goddess of universal compassion who represents virtuous and enlightened activity.
The word Tara itself is derived from the root 'tri' (to cross), hence the implied meaning:' the one who enables living beings to cross the Ocean of Existence and Suffering'. Her compassion for living beings, her desire to save them from suffering, is said to be even stronger than a mother's love for her children.
The story of Tara's origin, according to the Tara Tantra, recounts that thousands of years ago she was born as a king's daughter. A spiritual princess, she regularly gave offerings and prayers to the ordained monks and nuns. She thus developed great merit, and the monks told her that, because of her spiritual attainments, they would pray that she be reborn as a man and spread Buddhist teachings. She responded that there was no male and no female,(middle sexes E-Boyd) that nothing existed in reality, and that she wished to remain in female form to serve other beings until everyone reached enlightenment, hence implying the shortfall in the monk's knowledge in presuming only male preachers for the Buddhist religion. Thus Tara might be considered one of the first feminists.
Another legend of Tara is that she was born from the tears of Avalokiteshvara (The Buddha of compassion):
"Homage! Tara, swift, heroic. With a glance like flashing
lightning, born from a blooming lotus sprung from the tears on
the face of the Lord of the World."
Another example.
How about AMITABHA also known as MATREYA or in semetic terms the Messiah?
Or Avalokiteshavra or Kwan Yum in cantonese a very popular Diety amongst a host of Southern Chinese peoples sometimes mistaken for Tin Hau Goddess of fishermen who gave birth to Tara through a tear?
According to the Huayen Sutra, Avalokiteshvara transforms himself into forms that suit the nature of those in need. His manifestations or transformation bodies are countless.If a boy or girl is about to gain some enlightenment, Avalokiteshvara transforms himself into a boy or a girl to teach the child.If a monk is about to attain some enlightenment, Avalokiteshvara transforms himself into a monk.
In short, he can change form to best suit the need of those he assists. The purpose of such transformations is to make people feel close to him and willing to listen to his words.
The Idols most popular form looks more female than male.
Am i imagining this pantheon of dietys?
Of course a Buddhist would answer yes as nothing exists in reality, however in that non-existant reality people actually do worship these idols as gods and goddesses and observe rituals,festivals hold pilgramages and pray to them and recount and preserve a host of stories involving magic, supernatural powers and miracles related to them.
Though that is apparently not religion.
PEACE!!!
