BREAKING THE BINARY

A person's gender identity is their internal sense of themselves as a woman, man, or person out of the binary. Cisgender people are those whose gender identity is the same as the gender correlated with the sex they were assigned at birth. Conversely, transgender is an umbrella term used to describe "the full range of people whose gender identity does not conform to what is typically associated with their sex assigned at birth."

Gender identity is different from gender expression. While gender identity is an internal, deeply-rooted sense of self, gender expression is how a person externally expresses their gender identity. It's important to note that gender expression is how they present themselves and it may or may not correspond to a person's gender identity.

Gender is also different from sex and sexual orientation. While sex refers to a person's biology—chromosomal, hormonal, and anatomical—gender is a socially, culturally, and environmentally constructed term Sexual orientation refers to a person's interest in people of the same or similar gender, different gender(s), all genders, or no genders. People of any sex can have any gender identity and sexual orientation. The concepts are independent , While gender identity is an internal, deeply-rooted sense of self, gender expression is how a person externally expresses their gender identity. It's important to note that gender expression is how they present themselves and it may or may not correspond to a person's gender identity.

What Is the Gender Binary?

The gender binary is the problematic notion that there are only two genders, and all individuals are either a woman or a man. Some might argue that there are only two sexes, so there should only be two genders, but that argument is flawed.

Humans have always boxed everything up into black and white contrasts and standardized ideals, essentially losing touch with what it means to be human. In this ever-changing, quick-paced world, where everyone is in a hurry, let’s take a step back and get down to the basics of being human – identity. Specifically, sexual and gender identity. It’s time to break the binary by understanding the LGBTQIA+ community. Let’s first understand the difference between gender, sex and sexuality. Sex – At birth, the genitalia and reproductive system humans possess, determines their sex. This could be male, female or intersex (more on this later). Gender – A combination of innate traits and learned behavior, gender is how one identifies and expresses themselves regardless of sex. Gender and sex cannot be used interchangeably.

Sexuality – Completely separate from gender and sex, sexuality only refers to the romantic and sexual attraction one experiences towards other people. Heterosexual – describes a person attracted exclusively to the opposite gender (men attracted only to women; women attracted only to men) romantically and sexually.

Now that we have this basic understanding, what does LGBTQIA+ mean? L – Lesbian Lesbian (n.) is the term for women who are only attracted to other women, romantically and/or sexually. Usage: A lesbian; Lesbians; “I am a lesbian” G – Gay Gay (adj.) is the term for men who are only attracted to other men, romantically and/or sexually. Gay is also an umbrella term for same-sex attraction and can be used by lesbians to describe themselves as well.

B – Bisexual Bisexual (n., adj.) is the term for people who are attracted to both men and women, romantically and/or sexually. Contrary to what many believe, bisexual people are not, in fact, “half gay, half straight, or confused”. Usage: A bisexual person; “I am bisexual” T – Transgender Transgender (adj.) defines people who do not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth. is the antonym, denoting people who are comfortable and identify with the gender they were assigned at birth. Some transgender people also undergo gender-affirming surgery to align with their identity. Usage: A transgender person; “I am transgender” Transgender woman/trans woman A transgender woman or trans woman is someone who was assigned male at birth but identifies as a woman. Transgender man/trans man A transgender man or trans man is someone who was assigned female at birth but identifies as a man. Wrong usage: Transgendered; transgenders Q – Questioning/Queer The ‘Q’ in LGBTQIA+ refers to people who are still questioning and exploring their identity. It may also stand for “queer” – a word that originated as a slur against people in the LGBTQIA+ community. Many members of the community have reclaimed the word “queer”, and use it amongst themselves as a blanket term for the community. However, there are some members who find the word offensive and don’t condone its usage. If you are not part of the LGBTQIA+ community, refrain from using this word. I – Intersex Intersex (adj.) is the term for people born with any of the several variations in chromosomes and hormones, and a reproductive system or genitalia that does not align with the typical definitions of female or male. However, many intersex children are brought up as the gender their physical appearance most resembles. Some of them are also subjected to irreversible genital surgeries as infants, thought to help them “grow up normally”. This is an unnecessary procedure, as being intersex is not a medical problem. It may actually cause them psychological harm. It is also important to note that intersex is exclusively about varying reproductive and sex characteristics, therefore it is not the same as transgender.   A – Asexual An asexual person, “ace” for short, is someone who does not experience sexual feelings towards others, regardless of gender. This does not mean asexual people do not enter romantic relationships or occasionally engage in sexual activity. It simply means that they rarely, if ever, have sexual desires. Note: Asexuality and celibacy are not the same thing, as celibacy is a conscious choice and decision.

AN EXAMPLE OF A SUCCESSFUL TRANSGENDER:

Gauri Suresh Sawant has become the face of transgenders’ revolution in India. She became famous with a Vicks advertisement which showcased her life story of adopting an orphaned girl and bringing her up as her own. Gauri Suresh Sawant appeared on Kaun Banega Crore pati (KBC) hosted by Amitabh Bachchan .recently she build up a home for children of sex workers. She was assigned tag sex male at birth but she identified her self as a women.

     "Be human before being a man and women. Respect  every creature of nature''

           

                                 

                       -Punam hazari

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