Understanding Gender Definitions
The following information is provided by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN) and the National Center for Transgender Equality:
Gender identity: A person’s deeply held sense or psychological knowledge of their own gender. One’s gender identity can be the same or different than the gender assigned at birth.
Gender expression: The manner in which a person represents or expresses gender to others, often through behavior, clothing, hairstyles, activities, voice or mannerisms.
Transgender: An adjective describing a person whose gender identity or expression is different from that traditionally associated with an assigned sex at birth.
Gender nonconforming: A term for people whose gender expression differs from stereotypical expectations, such as “feminine” boys, “masculine” girls, and those who are perceived as androgynous.
For more information, go to GLSEN.org.
Comments
Really happy you decided to do a show on this. I think media needs to produce more episodes based on diversity.
LOVED this show. Thanks.
Hey Anderson,
I just wanted to say thank you for having a show with the topic of Transgender. Far too often, trans issues are spoken about from the perspective of someone else. I was happy to see Tyler speak out about his personal experience and make the distinction between sex, gender and sexuality. I think it is important to have your viewers take the chance to listen to these stories, and see how deeply intrenched our society is with gendered norms.
Thanks Again,
Jillian
I am a 62 yr. old transsexual woman,pre-op but actively transitioning. I have lived fulltime as myself for over 2 1/2 years and am active in mentoring younger sisters on the journey.
I was preparing for a doctors appointment when this swhow came on and was speelbound the whole time it was on air. It was so tastefully and discreetly done and was so full of real information instead of sdensationalism. I was in tears of joy watching the three young ladies and there supportive parents. I am writing to confradulate you and to also ask how I can get a copy of this show to have here in my home, it would be very helpful in reaching out to the world around me. Once again thank you so deeply for such an excellent program.
Charlena Andrews
I am a 16 year old woman living in Canada and I identify as gender queer. That means I live my life as female (my biological/physical gender) but I have aspects of both genders psychologically. I just prefer to present myself and dress as a woman. I like femininity and I think I look better as a woman, but I will not deny that I think in some cases as a man, or in very few cases, like a 3rd party excluding both genders.
I appreciate shows that identify either/both sexuality and gender identity but I feel a little disappointed when trans-identity is the only kind of gender variant people address. I don't feel the need to come out for 2 reasons:
-People identify me as a female tomboy and they still appreciate me for who I am. Those who do know the extent of my masculinity/femininity are also accepting of me but it has it drawbacks.
-It's too much of a problem trying to explain it to whoever is willing to listen.
Unfortunately gender queer/intersex identifications have hardly been covered and nobody knows what I mean when I say either of the terms and it makes me feel like I'm being excluded from the topic and I will never be able to 'come-out' as gender queer but it also reminds me of how far we still need to go. It's just a suggestion, but if and when you take a look into gender identity later on, please look more into the gender 'blended' or gender neutral people.
What many can't comprehend is when females go thru having their breasts removed, testosterone and anything else male, but leaving their female reproductive tract intact. That it SOOOOOO confusing when trying to understand this. It's almost like being half man, half woman physically, regardless of what it is in their minds.
This subject is difficult for fome folks to comprehend because they have never felt the conflict or discomfort of feeling in the wrong body. Many people comment that as gay's this is merely a sexual choice, but children 4-9 are not typically sexually inclined to choose to be considered of another sex because of sexual desires.
This is NOT a new psychological or physiological conflict, facing these same dilemma's normally have resulted in high suicide rates, alcohol / drug abuse, and many hours of psychotherapy as adults living confused and miserable.
The United States has to come to terms that this exists and help create laws of protection for these individuals to keep from added issues of bullying, discrimination, home grown sexual terrorism!
Thank you for being a voice for the transgender community.
We have a soon to be 14 year old Transgender FTM child. He knew that he was in the wrong body at about 2-3 years and presented male until puberty started in earnest about two years ago. At that time, 'she' went shopping for dresses and other girl's clothing in what we now realize was an attempt to conform to society's expectations. It was nearly a disaster. He just couldn't be the girl whose body he was in. He withdrew from us, from friends, from everybody. School performance dropped, Basketball team performance dropped. He even attempted suicide. Luckily, he failed. He came out to my wife first, then after about two months came out to me.(I already knew. My wife discussed this with me) Today, he is in counselling and medical care. The school is working with us to accommodate him. He has told most of his friends, with supportive results. His sister has had difficulties with it, but is beginning to get her head around it. To move forward is a big decision and we realize there will be bumps ahead, but the alternative (hope it is just a phase)is just not an option. Thank you for the show and helping educate people about transgender while respecting the audience's right to not get it....right away.