In this reading, I think the most important concepts are gender and identity. Gender has been conceptualized into 3. “1. gender as equivalent to sex 2. gender as separate from sex 3. gender as the assignment of the meaning to bodies.” Identity is how you define yourself.
Gender as equivalent to sex is basically the stereotype we put on men and women. For example, saying “men are naturally aggressive.” Gender as separate from sex is a little deeper in meaning. “Sex is what you are born with, and gender is what you become through interacting with other people.” With that being said there are many ways to become feminine or masculine because your gender develops based on your social interactions. A person can acquire feminine or/and masculine gender characteristics. Separating sex from gender allows a way for people to express their sexuality. (Gay, straight, lesbian, bisexual, queer, etc.)
“When we say that gender is the assignment of meaning to bodies, we are addressing the process by which people categorize and label…people as gendered individuals.” Allowing people to use words like “penis” and “vagina”.
Speaking from my point of view and my experiences. Separating sex from gender is the best way to determine identity. Personally, I was born a female and I am a straight. Some people are born women but perform male-like traits. I think that separating sex from gender gives people more options as to figuring out who they are. It doesn’t force people to have to label it gives them the advantage to try different things.
One concept that I think is important is the different gender stories. This is important because everybody has a different perspective on genders which some of our gender stories does play a part because of the different experiences we’ve had. Gender stories can be differed for religious, cultural reasons or even from personal experiences.
Absolutely! Separating sex and gender gives everyone more options to be their true selves.