The topic of sexual identity has become a rather fragile topic recently yet most people can claim that the answer is quite simple: One is either born a male or a female, there is no in-between. Is this true however? Below is a video by a woman named Norah Vincent who “became a man” and this is her reaction to it (I could not find a version of the video with a more appropriate title and I apologize in advance).
This video brings up other questions, what does it mean to belong to a certain gender? Are genders pre-determined through birth or are they created through the interests of society? As a member of the Calgary GSA (gay straight alliance) network for over a year I learned that most of my friends, who are trans gendered, did not see gender as something relating to sex (not the physical act) but as a product of society. Do you think that gender and sexuality are related, or do you think that gender relates to sexuality because society wants it to?
Re: On the issues of Gender and Sexuality
by Tanya Weller - Sunday, 27 November 2016, 7:28 PM
Are genders pre-determined through birth or are they created through the interests of society?
Baby Storm was born in 2011 to parents, David Stocker and Katy Witterick. Interestingly the child's father helped to provide Canada's first voluntary all-gender bathroom. The parents made the choice to raise him gender-neutral. The catalyst seems to have been an older sibling, Jazz, who now identifies as a girl. The parents were curious, too. Does societal norms determine the gender of a child, even if assigned at birth to a different gender? Or are parents so ingrained into having a girl or boy that they automatically assign a gender to the child themselves?
I think as a child grows and develops he/she discovers interests, yearnings, and possibly the desire to dress opposite of who their sex organs determine them to be. I believe the road to self-awareness takes time, freedom to explore, and understanding from those around them, including those choosing a gender not in opposition with their assigned sex. Diamond has found that the more permissive others are of a child exploring their gender the less inhibited they will be and on the flip side if others are critical of the child's exploration the child will be less apt to express who they are if of an opposite gender to their sex (Sex Roles (2006) 55: 589. doi:10.1007/s11199-006-9115-y).
In Samoa we also have boys raised specifically as girls so that their mothers would have help in the home. The reason was because when a family had too many boys one or two would be chosen to be the girl. The child would be male in mannerisms, not necessarily effeminate. This 'girl' child would be dressed as a girl and expected to carry out the jobs and duties of girls and women. When reaching adulthood they maintained their roles, even if they married to women. This was accepted in these cultures as normal.
This article by Diamond explores the sexuality/gender identity coefficients. It explores whether gender is a product of nurture or nature.
What does it mean to belong to a certain gender?
I believe most of us tend to think of gender in a specific manner - either male or female. The more fluid definition that includes transgender, gender neutral is a little less palatable. We tend to see these 'alternates' as freaks. We stare and wonder how can they be so brave?
When we belong to either a male or female gender we are ok as long as it is to the assigned sex of birth. In the video you posted the woman was not comfortable in the skin of a man over the long haul. The facade was fun and interesting at the beginning, but as time wore on she became increasingly uncomfortable playing an imposter. I wonder if this is how all transvestites/transgendered individuals feel at times? I think it is a cruel world upon seeing others of a different sexual orientation or expressing themselves in a gender opposite to their birth that gives rise to violence against them.
I think it means an easier life to live the 'norm'.
Do you think that gender and sexuality are related, or do you think that gender relates to sexuality because society wants it to?
I agree with Milton Diamond as he explains that "the term sex is best associated with the anatomy of genitals, chromosomes or other biological characteristic while gender refers best to an imposed or adopted social and psychological condition" (Diamond, M. Sex Roles (2006) 55: 589. doi:10.1007/s11199-006-9115-y). I do think society or myself for that matter upon seeing a person dress opposite their assigned sex are gay. It is a knee-jerk reaction based on prejudices because of ignorance (lack of research).
Re: On the issues of Gender and Sexuality
by Julie Machnaik - Monday, 28 November 2016, 5:48 PM
Another amazing post, Tanya. Love the story of Jazz and Storm. Thanks for always sharing links to keep pushing everyone to learn more.
Re: On the issues of Gender and Sexuality
by Adam S - Monday, 28 November 2016, 9:35 AM
Hello Tanya,
I really like the article about little Storm that you posted as it offers a lot of insight into the roles that gender seems to play in our society. In my opinion it is true that gender has very little to do with biology. I do not mean to be sexist by saying this, and feel free to correct me if I am wrong, but from what I've seen a lot of what has defined gender is the growth of hormones, with males having more energetic development and females tending to be quieter and nurturing in nature. Perhaps the very creation of genders were based around these different hormones which is why we generally see males playing football and females playing house.
