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Frequently asked questions
In a Gender Binary system there are only two distinct options: male and female. Some people do not fit into the Gender Binary choices. The following paragraphs attempt to explain some of the terminology surrounding gender.
Sex is determined by physical characteristics of the person. In a gender binary system, if a baby appears to have
female external genitalia, then the sex is female, if a baby has male external genitalia then the sex is male. But sex is
determined not only by genitalia, but by reproductive organs, chromosomes, and hormones. People with ambiguous
genitalia or other biological complexities may identify as Intersex.
Gender identity is a person’s internal sense of self. For most people, our sense of our gender aligns with the category
originally identified at birth. This is referred to as cisgender. For transgender people, their internal sense is self is in some
way different than their birth certificate. Gender identity can also be experienced as neither woman nor man, or a
combination of woman and man. Some people in the middle of the gender identity spectrum identify as gender-queer.
Gender expression is how we live as a gendered person, including clothing, career, and hobbies. In our society, gender
expression is guided by a complex set of cultural rules and expectations as to what is appropriate behavior for men and
women. People that do not fit the rigid definition of masculine or feminine may identify as gender non-conforming.
People with equal combination of masculine and feminine may identify as androgynous.
Sexual orientation is whom the person is attracted to. In a Gender Binary system the person is attracted only to the
opposite sex. Sexual orientation is complex and people may be attracted to the same sex or both sexes. People that are
attracted to both sexes may identify as bisexual, pansexual, or queer.
FAQ'S
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