The Basics of Gender Identity

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If we're going to start talking about gender, genitals, sexuality, and feminism, we first need to understand... What is gender?

The standard view of gender is something called the 'gender binary,' which uses genitals to seperate a person into one of two gender identities-- male and female. However, it's important to understand that the "gender binary" is not an accurate way of thinking about gender, since gender does not equate to your genitals, and since there are many more than just two gender idenities.

This being said, most gender identities can be split into two categories- cis and trans.

Cisgender means that you identify with the gender you were assigned at birth. ('AFAB' is used for 'Assigned Female At Birth,' and 'AMAB' is used for 'Assigned Male At Birth.')

Transgender means that you do not identify with the gender you were assigned at birth. This is an umbrella term, and includes many different identities.

So, now that we know that, let's talk about the difference between gender identity and gender expression, since they are often referred too as the same thing.

Gender identity is the gender you identify as, and gender expression has to do with the way you present yourself.

It's important to know that your gender identity and your gender expression do not have anything to do with each other. You can identify as a boy, but like to wear dresses (which are 'feminine,') and you can identify as a girl, but like to wear suits (which are 'masculine.')

Everyone experiences gender differently. Some people find their gender identity to be a very important part of themself, while others never give it a second thought. Gender can be questioned, changed, and explored, all within the span of ten minutes... For people who put large amounts of their time into exploring their gender and learning about their own and other's identities, the concept of being trans can become a hugely important part of their life.

Sadly, the way we think about gender as a society is greatly influenced by the resources and teachers we have. Family, friends, classmates, co-workers, and media play large roles in the way we shape our ideas about gender. This can create transphobia and homophobia, which happen when people are not properly educated on the ins-and-outs of the complexities of gender and sexual orientation.

Along the way, we can learn terms and definitions about gender and sexuality that may be outdated, and now considered inaccurate or even rude. Hopefully, throughout this guide, I'll be able to provide some guidance regarding gender and sexuality education.

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Please comment below with any specific questions you have! I'll try my hardest to respond to each and every one, and the more frequently asked questions will be included later on in this guide.

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