Gender Identity and Gender Expression

Name: Gender Identity and Gender Expression
Author: KnowledgeCity

Creating a Safe and Inclusive Workspace

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Course: On-Demand

(mellow music) Let's explore the basic concepts of gender identity and gender expression. We will discuss the differences between sex and gender, the nuances of gender expression and gender stereotypes, various genders that you may encounter, and how to avoid misgendering and deadnaming. Is there a difference between a person's sex and a person's gender? Many people use these terms interchangeably. While they are connected, they are not synonymous. They mean two different things. Sex refers to the biological differences between us. This includes anatomy, hormones, and chromosomes. Biological sex is generally sorted into male and female. Gender, meanwhile, has many different aspects to it. Here is the definition of gender. Socially constructed characteristics of women and men, such as norms, roles, and relationships of and between groups of women and men. It varies from society to society and can be changed. Traditionally, gender was seen as based entirely on biological sex. This is known as gender assigned at birth. But, not everyone identifies with their originally assigned gender. These individuals are transgender and have a gender identity that is different from what is typically associated with their sex. The word transgender encompasses not only transgender men and women, but other genders as well. A study from the Williams Institute at UCLA found that an estimated .6% of adults in the US identify as transgender. That may seem like a small amount, but it's about 1.4 million adults. Some who identify as transgender may undergo medical procedures to change the outer perception of their gender identity, but not all do. Identifying as transgender is not dependent on physical appearance. A person whose gender identity is the same as their gender assigned at birth is cis gender. This term more or less encompasses anyone who is not transgender. A person's gender can be male, female, or something else entirely. There are many different genders a person can identify as. A person's gender can be influenced by socially constructed roles, activities, and how a person sees themselves. It can be a very personal way that we see ourselves and express ourselves. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, we normally have a strong sense of our gender identity by the age of four. The US Transgender Survey found that 32% of transgender individuals began to feel their gender was different from the sex on their birth certificate at age five or younger. Some countries and states have started legally recognizing that there are more than two genders. For example, Germany allows people to identify as diverse, instead of male or female, on legal documents. In the United States, Oregon was the first state to offer a third option on licenses and identification cards, allowing individuals to choose X as their gender, instead of male or female.

Essential Provider : KnowledgeCity 6 Lessons · 13m in English, Spanish

Course Description

Growing up, many of us learned that someone’s gender meant that they’re either male or female. This is known as the gender binary, and it doesn’t paint a complete picture. While many people do consider themselves either male or female, plenty of individuals do not. Some individuals are non-binary; some individuals only partially identify as a gender; and some individuals do not subscribe to any gender at all. This course will help you understand different gender identities and gender expressions, the challenges some people face in their gender identities within society, and what you can do to promote gender-inclusive strategies and practices in the workplace.

What You'll Learn

Understand different gender identities and gender expressions, including the gender binary, non-binary, and partial or no gender identification
Recognize and use individuals' correct pronouns
Avoid practices such as misgendering and deadnaming
Identify different types of gender stereotypes
Use gender-neutral and gender-inclusive language
Understand anti-discrimination laws and practices in the workplace

Key Takeaways

The gender binary frames gender as only male or female, but it does not paint a complete picture of how people identify.
Some individuals are non-binary, some only partially identify as a gender, and some do not subscribe to any gender at all.
Using individuals' correct pronouns and avoiding misgendering and deadnaming are part of respectful, inclusive practice.
Gender-neutral language and gender-inclusive strategies can be promoted in the workplace.
Anti-discrimination laws and practices support inclusive treatment of people across gender identities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this course cover?

It helps you understand different gender identities and gender expressions, the challenges some people face in their gender identities within society, and what you can do to promote gender-inclusive strategies and practices in the workplace. It covers sex vs. gender, gender expression, gender stereotypes, gender terms, misgendering, and deadnaming.

What skills will I gain from this course?

The course builds skills in diversity awareness, naming conventions, and gender studies.

What is the gender binary as described in this course?

The gender binary is the idea that someone's gender means they are either male or female. The course explains that while many people consider themselves male or female, this does not paint a complete picture, as some individuals are non-binary, only partially identify as a gender, or do not subscribe to any gender at all.

Does this course address workplace practices?

Yes. It covers what you can do to promote gender-inclusive strategies and practices in the workplace, including using gender-neutral language and understanding anti-discrimination laws and practices.