The one thing that I will say on the whole topic of being gender neutral is that I understand the concept (Heck I even dated someone that was gender neutral for over a year) but I feel as though neutral is not the word that should be used. When one is gender neutral they generally accept both genders, like pansexuality but more complex, and what ends up happening is that they begin to shift to something that is called gender-fluid, which is essentially some days one identifies as a male and other days they identify as female. The issue with this is that (this might just be in the people I have been around however) it is more of a preference rather than identifying to a gender. For example a lot of Trans people I know (not to diminish their beliefs) saw themselves as more feminine than masculine so they assumed that they were a female not a male. But the main thing that made them want to change in the first place is the lack of emotional support than men have, as explained in the video. Is it the idea of belonging to one gender that one hates or is it the advantages/disadvantages that belonging to that gender brings? To sum it up short, I believe that the ideas around gender can be seen almost exactly as if we were looking at politics. There is right wing and left wing, but no matter what one does they still use ideas from either side to form their political beliefs and there is nothing wrong with using beliefs from either sides.
I agree 100% with you that the sex of a person is something that cannot be debated, sex is defined by the chromosome mapping within the genome. There is cases where there is a phenomenon is which people are born with hormones corresponding to their sex but those cases are very few in between. Unfortunately not everyone can be defined into the male or female category but society and businesses treat it as though they can and market based on what each gender wants. Can you blame them for this however? When not even 2% of the population identify as Trans why would they market to them?
Re: On the issues of Gender and Sexuality
by Tanya Weller - Monday, 28 November 2016, 5:52 PM
Adam,
I like this phrase "males playing football and females playing house". In present times it is no longer looked down upon for the sexes to reverse their roles of play.
I feel that everyone wants to belong. Having a quieter and softer disposition (effeminate) in a man can cause others to place him in a 'different pocket', even though he may consider himself of the male gender and attracted to the opposite sex. Vice versa for the female.
Do you think pan-gendered (bi-sexual) individuals just cannot make up their minds? Or are they just loving individuals with no concept of sexual orientation?
I do feel that gender has a lot to do with the hormones and how someone relates to life. However, I feel to be of a gender opposite to your sexual organs and having a drive to change over is much, much more complicated.
Re: On the issues of Gender and Sexuality
by Trevor F - Monday, 28 November 2016, 4:36 PM
Tanya,
I enjoyed reading through your response to this topic. One thing that stuck out to me the most, past your thoughts on the the separation of sex and gender as relating to ideas pushed by society, was your idea of life being easier to live as the "norm". While on a superficial level I do believe that this is a true statement, as the threat of violence and hate crimes against individuals who are of varied sexual orientations and genders is much higher than for those of the "norm", I also find it a bit of an untrue statement at least personally. Although the threat of violence is diminished by living ones life along with the "norm", coming from the perspective of someone who has repressed their own identity, and who has been closely associated with older members of the LBGT+ community who spent most of their lives trying to fit into a "normal" life, the destruction brought on by denying and repressing one's true self is far worse. I know at least personally I would much rather face violence or a hate crime for loving and being attracted to who I am, and for expressing myself as not traditionally masculine, than have to deal with the resulting emotional and mental problems that would arise. From my own experience in trying to repress my identity for years, the damage that was done on my mental health by associating who I was with negativity was irreparable, and still continues to affect me. On this I would have to disagree with life being easier living within the "norm".
As well your question relating to the feeling of being an imposter in relation to transgendered individuals (transvestite being an undesireable term as it relates more to cross dressing and "gender bending" than actually relating to gender identity) provoked me to think quite hard. At first glance I connected that with transgender people "post-transition", as in questioning their identities as an imposter of cis-gendered individuals. I don't believe that this would be so common post-transition as pre-transition, as often the entire point of transition is to remove the "facade" and begin expression as that individuals actual gender (not being connected to biological sex). From what I gathered you associated it as the reverse of possibly feeling as an imposter identifying as something other than their biological sex, but correct me if i'm wrong. As well I'd like to put out there that although I have plenty of secondhand knowledge based on the experiences of many friends who have transitioned, as I myself am cis-gendered and have never felt gender dysphoria past not fitting into traditional ideas of masculinity, my thoughts on this are strictly speculative.
Re: On the issues of Gender and Sexuality
by Tanya Weller - Monday, 28 November 2016, 6:00 PM
Thank you Trevor.
I understand completely what you mean by not necessarily living easier while 'towing the line' so to speak. It is like living a lie, is it not?
