In reading “Beyond The Gender Binary” by Alok Vaid Menon, it gave me a better understanding that gender is more than being a “man” or “woman” , which are the two gender identities we would normally acknowledge. Gender non-conforming individuals don’t necessarily match with the traditional, cultural and social expectations used to classify a person as masculine nor feminine. These individuals are classified solely through the expression of their own identity that can be based on their behavior to their outer appearance, from the clothes they wear to the pronouns they’d prefer to be called. In order for them to fit in today’s society they don’t want to be wrongly discriminated against and oppressed by those who classify them as either “fake” or “abnormal” in the eyes of the media and possibly even political views. 

It was brought to my attention that within the same category as either male or female our bodies naturally don’t justify that we all share the same characteristics. Menon mentions “Body hair and body shape vary within genders. There are many women with body hair and facial hair and many men without it. Not all women are able to bear children and not all men are physically strong. There are many men with curves and many women without them” (Menon 52). To me this meant that not everybody fits the exact representation that society describes us to be whether one is a man or woman. We have our own differences and flaws just like somebody who is not strictly addressed through gender. People often go about living their lives disguised of their true identity in order to be accepted by a society that would rather stick to what is considered normal than value somebody else’s creativity that is left hidden from the world.  

I often would worry that growing up it was wrong for me to have hair all over my arms, legs and some parts of my face because I was a female. This was a misconception I had since girls would often get called out by boys for being “too hairy” because that is so called a “masculine trait” however it is something biologically we can’t control. We often have methods that can prevent the production of hair temporarily or permanently through shaving, waxing and laser hair removal. In reality body/facial hair does not contribute to any given gender because society and the media want to be in control and have a say in that individual’s identity. 

Throughout the rest of the reading it is not fair that gender non-conforming people are faced with physical/sexual violence, false accusations, hate crimes and other harmful behavior that affects their mental health and security throughout the public. In connection with one of my classmates’ snapshots, the quote they posted stated “Respecting someone’s pronouns is suicide prevention. Pass it on”. This is very important because people would just assume someone’s gender identity rather than addressing them correctly and treating them like a regular human being. We all need to learn to be supportive and create a safe space to those gender nonconforming individuals who face challenges that keep them from feeling comfortable and confident in their own skin.

In this week’s reading were two informative and insightful topics that came from “Femenist Polticis, Where We Stand” by Bell Hooks and “Sex & Gender” by Kyl Myers. Feminism is a political movement to end discrimination against girls and women. Sex is a biological determination through human anatomy and pyschology aspects assigned at birth. An example of this are the X and Y chromosomes within a person’s DNA. Gender is based on that individual’s role in society that may be influenced by their culture, religion, and tradition. These topics closely relate to one another in regards to social and political views and expectations someone may face due to their differences and upbringing in such a diverse society. 

People seem to have a misconception about feminism in thinking that it is “anti-male” when in reality it’s more about the equality between the two sexes in which they’re able to coexist together economically, politically and socially in a respectful manner. This should also be the case for those who may differ in sexual orientation, gender identity and even race and ethnicity. It’s important for people of a particular group to speak up and have their voices heard in order to fight for what’s right so they can advocate for a greater change and a better future. 

People tend to also have misconceptions about biological sex verses gender. If a person is born with male or female physical characteristics at birth, when they get older they are not obligated to stick with their original sex because everyone thinks and behaves differently and that is where a self or group identity kicks in. The author emphasizes that “Gender expression can change over time, just as sexual orientation can fluctuate over time. Every human’s identity falls along multiple spectrums rather than in dichotomous boxes. Kind of like a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure” (Myers). I understand that there is always opportunity for change and at the same time people need that reassurance that their differences are what make them unique. I feel like in today’s society there has been fairer treatment to accepting those from the LGTBQ community who together with feminist groups consist of powerful human beings looking for justice and equality. 

In connection with Emely D’s snapshot, the second image definitely depicted how society views feminism as a movement where males are the enemy and that we should bash them for their wrongdoings and sexist actions towards us women. The main goal is to empower one another’s lifestyle and grow independent and strengthen our mind. I believe whatever discrimination and judgment we may face as women we already go through a lot more on our own such as pregnancy and giving birth which is something that should be valued since it is considered a role of motherhood. These readings helped me realize that at the end of the day we want better for ourselves since life is filled with obstacles that challenge us from expressing who we truly are in a society where there are expectations and stereotypical beliefs we aren’t forced to follow.