Moving beyond the gender binary, according to Alok, entails removing societally imposed gendered boundaries. Aside from the two distinct gender forms, feminine and masculine, that have been favored and fixed in our social system and cultural beliefs. Alok believes that everyone, regardless of gender, should be able to be creative and express themselves in whatever way they want without fear of being judged. People are being trapped into their own skin because they can not be themselves. In the story Alok states “The truth is, I still can’t go outside without being afraid for my safety”. Truth is , It’s very sad how closed minded people are for someone to be afraid of going outside because of what they wear or express themselves as shouldn’t be acceptable. Growing up I was always taught that men and woman are the only genders but I was always curious as to why because I always wanted to dress like a boy and played sports and my family would always say ” You’re not a boy to be dressing or playing sports, you should be playing with barbie dolls”. Perfect example as to having a closed mind, why should people be judged because of the way they express themselves. Moving beyond the gender binary was a great story Alok did a great job with explaining and breaking down what he really goes through on the daily. I could feel his pain as I’m reading, regardless of what people should be respected and treated equally binary or non binary it shouldn’t be a difference. I always remember my great aunt used to always tell me you will never get a boyfriend because you like to play sports wear sports bras and always be around the boys instead of girls she would ask “Are you a lesbian? Do you like girls” all because I did not want to do what girls were doing like painting your nails I would rather play basketball or wear skirts or dresses I would prefer jeans sneakers and shirts. It was not me to act all girly but that didn’t mean I was a lesbian I was just a girl who liked to dress like a tomboy it was comfortable for me. Dealing with the trauma of not being able to express yourself is inhumane. Everyone should be free and able to express who they really are without any judgment or fear that they won’t be accepted.