I cannot imagine the frustration and loneliness of not being able to live freely with one's true identity.
I believe the attitudes of a lot of people have changed in the last 10 years and certainly in the last 5 years.
When I mention the imposter stage I am thinking of the questioning period. Do all LGBTQ people go through a questioning period or are some individuals sure of their identities from an early age?
Re: On the issues of Gender and Sexuality
by Shaelyn K - Monday, 28 November 2016, 3:01 PM
Great hook! I found the video very interesting.
I believe that society has most definitely made gender and sexuality cross paths and ultimately determine each other. However, I myself know that the two are very different. I am currently in ECS 110 at the U of R and we are covering gender and sexuality right now. From what I have learnt so far, gender is a persons cultural identity (masculine, feminine, both) and sexuality is a persons ability to experience/express sexual feelings (to males, females, or both).
Both gender and sexuality are complex subjects that include many different possibilities for an individual. Although society has recently made "scientific" definitions for every possible gender or sexuality any person may have, I believe that we do not need to follow these o strictly. We need to allow people to identify by the way that they feel, rather than the way that an organization has described them as.
I know that may be a very opinionated thought, but I would love to hear everyones thoughts on that suggestion!
Re: On the issues of Gender and Sexuality
by Tanya Weller - Monday, 28 November 2016, 7:58 PM
Shaelyn,
Very succinct - "We need to allow people to identify by the way that they feel, rather than the way that an organization has described them as." This is a great 'that's a wrap' statement!!
This should give you plenty of food for thought. :)
All the thoughts and quotes below are from Doing Gender, Determining Gender Transgender People, Gender Panics, and the Maintenance of the Sex/Gender/Sexuality System by Laurel Westbrook. Retrieved from http://gas.sagepub.com/content/early/2013/09/24/0891243213503203 DOI: 10.1177/0891243213503203
This article explores a court case that centres on the chromosome makeup of the individual in determining gender. The 'woman' wished to proceed with a suit on behalf of her now deceased husband. The matter of her authenticity as a spouse was questioned. Trevor and Adam both touched on this chromosome connection as well.
As well that there is a push to have self-determined gender without surgical re-assignment be the only criteria for changing from male to female/female to male on birth certificate.
The public restroom debate rages on, particularly regarding access to women's washrooms. Men's washrooms do not seem to carry the same concerns. The big question what sex organs are allowed in which bathroom.
However, there is heated opinion regarding transgendered males competing in sports as females. Is there an unfair size and/or strength advantage?
“identity-based determination of gender” - socially accepted as chosen gender (doing gender - where we tell others what gender we are.
“biology-based determination of gender” - what we are assigned at birth (chromosomes), does not matter if there is a sex re-assignment later in life.
I could go on and on. This is such a good article on who calls who what gender?
Re: On the issues of Gender and Sexuality
by Shaelyn K - Monday, 28 November 2016, 10:12 PM
Tanya,
Wow! Thank you so much more being so involved in these discussions- you help us all so much!
I agree with everything that the article has to say and think it was so awesome to add to my comment. I know that things such as the bathroom debate and socially acceptable "norms" are always up for debate, and it is always so interesting to hear what others have to say about it.
Also, I want to comment on the males not being allowed to enter female washrooms and sports teams, but females can enter male washrooms and sports teams. I believe that if the decision was made to have females enter male things, than at the same time males should have been allowed to enter female things. It seems odd that they made the decision strictly on females and drew the line at males. Things seems to me like a very sexist thing to do and very restrictive on the acceptance of gender and sexual diversity.
Thanks again for sharing that with me!
Re: On the issues of Gender and Sexuality
by Tanya Weller - Tuesday, 29 November 2016, 8:34 AM
Shaelyn,
I feel the bathroom issue is a bit more complicated.
The vulnerability of women and their size compared to the male body leaves them unable to defend themselves against a larger aggressor.
As well, most mothers are concerned for their young daughters - whether real or imagined - the threat is in the background. I am sure things happen to young boys in bathrooms, too.
Re: On the issues of Gender and Sexuality
by Shaelyn K - Tuesday, 29 November 2016, 10:41 AM
Tanya,
I completely agree and see the reasons as to why the bathroom issue is the way that it is (more acceptance for females).
I just wonder as to why they would allow one sex to do something without the other sex being able to. I think that it is very reasonable that they have it the way that they do, but I also think that it shows societies gender assumptions that are still present. It is a very complicated topic, and there are so many factors that can effect it- both gender and sexuality.
