The Gender Beyond by Alok was very enjoyable. I like the way he expressed who he truly was. It’s sad that many people don’t see others perspective in situations like this. We live in a world full of hate crime, and for what? I related to Alok when he mentioned he was bullied for being who he was, because as a young girl (generally speaking), growing up I didn’t really dress feminine and was always questioned and picked on as I was in a catholic school the majority of school years so I definitely felt like an outcast based on how I dressed and expressed myself. It pains me to see that there are people out there that really view these great people simply for how we choose to express ourselves.

I really enjoyed Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok. I’m obsessed with him and how he expresses himself. I am not going to lie, it hurts me reading his story. It literally makes me hate people even more! The way that people treat one another is disgusting. The stares to him afraid of his life because of the world we live in. Hate crime. It happens all the time. Also him getting bullied in school by someone that was JEALOUS of his freedom of expression, and that kid coming out as bisexual and apologizing years later gets me upset. It gets me upset because what if Alok didn’t have that tough skin and he went home that night and decided to take away his life because of that one bully? Kids are so mean and it happens all the time, its heart breaking. I agree with what he said “People judge gender non-conformity because they are insecure about their identities. If they weren’t, then gender variance wouldn’t be so heavily policed.” If people weren’t so insecure about their identities the less crime there would be. Physical, verbally and mentally. Also he shines light on gender of a baby. Growing up we had only those two categories, boy or girl. Thats all I know and my son. We are divided. They condition with color, style, sport, and how we’re suppose to act as a girl or boy. It’s the normal to us but we’re not thinking of how he makes others feel.

I truly just like the book Beyond The Gender Binary by Alok. I think the way he expresses himself and how well he characterize the term caught my consideration. The reality that he depict how the individual who utilize to bulling him at school afterward on came out to be bisexual may be a awesome point and stood out to me the reason why he was doing bulling was since he was not secure of he sexuality and he required to confirmation he was “normal”. I think that’s a reality that numerous individuals face today. The way they attempt to confirmation them self to society they do it within the wrong way. Presently the reality that he moreover mention how individuals kind of crave who you wish to be instead of letting you exist is something that must be listened. The way he displayed it in an understanding way more than an commitment to acknowledge his point make his perusing so clear and deliver us an understanding of numerous focuses that in my case was vague.

Bianca Cruz

I honestly like the book Beyond The Gender Binary by Alok. I think the way he express him self and how well he define the term caught my attention. The fact that he describe how the person who use to bulling him at school later on came out to be bisexual is a great point and stood out to me the reason why he was doing bulling was because he was not secure of he sexuality and he needed to proof he was “normal”. I think that is a reality that many people face today. The way they try to proof them self to society they do it in the wrong way. Now the fact that he also mention how people kind of desire who you need to be rather than letting you exist is something that needs to be heard. The way he presented it in an understanding way more than an obligation to accept his point make his reading so clear and give us an understanding of many points that in my case was unclear.

Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon gave readers a clear and simple understanding of a non-binary perspective. I enjoyed reading his story and all the different gender identities he explains and their differences. It was my first time reading and see the effects of a non-conforming person life. Aloks dives in deep into a social structure that has led people to conform to their traditions and continuously oppress anyone who goes outside of their structure. Alok reveals personal experiences he’s had within his community as a non- conforming person. He expressed the lack of support and the fights he struggles with daily being his authentic self.  I admire Alok for being such as brave sole and not only advocating for himself but for anyone who feels that they must closet themselves because of our society. Unfortunately, Alok has went through some horrible experiences within his community such as threats, lack of respect and opportunity. Alok is standing as a leader of the non- binary society letting people come together with forces to acknowledge people like themselves, creative and authentic beings. People who truly believes that gender is beyond masculine and feminine and that we own ourselves and can choose who we what to be whenever. Alok wants gender conforming people to know that people like himself don’t do this for fun, this is who they really are and that they should be treated with the same respect and dignity as everyone else. Alok encourage everyone to in the world to view gender in full colors rather than black and white. Alok is a very courageous person, and he has open up my eyes to the understanding of how people can identify themselves and that even women and men should be open in expresses their true self because it okay to choose who you wish to be today and the next day.

