Gender of a person gets determined right from conception, then forms genitals, then pink or blue gets decided, then comes dolls or cars, then comes shaving legs or beard, then comes heels or sneakers, then wedding gown or bow tie, and the cycle just goes on. Though time is changing and society is not very rigid about the ‘or’ rather we are accepting the ‘and’.
We are now more open to the difference between ‘sex’ and ‘gender’. Sex differentiates a person biologically, whereas gender describes an individual based on society and culture. After birth, our gender gets assigned based on our sex but it doesn’t always remain constant; gender depends on the body, identity and expression. Some individuals consider gender and sexual orientation as same, but it is different- gender is personal whereas sexual orientation is interpersonal.
Gender diversity has been part of our society since forever but since recently, the uniqueness of each individual is getting validated. Many countries have started supporting ‘third gender’ (symbolized as X), which is gender neutral in order for citizens to feel safe to be themselves. I think this is an essential step in order to make the third gender comfortable in society so that they have the freedom of expression.
Many people in the world were and still there are many who are living a false life by hiding their real gender. Nurture takes over nature and in conflict, whether their gender would be accepted or not, they live with the lie. Many of them get married due to social pressures and consequently, they are untrue to their partners and lead an unhappy life.
It’s a day after International Women’s Day and intentionally I didn’t post yesterday because according to me every day should be gender equal. Gender equality is the foundation for a sustainable, prosperous and peaceful world.