Gender Identity & Expression

 

 

As you will see, gender identity and gender expression are two distinct things.  However, they are so closely related, it's very difficult to talk about one without interjecting the other.  So, we'll discuss them together here.

 

Reminder:  GLBTQ = Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning

 

Gender Identity and Gender Expression:  An Introduction

 

Up First:
Terminology

If you missed the section on terms
which apply to gender identity and
expression, please review them now.
(Otherwise, it's going to get
confusing quickly!)

An Introduction to
Gender Identity & Expression

What's the difference between:
"Sexual Orientation",
"Gender Identity",
and "Gender Expression"?

According to the Trans Activist Network:

In simplest form, "trans" refers to transgender, transsexual,  intersex, cross-dressing, drag, butch, femme and all other forms of gender variance. Trans individuals seek gender rights allowing them to present their gender identity as best suits them. "Trans" is not limited to individuals who change their "sex" or their bodies, but includes everyone who desires a greater freedom of gender expression.

Answers to Your Questions About Transgender
Individuals and Gender Identity

Published by the American Psychological Association (APA).

[View]

An Introduction to
the 3 Biological Sexes (Yes, 3)

What's the difference between:
"Male",
"Female",
and "Intersex"?

Answers to Your Questions About Individuals
With Intersex Conditions

Published by the American Psychological Association (APA).

[View]

Another Brief Explanation
of Gender Identity

Gender identity describes our sense of being male or being female or being something other.

How Do We Know
Our Gender?

Informative article on gender identity and gender expression in children, and much more.

Gender Identity, Gender Expression,
Body Presentation and Sexual Attraction

Excellent article with very good examples of the various stages of gender expression, body presentation, and sexual attraction for straight, gay, and transgender persons.

Differences in Experiences and Challenges
Between GLB People and Trans People

Lists a few of the differences in the experiences of and challenges faced by transgender individuals that differ from the LGB community.

What Does It Feel Like to Question One's Own Gender?  What's It Feel Like to BE Transgender?

A very good explanation of questioning one's gender and the very feeling of being trans.

Intersex in a
Two Sex World

How the world became acquainted with the term "intersex" after questions arose about a prominent professional athlete.

Two Sexes
Are Not Enough

How to discuss individuals who are clearly neither/both male and female or who are, perhaps, both at once.

Stressors in the Lives
of GLBTQ Youth

Why the increased risk for substance use, dropping out of school, homelessness, sexual risk-taking, and attempting suicide?   (Note:  Article starts on page 3 of this document.)     [View]

The Impact of Homophobia and Racism
on GLBTQ Youth of Color

As members of more than one minority group, GLBTQ youth of color face special challenges in a society which often presents heterosexuality as the only acceptable orientation and in which nonwhites have disproportionately higher rates of negative sexual outcomes. [View]

If You Are Concerned about Your Child's
Gender Behaviors:  A Guide for Parents

This guide for parents answers the most frequently asked questions about your child's gender behaviors.

[View]     [En español]

Creative Story from a
Phoenix Mom

"Trevor [a 6-yr-old male] is really into The Game of Life. Don't know whether you are familiar with it, but at some point you may get married.  In our house, you get to choose whether you want to marry a boy or a girl, regardless of your gender!  Oh, and it doesn't matter whether you are in a same sex marriage, if you get the spot that says you have a kid (or twins!) you have them! He has never questioned these choices."
 

 

Articles:  A Random Collection Focused on Gender Identity and/or Gender Expression Topics

Video Clips:  A Random Collection Focused on Gender Identity and/or Gender Expression Topics

 

Gender Identity Disorder:  Mind-Body Disconnect

 

Transgender Kids: Painful Quest to be Who They Are

 

 

                        

 

            ABC's "20/20" and Barbara Walters Present "My Secret Self:  Transgender Children":

Part 1:

 

Part 2:

 

Part 3:

 

Part 4:

 

Part 5:

 

  

 

            Dr. Oz Talks to Transgender Kids & Their Parents:

Part 1:

 

Part 2:

 

  

 

            ABC's "Family Secrets" features "When Dad Becomes Mom:  The Chloe Prince Story":

Part 1:

 

Part 2:

 

Part 3:

 

Part 4:

 

Part 5:

 

Part 6:

 

 

            Becoming Chaz:  Chaz Bono, former daughter ("Chasity") of entertainers Sonny and Cher, becomes a man

 June 12, 2009:  The Announcement

May 9, 2011:  Going Public "After"
 
Note:  This video is shown in two segments.

May, 2011:  Premier of "Becoming Chaz"
 

                    - 06/01/11:  Fortunate Son:  The Advocate cover story for June-July, 2011
                                        It took him four decades to transition from Sonny and Cher’s adorable daughter to the man he knew he was inside. Now, with his inspiring new memoir and
                                        candid documentary, Chaz is happy at last and intends to make his story count.

                    - 05/01/11:  Cher: I Admire Chaz's Courage

 

            Miscellaneous Videos:

 

 

TransYouth Family Advocates Executive Director Kim Pearson is interviewed by CNN Prime News regarding gender identity and the social transition of an 8 year old Colorado child who is biologically a male and wishes to return to public school in her identified female gender.

 

TV interview of German transgirl Kim Petras on the Morning Show. The interview draws a more realistic picture of Kim than in the CBS show "The Insider" on April 30, 2009. Kim speaks about her past as a boy and the latest single she has released: "Die for you".  Source:  The Transgender Channel (Luxembourg):

 

 

CNN Reports:  An Omaha child born a boy will start the next school year with a new name and a new identity -- as Katie, a girl.  According to the Omaha World-Herald, the parents of the 8-year-old say the child they first named Ben exhibited girlish tendencies as young as 2, when he would create long hair using scarves. A year later, he donned a tiara and dressed as a princess for Halloween.  [more]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Family Embraces "Princess Boy"

 

The Kilodavis family has no problem with the fact that 5-year-old Dyson likes to dress as a princess. In fact, they're so supportive, mom Cheryl has written a book about it. Now, Dyson's school uses My Princess Boy as an antibullying tool.

 

Follow-up Story

 

 

Boy Contestant Joins Toddlers and Tiaras

 

Story

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

            ABC's "20/20" Discusses Intersex People:

Part 1:

 

Part 2:

 

 

 

 

            HBO Documentary "Middle Sexes:  Redefining He and She":

Part 1:

 

Part 2:

 

Part 3:

 

Part 4:

 

Part 5:

 

Part 6:

 

Part 7:

 

Part 8:

 

Part 9:

 

Part 10:

 

Part 11:

 

  

 

            Documentary "Transmen":

Part 1:

 

Part 2:

 

Part 3:

 

Part 4:

 

Part 5:

 

 

 

 

Resources: 

 

Click here for resources for transgender, transsexual, intersex, and genderqueer individuals, their families and friends.

 

Where to Go From Here?  Let Your Personal Education Continue . . . .

 

 

Go here to learn about:

  • Sexual orientation

  • Being gay or lesbian

  • Being bisexual

  • And yes, being "straight" (i.e., are you doing it right???)

 

Go here to learn about:

  • Bullying, harassment, and suicide

  • "Coming out" issues

  • "Ex-gay" issues

  • Faith/religion issues

  • And much more...

 
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