Components of Gender and Sex

This page breaks down the different components that make up a person's gender and sexual identity:

• Sex assigned at birth: The biological sex designation given at birth based on physical characteristics
• Gender identity: A person's internal sense of their own gender
• Gender expression: How a person outwardly expresses their gender through appearance and behavior
• Sexual orientation: Who a person is attracted to romantically and sexually

Definition: Gender identity refers to a person's deeply-held internal sense of being male, female, or non-binary, which may or may not match their sex assigned at birth.

Highlight: These components are distinct but interrelated aspects of a person's identity. Understanding the differences between them is crucial for grasping the full spectrum of gender and sexual diversity.

Typical Sexes and Intersex Conditions

This page explores biological sex and intersex conditions:

Biological sex is typically assigned at birth based on anatomy, usually categorized as male or female. However, intersex conditions demonstrate that sex characteristics exist on a spectrum.

Definition: Intersex refers to individuals born with sex characteristics (including genitals, gonads, and chromosome patterns) that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies.

Intersex conditions can involve variations in hormones, chromosomes, internal or external anatomy. These natural variations show that biological sex is more complex than a simple male/female binary.

Highlight: The existence of intersex conditions challenges the notion that biological sex is always clearly defined as male or female.

Improving School Environments for Non-binary Students

This page discusses efforts to create more inclusive school environments for non-binary students:

Many schools are altering policies to better accommodate non-binary students. This includes:

• Educating teachers, parents, and students about gender diversity
• Transforming facilities to meet the needs of non-binary students
• Working with organizations and following new laws to implement changes

However, challenges remain:

• Some laws restrict schools from discussing LGBT topics positively
• Resistance from some teachers, parents, and students
• Many necessary changes are still pending implementation

Highlight: While progress is being made, creating truly inclusive environments for non-binary students requires ongoing effort and education.