(ex. if I identify as a male, I should be allowed to enter a male washroom. BUT... If I am sexually attracted to males also, maybe that is where I should not be allowed in a male washroom?)
Such a complex topic and very interesting to discuss!
Re: On the issues of Gender and Sexuality
by Tanya Weller - Tuesday, 29 November 2016, 11:15 AM
Shaelyn,
A complication - where do the lesbians go to the bathroom if they are attracted to females and where do the gay men go to the bathroom is they are attracted to males?
One can see that these issues have many and varying layers.
Re: On the issues of Gender and Sexuality
by Trevor F - Monday, 28 November 2016, 4:17 PM
Adam,
I enjoyed your hook this week! It was quite interesting and thought provoking, especially within the video as questioning gender for a sort of experiment. As a member of the LGBT+ community as well I was quite excited to discuss this week's topic in relation to education and the hook that you had planned. As being so closely involved with members of this community I have an abundance of first/second hand knowledge on experiences of those who hold a place on the gender spectrum separate from the "norm", and have spent many a day contemplating the various spectrums of sexual orientation, romantic orientation, and gender, as well as the connectivity of gender, biological sex, and identity.
From my own experiences on the topic I've come to my own personal belief that belonging to a certain gender means moreso aligning with the societal construct of masculinity versus femininity, including the spectrum of variations in between. Traditional ideas of what a man and a woman would stereotypically be linger within our culture, influencing how we percieve the way a person should live based on their genitals. From birth we haved gendered ideas and products forced upon us by traditional thinking and various media outlets, which isnt necessarily an entirely bad thing but I definitely believe that it is limiting. I don't personally believe that genitals and biological sex (ie. chromosomes) are able to determine how a person fits into a modern society, as we are relatively past the times of gender specific roles being based around child bearing rolling over into other aspects of life and presentation. As has been expressed by others I believe that gender is something that is taught mostly by parents, as it would be a rare case for a biological male and biological female child to be treated in exactly the same way with absolutely no bias based on their genitals and assigned gender. As odd as it may seem to immediately think of genitals and chromosomes as defining how a person lives their life and presents themselves, that is just the norm to automatically have an idea of what a person should be like based on preconceived ideas of gender.
I most definitely do not believe that there is a correlation between gender and sexuality, at least in terms of ones gender/biological sex defining their attractions and romantic orientations. As a cis-gendered male who also happens to be homosexual and homoromantic, my attractions and romantic orientation are not connected to my biological sex, my gender, or my identity/expression. Whether I were a cis-gendered male or some other varient of gender I would still feel the same attraction towards masculinity in the sense of the male gender (not necessarily cis-gendered male) as the person that I am physically and my identity do not define what I desire or want. Thoughts on this connection can usually be attributed to the ideas pushed by society as what a male or female "should" want in their life, including involving their sexual orientation.
I would also like to share a few videos (which are a part of a series of videos by LGBT+ youtuber Ashley Mardell that I would invite you to explore) that elaborate on the topic of gender, identity, biological sex, sexual orientation, and romantic orientation. The video series (entitled the ABC's of LGBT) explores the various terms and labels used within the LGBT+ community in order to showcase the mass amounts of diversity regarding human sexuality and gender and the separation between gender and sexuality. While I do feel that the use of such extensive labels within the LGBT+ community is not wholly a positive thing, as they can often cause separation within a community that often needs to stand together for strength, by putting across such diverse ideas I have found from firsthand experience that these labels allow those who are questioning where they stand to better connect their thoughts to their identity and become more comfortable with who they are. I apologize in advance as these videos are quite informal and may be considered inappropriate by some in various ways, although I believe the information presented outweighs these negatives.
Re: On the issues of Gender and Sexuality
by Julie Machnaik - Monday, 28 November 2016, 6:00 PM
What an amazing post, Trevor! Thank you for sharing some of your own personal story. We do need to "stand together in strength" and let people be "comfortable with who they are" and not what society thinks they should be. I look forward to viewing these videos so thanks for sharing. I just wish I could keep up with ALL the postings in ALL the groups!
Re: On the issues of Gender and Sexuality
by Tanya Weller - Friday, 2 December 2016, 9:04 AM
Trevor,
These videos are fantastic. I am much more educated now, on gender spectrum, that I have viewed these.
"free to be me" is how I hope all who identify in a particular gender pronoun are comfortable. It seems that, perhaps, outside influence, criticism, and acceptance can cause the questioning to occur. What is normal? It seems there is much to be learned.
