A PERSON WHO DISRUPTS EXPECTED GENDER ROLES
THE BINARY SYSTEM The binary system presumes that sex, gender, and sexual orientation fit in a binary system. It places people in categories like male or female, feminine or masculine, gay or straight.
boy
girl
man
AGENDER
woman
queer
ASEXual
al
feminine
stra
masculine
bisexu
female
ight
Male
INTERS
EX
gay
TRANSGENDER
lesbian
It is not inclusive.
THE GENDER SPECTRUM The gender spectrum recognizes the diversity of gender beyond the binary system, including gender expression, gender identity, and/or other perceived gender norms. These elements should be recognized separately rather than fit together to make sense in a binary world.
gender identity
biological sex
gender spectrum sexual orientation gender expression
It is inclusive.
BIOLOGICAL SEX Biological sex refers to the physical characteristics someone is assigned to at birth. It deals with the person’s anatomy; external sex organs, sex chromosomes, and internal reproductive systems.
vs feMale
Male
xx chromosome
XY chromosome
SEXUAL ORIENTATION Refers to the romantic and sexual attraction to others. This concept is separate from biological sex and gender identity. Sexual orientation is not something a person chooses; there is no evidence on how someone’s sexual orientation is determined. A person might identify as heterosexual, homosexual (gay or lesbian), asexual, bisexual, pansexual, or demisexual.
Romantic attraction is an affinity and love for others and the desire for EMOTIONAL relationships.
Sexual attraction is what we want, need, or desire for PHYSICAL contact in relationships.
Given the prevalence of the gender binary, children face great pressure to express their gender within narrow, stereotypical definitions of “boy” or “girl.” Expectations around expression are taught to us from the moment we are born, and communicated through every aspect of our lives, including family, culture, peers, schools, community, media, and religion. Accepted gender roles and expectations are so entrenched in our culture that most people cannot imagine any other way.
GENDER EXPRESSION The way someone externally expresses their gender identity through their style of clothing, haircut, voice, behavior, and other forms of presentation. It can relate to a person’s gender identity, but is not an indicator of their sexual orientation.
he
she
her
him
his
hers
GENDER IDENTITY Refers to a person’s innermost concept of oneself as either male, female, or neither. It can be the same or different from the sex assigned at birth; it is not relative to a person’s biological sex. Cis-gender is when a person who’s gender identity aligns with their biological sex.
they
their
ze zir
*But, for others, they may want to be perceived differently, which is why it is important to use proper pronouns.
why does it matter?
Because. There’s going to be a time where you can’t tell someone’s pronouns by just looking at them. And besides hurting someone’s feelings, it creates a non-inclusive environment. Respecting someone’s pronouns correctly, sets an example on others around you. It creates a cultural competent environment that includes and respects all gender identities.
GENDER-NEUTRAL
PRONOUNS In this day and age, gender pronouns are being added to the “binary world” that we live in. Some of us don’t know how to address it, but here are a few things to remember: DON’T EVER ASSUME IT’S OKAY IF YOU MAKE A MISTAKE, APOLOGIZE, CORRECT YOUR MISTAKE, AND MOVE ON. SOMETIMES INTRODUCING YOURSELF OR POLITELY ASKING THEM WHAT PRONOUNS THEY USE HELPS. COMMONLY USED PRONOUNS: THEY/THEM/THEIRS ZE (REPLACES HE/SHE/THEY) ZIR (REPLACES HER/HERS/HIM/HIS/THEY/THEIR) OR SIMPLY, USE THEIR NAME
“People’s sexual orientation doesn’t determine their gender expression. And their gender expression isn’t determined by their gender identity. And their gender identity isn’t determined by their biological sex.”
The gender spectrum creates a world where everyone is accepted and not forced into a binary system where they have to choose to be a man or woman, feminine or masculine, or if they’re straight or gay. Understanding the spectrum allows us to recognize that these concepts of biological sex, sexual orientation, gender expression and gender identity are to be treated independently of one another.
Just consider... the uniqueness and validity of every person’s experiences of self, we can develop greater acceptance for all. Not only will this create greater inclusion for individuals who challenge the norms of gender, it will create space for all individuals to more fully explore and celebrate who they are.
About Me Named Alexandria at birth, but everyone calls me, Alex. I identify as a cis-gender female who uses the pronouns , “she” and “her.” I like girls and dress with an androgynous fashion style. I’m often referred to as SIR because I wear a snapback hat, and have a short hairstyle. Hopefully this zine opens your mind to viewing the world as a gender spectrum.
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT: GENDERSPECRUM.ORG / HRC.ORG / APA.ORG / TOLERANCE.ORG