This week’s reading “Beyond The Gender Binary” By Alok Vaid was very interesting and eye-opening. This reading expanded on the daily struggles the LGBTQ+ community, specifically speaking on gender non-conforming and non-binary folks face on a daily basis. While reading this excerpt, I found myself in total shock. I was aware that this community, unfortunately, faced a lot of struggles because of how they chose to identify, however, I was not aware of its extent. 

In this reading, Alok explains many points that I found very interesting. The first point that caught my eye was when Alok explains that the majority of the conversations surrounding the topic of gender non-conforming and non-binary people are mostly about people’s views and opinions on the topic rather than these people being able to open up about and sharing their personal experiences. This is almost like a backhanded space for them. They portray this image of a safe space for these people to be able to express their experiences and feelings but are actually made to be spaces for others to drop their unprompted opinions. Another point that caught my eye was when Alok explained how the bias and discrimination against this community are not only continuing but also being given a “green light” or the OK for it to be done with no consequence. Throughout the years there have been multiple rules and laws against discrimination with punishments that can lead up to jail time, however when it comes to this topic, that goes out the window. So much for equality right? Lastly, I found it very interesting when Alok states that local, state, and federal levels have been targeting these specific groups of people by denying them healthcare, banning them from public accommodation, and much more. Some places have even banned them from being protected by civil law. There should be no reason – with no exception, to why people-just like everyone else can’t have the same medical coverage, go to certain public events, or even be protected by their own legal civil rights only due to how they chose to express themselves and love who they want. Why are people so pressed on other people’s love life? Seriously though, how do someone else’s love life and identity affect you. I always said if it’s not going to pay your bills, why to pay so much mind to it. Let people love who they love, be who they want to be, and keep it pushing with your life. 

With the topic of identity in mind, there was a snapshot posted by a classmate, Kevin Kimble that I enjoyed and thought would go great with this response. This snapshot was two pictures of Jaden Smith. In one picture, Jaden was wearing a dress, and in the other picture, a skirt. In this image, Jaden is breaking the gender role that men need to dress up in suits and ties or jeans and a basic tee, while women can only wear dresses/skirts. Wearing these outfits doesn’t make Jaden any less of a man nor does it change their identity, it simply means they are comfortable wearing this and are able to express themself this way. Clothes are meant to be worn as a form of expression of yourself. This is how a lot of people express themselves and their creativity while also being comfortable. There should be no gender role and there is no need to bash someone or make them feel any less of themselves due to what they feel comfortable wearing.