Spectrum: used to classify something in terms of its position on a scale between two extreme points
If you haven’t already heard of the Kinsey Scale, please look it up.
In a nutshell, The Kinsey Scale demonstrates a linear spectrum of sexual orientation; from Heterosexuality on one end, to homosexuality on the other. This of course has its limitations and needs to be reworked with data pertaining to Asexuality, Pansexuality, Demisexuality etc; however, for the sake of explaining what I have to say next; let us work with the linear scale which is still relevant within context. It has A on one end, Z on the opposite.
A - Homosexuality
Z- Heterosexuality
In the middle of this scale, it makes sense that we would find BiSexuality (around about M/N)
Now, between A & M, and also between M & Z, there are varying degrees of “gayness” and “straightness”. My definitions are fabulously unscientific, but the information is most definitely scientifically proven evidence of the Sexual Orientation Spectrum. And if you are really honest, perhaps you can recognise the varying degrees within yourself, or someone you know.
For a long time, Sexual Orientation had not been scientifically studied. All we knew was Z, anything else was “abnormal”, and everyone sought to be 100% Z, because that’s all they knew, all their parents knew and all society would accept (publicly).
Now we know that there are many different Sexual Orientations; which naturally occur in being HUMAN. #fact
People do not choose to be straight or gay. They already have the potential within them to be either, or somewhere else on the spectrum or beyond.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way; allow me to apply this same magic to the Gender Spectrum.
GENDER SPECTRUM!?
I get it; I see the confused looks, the avoidance, the awful memes; the bad jokes; I’ve read the nasty keyboard warrior posts about Lia Thomas; I notice the rantings of those who still believe in only black and white, only male and female, only my way or the highway. I notice, but I try not to pay too much attention to that; because I want to get busy educating people on the reality of gender.
Note: Gender Identity has nothing to do with your genitals (SURPRISE!!!)
I appreciate this definition: Gender is the range of characteristics pertaining to femininity and masculinity and differentiating between them. Depending on the context, this may include sex-based social structures and gender identity.
Gender is not just male & female. Being male does not mean you have to be born with a penis, and being female does not mean you have to be born with a vagina.
Mind blowing, isn’t it?
How arrogant are we humans, to think that we have all of Mother Natures’ secrets figured out?
WHAT IF gender identity, just like gender roles and sexual orientation and sexual lifestyles, has been defined by social construct. Meaning, what if, everything we know about Gender Identity is only what we have been told, when it is actually so much more than that.
Don’t get me wrong; there are serious debates to be had about integrating gender identity into certain aspects of life like competitive sports. But those conversations and debates cannot happen until we acknowledge that there is something to discuss.
Not so long ago, it was widely accepted that women could not vote or run marathons; that a wife (female) should stay home, give birth and take care of children and the husband (man) should be the provider, protector.
Not so long ago, it was widely accepted that homosexuality was a sin, something abnormal, a disorder to be diagnosed.
Then things started to change.
With more studies, more scientific data, more recorded experiences, more conversations, more realizations, more out-the-box thinking ... THINGS STARTED TO CHANGE.
Because that is what things do. The only constant in life, is change.
Are you ready to consider that Gender Identity is not everything you have been taught?
Are you ready to consider that someone born with a penis, does not necessarily identify as “male”?
Are you ready to consider that someone does not feel drawn to either “male” or “female” – but identify rather, as non-binary?
This is something that us, we, they, everyone…need to consider. If not for ourselves, then for others, for our children and grandchildren.
Because when the rights of one are denied, the rights of us all are at risk.
A – Male
B – Female
M – Non-Binary
#sexology #sexologysa #academyofsexology #genderidentity #genderspectrum #transgender #nonbinary #humanrights #transrights #androgenous
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