Again, great videos!!
Re: On the issues of Gender and Sexuality
by Taryn B - Wednesday, 30 November 2016, 11:11 PM
Adam, good hook you asked some very thought provoking questions. To start off I would like to say that I believe everyone should be treated equally. I believe belonging to a specific gender means having unique characteristics that make up each gender. Each gender holds different traits which sets people apart from one another. As far as if gender is related to sexuality I honestly believe it does. People are biologically born either male or female so it makes sense that the only option to identify by is the sex one is born with. I do not think that society has just created it to be this way. I believe it’s already pre-decided, humans were created to identify the same as their biological sex, it’s not up to us to decide. Although I know I am in the minority on this perspective I strongly believe this. However, I also believe that everyone is entitled to their own beliefs so I respect everyone else’s input although it contrasts to mine. I also believe that people need to be shown love and kindness even if you do not agree with others beliefs. The world definitely does not need more hate, we need to acknowledge that everyone is different with different perspectives and these should be respected.
Here is an article that I encourage you all to read:
https://www.acpeds.org/the-college-speaks/position-statements/gender-ideology-harms-children
Re: On the issues of Gender and Sexuality
by Tanya Weller - Wednesday, 30 November 2016, 11:38 PM
Taryn,
I read the article you suggested. I wonder if 50 years from now we will all realize that this was a mistake to have done this. I, too, wonder if this is a politically correct fad that we are inadvertently encouraging those who are questioning to go to extreme measures to do what they feel they need to?
I think of all the people who have had cosmetic plastic surgery (facelifts, cheek/breast/butt implants) and many years later suffer both in their looks and healthwise.
I feel that any kind of surgery/medication/treatment should be forbidden to those under the age of 18 for sex reversal. However, if a child needs to talk about it they should be listened to by a neutral party.
I feel the possible peer pressure from the LGBTQ community does not help. We can all find a person or group that encourages us in whatever beliefs we hold.
Now whether those beliefs are healthy and lifegiving for us is the question.
If suicide is 20X greater in those that use cross-sex hormones then there might be cause to pause. I wonder if this is because the persons undergoing such treatment fail to understand the real consequences of their actions? Or, who continue to be confused and thus regretting taking such actions, some of which are irreversible?
Re: On the issues of Gender and Sexuality
by Taryn Buhler - Thursday, 1 December 2016, 9:55 AM
Tanya, thanks for your comment! I completely agree that children should not go under any surgery pertaining to switching their sex. Their bodies are still developing and they might just be going through a phase where they are questioning their gender. I do not think immediately changing ones sex is the solution. Instead perhaps an alternative solution would be to seek support where others can help you emotionally and mentally? As parents I believe we need to be helping lead our children to understand their sex, not let them explore it by themselves. Won't children become even more confused if they are not told they are the sex that they biologically are? Will the percentage of transgender people rise if everyone is told they do not need to be the sex they are born with? I also agree that seeking advice from a neutral party seems like a good idea.
Re: On the issues of Gender and Sexuality
by Tanya Weller - Friday, 9 December 2016, 5:48 AM
This young man made interesting news recently. A 17 year old boy, Charles, is the first ever male to grace the brand CoverGirl. He believes any male should be comfortable wearing make-up. I agree. Judgement should be a non-issue.
Retrieved from http://www.buzzaura.com/see-this-guy-who-is-the-worlds-first-coverboy-of-covergirl/5
Topic 9 - Part B
Digital Citizenship
by Tanya Weller - Thursday, 1 December 2016, 8:45 AM
I believe the internet and all forms of digital expression are to be approached with caution.
I believe many of our youth are ill-prepared to deal with those that are deceitful, those that are not who they say they are, and those that choose to post indiscriminately without regard to who they are, possibly, harming.
I believe that because children now have much more privacy than ever before, parents and teachers are unaware of problems until it is too late.
I believe children, teenagers and even young adults feel they are more savvy than they are.
I believe this know-it-all attitude fools them into a false security.
I believe all youth need protection and direction to avoid being taken advantage of over the web.
I believe many teen deaths, anxiety and fears can be alleviated if a child opens up and discusses when they see things that are disturbing.
I believe young people think they can solve their own dilemmas.
I believe many of us older folk have our share of bullying, having the wool pulled over our eyes, and being tempted to do wrong as well.
I believe the Digital Citizenship Survival Kit is a great reminder for everyone.