Trans and Gender Diversity

What is the difference between sex and gender?

Gender Basics.mov

Sex is defined as two distinct categories that individuals are broken up into, such as male or female. This term is used to denote the reproductive organs that each individual is born with.

Intersex is defined as an individual born with both male and female biological traits. This could include chromosomal patterns, or genitals that do not fit typically with binary female or male sex organs.

Gender is the internal sense of self that individuals have in regards to their gender identity. Throughout history gender has been used as a term contingent upon the sex with which a person has been born. However, as we know many individuals today could identify as either a girl, boy, neither, or both!

Image providing definitions regarding common terms. Such as, Gender Binary: a system of gender classification in which all people are assigned male or female. Cisgender: When an individual identifies with the same sex they were born with. Transition: anything a person does to more closely align how they express their gender externally with how they identify internally. Transgender: An umbrella term that describes someone whose gender identity is different that the sex they were assigned at birth. Non-Binary and genderqueer: An umbrella term that describes someone whose gender identity does not conform to the idea of “gender binary”.

source: Trans101

How does it make you feel when someone doesn't use your proper pronoun?

To cis-gender individuals, or individuals who identify with the sex they were born with, this may not be a big concern. However, for transgender individuals, using the proper pronouns that the individual identifies as, is a way to demonstrate respect and appreciation for that person. The infographic shown, breaks down the common practice of how to learn a persons pronouns.

Ask-you cannot and should not assume a persons pronouns based on their outward appearance
Respect-If/when you are made aware of a persons pronouns it is your responsibility to utilize those pronouns.
Practice-It is common for individuals to make a mistake when addressing a transgender individual with their pronouns. That's okay! What is important is for you to recognize and practice those pronouns. Ultimately learning from your mistake.

How do I know a persons pronouns?

Reflection Questions:

How do you think you could become more self-aware of the terminology you use to identify someone?
If someone were to automatically assume your gender, but in fact your gender was of the opposite or neither, how would that make you feel?
How would you explain the difference of sex and gender to a friend who has never learned about gender diversity before?

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