I absolutely loved the reading that was assigned this week Beyond The Gender Binary written by Alok. This book gives an insight on the non-binary perspective. Usually we see the non-binary experience explained by those who are non-binary or we usually see more documentaries about transgenders or gay people which are all very educating and interesting however this was the first time I read something that ones in a different type of perspective. Especially gave some insight on how it is on a day to day basis for non gender conforming people and how it is a danger for them to live their regular lives like others. After reading this it just shows how brave these people are for living their truths in a society that punishes anyone who is different and don’t fit the cookie cutter ideals. Everyone deserves respect and peace and the fact that as a society we are not making these conversations is actually really upsetting. I learned from this book how local , state and federal are all prohibiting basic human rights to these people just because of their lifestyles and we are not hearing it on the news. I love how this book dived in deeper on the topics of sex, gender, biology and gender expressions and learned new vocabulary. I also really enjoyed the videos that were optional to see they were really interesting and informative. They broaden more your ideas and include a wide range of different topics. It’s also another way to learn about gender in a more fun and modern way rather then just reading a textbook from cover page to back.

Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon is such a well written book. What I realize when reading Beyond the Gender Binary is that it inspires readers all across the world to believe that anything is possible inside themselves. Alok Vaid-Menon wrote this book as if we were there and experiencing everything with them. Vaid-Menon discusses how gender binary enforcement begins at birth and impacts people at all stages of life, with people of color being more vulnerable owing to Western views of gender as binary. Gender assignments provide a narrative for how a person should act, what they are permitted to enjoy or wear, and how they express themselves. Punishment for nonconformity creates an inextricable relationship between gender and shame. Vaid-Menon deconstructs common arguments against gender nonconformity into four categories: rejection, inconvenience, biology, and the slippery slope (fear of the consequences of acceptance). Headers in strong type make it easier to go from one analysis to the next. The text has a conversational tone that seems as intimate and sensitive as a discussion with a best friend. In other words, Beyond the Gender Binary, spoken word poet Alok Vaid-Menon encourages the world to view gender in full color rather than black and white. They demonstrate that gender is a changeable and creative form of expression by drawing on their own experiences as a gender-nonconforming artist. Your imagination is the only limit. “People judge gender nonconformity because they are insecure about their identities,” Vaid- Menon explained. I agree with this statement because they are envious of others’ ability to express who they truly are. The second greatest thing for them to do is to criticize people who are courageous enough to be themselves. This book was eye-opening.

After watching the video, Im now educated more on gender. I didn’t know that different gender identities have existed throughout history. What I do admire about my generation is these identities are being brought to light and more people are becoming accepting of it. As Alok mentions, going against the gender binary norm doesn’t mean getting rid of women and man. Many people have a misinterpretation by this movement and may even feel threatened by it. I’ve had peers say that they don’t like how other genders are trying to erase the traditional two. This has always angered me, being that other identities are focused on trying to become equally accepted with women and men, not go against them. Society will have non binary people regardless if it’s accepted or not. The problem is, not accepting them brings them to a disadvantage. the way they’re treated, lack of respect, and lack of opportunities. Something I admired about Alok is he loves himself unapologetically. He understands that being non binary is something much bigger than himself. As a cisgender, being an advocate for non binary people is significant in moving forward. The lack of our support stunts the movement. As women, we should not be subjected to being feminine and men should not be subjected to being masculine. Children are being frowned upon for doing activities, such as ballet dancing or basketball. We are keeping them from freely expressing themselves because of societys take on how two genders should act. With the different identities created throughout the years, it is no longer logical to put humans in two specific categories.

before today I had never heard of alok Vaid manon but I had always been aware of the struggles that people from the LGBTQIA2S+ faces, I had many friends from a very young age who were afraid of what people would say if they ever came out. it was sad because I could in a way feel they terror. reading some parts of the books made me remember those awful moments that my friends experienced. I also agree on many parts that in today’s society everything is about control and how we are seen as rule breakers when we do something outside of the box, I say we because I am bisexual and from my experience when I came out to my mother she looked at me like I was a disgrace it felt awful and I couldn’t understand why she felt that way when nothing about me changed but only the people that I liked. and that’s something that’s explained in they book. often times people from older generations are not used to the idea that some things change and the believe thinks should be the same way even for us who are growing up with more freedom than ever, but we are still forced to act a certain way and dress a certain way to prove that we are worthy of acceptance . I disagree I agree that people should do whatever makes them happy as long as its not affecting anyway In a negative way. I believe this book its a good way for people to think a little outside the box and see things from the community’s eyes.