While it may seem like a novel concept to some, societies, all over the world, have a long-standing history of conforming to a non-binary view on gender. Going beyond a binary view on gender not only broadens the spectrum of expression, for individual gender identity, but also removes any social hurdles, for the same, through the creation of a safe space.
Before we dive into an explanation, it is important, as a reader, to understand what the binary gender model actually is and the manner in which it leads to the concepts of ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ being used as interchangeable terms.
The binary gender model proposes that there are only two genders, male and female. Consequently, the binary model for gender does not factor in the complete spectrum for actual individual gender identity and its expression. This, invariably, leads to the idea that a person can only belong to either gender (He or She). This forced conformity to two gender identities, through the binary gender model, leads to the concepts of ‘sex’ and ‘gender’ being used as interchangeable terms, which, categorically, is not the case. An individual’s sex is biological while their gender pertains to their self-identity. The two cannot be viewed as a singular concept.
What is Gender?
Gender, essentially, is an individual’s identity based on how they feel about themselves. The concept of gender is built on two components, namely ‘gender identity’ and ‘gender expression’.
Gender identity is self-defined and its expression is constructed based on an individual’s external and social expressions.
As mentioned earlier, while the majority of the world may present gender fluidity as a novel concept, the idea that gender is binary, however, is not universal. Historically, numerous cultures, societies and religions have been engaging in a dialogue of gender fluidity as part of their societal and cultural identity. For example, Jainism, in the 5th century, itself, adapted to the idea of the ‘third gender’. As suggested by their religious text ‘Tattvartha Sutra’, all beings possess one of the three genders: Male, female or the third gender which was referred to as ‘Nampusaka’.
What are some of the Gender Identities?
When speaking of gender, it is important to understand that it is a spectrum. Understandably, all of this can seem confusing to the uninitiated. It is critical, however, that an attempt, to understand and accept the identity of others, be made, regardless of any existing confusion. Let’s take a look at some of these gender identities.
- Agender: A person who doesn’t identify with any particular gender and may have no gender at all.
- Androgyne: A person whose gender is both masculine and feminine or in between the two.
- Bigender: A person who has two genders. A Bigender person reflects typical cultural male and female roles.
- Cisgender: A person who is cisgender identifies with the sex they were assigned at birth.
- Genderfluid: A person whose gender shifts within or outside the society-based expectations and definitions of gender. Their gender experiences fluid motion between two or more genders.
- Masculine of center: This term is often used by either lesbians or trans folks who experience their gender identity or expression leaning more towards masculinity.
- Non-Binary: A person who identifies as non-binary does not experience gender within its binary spectrum. Some people who identify as non-binary experience expressions and identities that overlap with other genders like non-conforming and gender expansive.
- Omnigender: A person who identifies as an omnigender possesses and has experiences of all genders.
- Pangender: A person who identifies as pangender exhibits characteristics of multiple genders.
- Transgender: Transgender is an umbrella term that includes all people who identify with a gender other than what their sex assigned at birth would suggest.
- Trans: As defined by GLAAD, the term is “used as shorthand to mean transgender or transsexual – or sometimes to be inclusive of a wide variety of identities under the transgender umbrella.”
- Two Spirits: It is an umbrella term that includes different sexualities and genders in the Indigenous Native American Community.
While the list above is not a comprehensive one, it is an attempt to make the world a little more familiar with the fluidity that exists within gender identity. Individuals who do not conform or identify with predetermined gender identities, often, find themselves at odds with socio-cultural institutions and practices. Gender is deeply personal and its individual expression should not be seen as a challenge or a hurdle to overcome. It is time that we, as a society, gain a more better perspective on it.
