Gender: In Defense of Identity

GENDER: In Defense of Identity

By Kathy Custren

Just the other day, an older co-worker remarked about the way our society is changing at such a rapid pace. There may be no clearer sign we are in an age of great transformation than the increasing number of people who are redefining the meanings of both gender and identity.

Recently, the very public rise of Caitlyn Jenner as a transgender icon in the media has placed the topic of gender in the forefront. The circus her emergence event created brings forth a variety of responses. Most are supportive and relate to the existence of stigma faced by persons wrestling with gender identity issues, as well as those of women and females, in general.

One side of the argument is held by persons we may call hard-line-extremists. These maintain that “only” the dichotomy of male and female gender identity roles exist, at either side of the sexual spectrum. The two roles consist of well-defined physical differences. These are usually related to the ability to contribute toward ‘traditional,’ genetic reproduction.

In spite of the hard-liners who insist this dichotomy is the only “natural” way, the way evolution has caused us to be for generations, are others. These often-ignored and stigmatized members of society, who walk the road of life with us and purposefully achieve an identity that belies their physical one. Whether through artfully applied makeup and other appliances, medications, and surgeries, a spectrum of talented people exist who have varying gender identity. The reasons behind these different gender identities are as numerous as the people and circumstances that bring them into being.

 
Fluidity and varying gender identities

The buzz word in making the headlines these days is, “gender fluidity.” Using water as an example, tied up with the many feelings and choices that are involved in the mix of gender these days, can help us to understand. For so many people, identifying with gender can be a flowing experience. It goes beyond simply being ‘moody,’ as many of us may understand emotion, however. When it comes to one’s personal identity, the majority of us have managed to stay rather solidly male or female, whether we admit it or not.