Gender is not binary?

In a world where people are constantly talking about gender, it can be confusing to navigate the terminology. From cisgender and transgender to non-binary and two-spirit identities, it seems like the possibilities for genders are endless. So, what does this all mean? Is gender really just binary or are there other ways to define it?

Let’s get one thing straight

Before we dive into the complexities of gender identity, let’s get one thing straight: Gender is NOT binary. Binary means having only two options – male or female – and that simply isn’t accurate when it comes to how people identify themselves.

Think about it this way: If your only options were chocolate or vanilla ice cream, would you feel satisfied with that choice if you really wanted rocky road? Probably not. In the same way, if someone doesn’t fit into either male or female categories for their gender identity they shouldn’t have to choose between those two limited options.

The spectrum of gender

So if we’re rejecting the idea of a binary system for identifying gender, what do we replace it with? One alternative is viewing gender as existing on a spectrum rather than in discrete categories.

Imagine a line graph where one end represents masculine traits associated with being male while the other end represents feminine traits associated with being female. Now imagine that everyone exists somewhere on this scale based on which traits they embody more strongly.

Some people may be closer towards one end than others and some may move around over time as they explore their own feelings about their sense of self-expression.

Diversity beyond stereotypes

The narrative surrounding traditional perspectives suggests exclusively stereotypical imagery: little boys love sports; girls cherish dolls; men suit up for business work and women put makeup on in front of mirrors at home.
But human existence has gone beyond these archetypes since time immemorial — why should our understanding limit itself today within such boundaries?

Different gender identities

There are many different ways to identify beyond the typical male or female binary we’re used to, and all of them are equally valid. Here is a brief overview of just some of the gender identities that exist:

  • Transgender: someone who identifies as the opposite sex from what they were assigned at birth
  • Cisgender: Someone who identifies with their assigned gender at birth
  • Non-binary: individuals who don’t identify exclusively as male or female but instead fall somewhere in between or outside these categories.
  • Genderqueer: People whose identity falls outside of what we usually think about when it comes to traditional norms surrounding binary sexes
  • Bigender: Individuals experience two distinct genders often represented by masculine and feminine qualities interchangeably

Being non-binary

In recent years, there has been an increase in people identifying themselves as non-binary. In fact, according to a 2016 survey conducted by The Williams Institute which studies sexuality law and public policy thinks tanks ten percent (10%)of adults under age thirty consider themselves apart from “traditional” concepts surrounding sexual orientation and gender.

Being non-binary can look different for every person – while one individual may feel more comfortable using “they/them” pronouns just like anyone else would use ‘he’ or ‘she,’ another might have their own unique set of preferred pronouns altogether.

Just because someone doesn’t fit into a tidy box labelled “male” or “female” doesn’t mean their experience is any less valid than that of someone who does. Everyone should be celebrated for exactly who they are without the need for labels undercutting how they honor human discoveries about aspiration — despite its unfathomable complexity!

Experiencing discrimination & prejudice

Unfortunately, society hasn’t caught up with this way off thinking quite yet. Many nonbinary individuals face discrimination on social media platforms like Facebook which make users choose only one category when registering — Male, Female or other. Companies should anticipate the growing need to allow for infinite pronouns and gender identifications rather than limiting options from which people self identify.

In addition, many non-binary folks face harassment and violence from those who don’t understand or accept their identity. It’s important to stand up against this type of behavior and support all individuals in their right to express themselves however they choose.

Conclusion

It’s time we recognize that gender is not binary – as a society we must begin making sincere efforts towards accommodating an understanding about diverse genders.

We need more education on the topic of multiple expressions regarding sexual identities- so that nonbinary individuals can feel comfortable with setting boundaries prohibiting negativity from hindering movements toward adopting broader stances by society. By rejecting traditional stereotypes surrounding sex and existing beyond these stigma associated complexities, diversity is recognized through acceptance as its own merit; a win/win between human understanding & societal norms!

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