How to approach different genders and sex

Thanks to social media, movies, and other forms of media, the world is slowly moving toward a more diverse understanding of different genders and sex. There is no simple answer to “Are you a boy or a girl?” anymore, and that is a good thing for many people worldwide who don't identify as either.

You probably already know a lot about different genders and sex, thanks to media sources. And while many may find it hard to change the way they think about gender, it is easy to change how we act about it.

Gender and sex topics in 2022 require compassion, kindness, advocation, and acceptance, which is sorely missing in many communities still. We can talk about the intricacies of different genders and sex theory to fit three encyclopedias.

But let’s rather take a closer look at how we can make people feel safer and more loved in our communities when they identify as anything other than straight and cisgender.

Approaching different genders and sex in modern times

These meaningful conversations are becoming more and more mainstream. But some have never felt the need to question their identity as male or female, and approaching these topics can feel like a foreign topic.

However, many people recognize the need for more open and fluid conversations around gender and sex to better understand and appreciate the people around them, their communities, and the minority groups affected by bigotry, slander, violence, and aggression.

People are just people, and it's alright to feel uncomfortable learning about gender fluidity. But that doesn’t mean we should shy away from tackling complex topics like this. These days, there is every reason to embrace learning and change. There are countless resources to learn about the topic, but sometimes the best way to learn about something is to act on it.

Deconstructing society's preconceptions about different gender and sex is a wide and varied topic, so lets rather take a closer at a few details about where we can start by treating every person we meet with kindness and affirmation in our everyday lives.

Breaking Gender Norms

Just about every person on the planet will have thoughts and opinions on gender fluidity and sex. Words like non-binary, transgender, and pronouns are a trigger for a lot of anger and often hatred, while some others may just be confused.

It’s time to embrace these words' beauty and the freedom they give people without attaching negative emotions or irritation to a “new” way of doing things.

People are born as “boy” or “girl” and labeled as such according to their anatomy at birth. Individuals who continue identifying as such throughout their lives are seen as mainstream and can easily slip into society. But many don’t want to or cannot continue identifying as their assigned gender.

Why Acting with Respect is Important

Those members of our community that identify as gender fluid, non-binary or trans deserve respect and consideration. There are plenty of ways that we can show this respect. But let’s take a moment to look at why it’s important.

Any person embracing their identity is going through a process of breaking down their own thoughts and feelings around their gender, but also those of the people around them. For example, not everyone can boast of a loving grandmother who can accept that their grandson is now their granddaughter. It can make for difficult family interactions and home life.

Humans are social creatures. We all desire acceptance, kindness, and love in some form or another. This is important to remember when talking about different genders and sex in 2022.

Depression, anxiety, suicide, and other mental illnesses are common in anyone questioning how their anatomy and thoughts on gender align. Instances of suicide are incredibly high and are something that we all need to be aware of for ourselves, friends, family, and community members in the LGBTQI+ communities.

Acceptance and the right language usage go far in keeping people alive in these communities. “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never harm me” is a false saying. The language we use is very important in 2022.

Creating Safe Places

Using the right names and pronouns is a part of being open and creating safe spaces for anyone reaffirming their gender identity.

If someone who was born as a “she” decides that they would like to be called “he” or “they,” these are important boundaries to respect. The Quality Institute reports that using a trans child’s chosen name in the playground, at work, in social settings, and at home can reduce depression by up to 71%.

That is a significant percentage in the day-to-day lives of people dealing with many changes and emotions around their gender and sex. Calling someone by a new name or pronoun is a small effort that every single person should be making, which greatly affects the emotional well-being and happiness of another individual.

Do your beliefs on gender and sex matter?

Depending on beliefs, upbringing, and morals, every person has varying thoughts on gender identity. Deconstructing these thoughts is important, and everyone should work on it internally.

We might all have different thoughts on the topic, but gender fluidity has existed in most cultures since ancient times. From Egypt to Africa to North America, transgender and gender fluidity were normal in people's way of life and communities.

There is no right or wrong gender or sex, but there is a right and wrong way that others are treated. Always push towards treating others with kindness, consideration, and care. Every person's thoughts on gender and sex are influenced by several factors, but how you treat people and the advocation you have for other people is important.

Take the time to educate yourself on gender and sex, and act with kindness and respect. These practices go a long way to improving people's lives, bettering our communities, and being an ally.