Sex Vs. Gender
Sex and gender are very different
Sex: Biological gender; distinguished by physiological structures such as chromosomes, hormones, and sexual characteristics. Mainly divided into biological female, male and intersex.
Gender: Gender; the gender identity defined, identified, recognized, and expressed in society. The definition of gender is broad and is not necessarily tied to biological sex, but also includes transgender, genderqueer, gender neutral, genderless, etc.
Explain why it is important to distinguish between the two?
1. Correction concept: Understand that the two do not have to be linked. For example, biological men do not *necessarily* have male gender, so they do not *necessarily* need to show masculinity
2. Discussion space: After understanding, you can discuss other gender issues more effectively, such as cis/transgender, gender expression, gender stereotypes, etc.
3. Respect each other: use a more appropriate gender pronoun (pronoun) to address everyone and avoid making assumptions about anyone’s identity and gender
4. Physical and mental health: Healthy and open expression of gender identity can reduce significant physical and mental stress caused by wrong labels and rigid systems
5. Development opportunities: Lift the rigid binary gender restrictions, allowing everyone to choose personal, emotional and career development according to their own defined gender
The story of student Nathan Lam
Second Five student Nathan Lam(林澤駿) complained to the Equal Opportunity Commission earlier, questioning that his alma mater's ban on boys having long hair violated gender discrimination regulations.
Most of the school's regulations on students' appearance have always been based on traditional binary gender stereotypes and have no direct relationship with students' performance, discipline, and neatness.
Nathan’s initiative has caused the public to think about whether the rules/restrictions on gender stereotypes/temperament that we have always followed are unreasonable and even deepen society’s established concepts of gender?
It can also make everyone reflect on why the idea of [non-conformity with traditional gender stereotypes = bad/weird/unsociable] is derived?
Hairstyle, clothing, and grooming are one of the ways to express your identity, and everyone should have the right to express their identity.
What can everyone do?
Personal
Have an open mind: respect and accept the differences of different people, and avoid assuming/labeling/criticizing anyone.
Actively understand and learn: Understand gender-related knowledge and its differences, and communicate more with friends of different genders.
Family
Give space for choice: Let children freely choose their expression, including clothing, hairstyle and hobbies.
Be more understanding and talk about it: Understand the gender identity challenges your children face while growing up, and listen more to their thoughts.
Society
Gender-friendly facilities: Build more gender-friendly/neutral facilities (e.g. gender-neutral toilets) and more gender options than male/female.
Abolition of rigid rules: such as allowing students to choose to wear school pants or skirts and prohibiting any punishment related to gender expression.
