Biological Sex Female vs Male

Our Biological Sex Biological sex is our identification as female, male, or intersex. It includes our internal and external sex organs, chromosomes, and hormones. Some people are intersex rather than female or male.

Female, Male or Intersex Determined by a person’s sexual anatomy, chromosomes, and hormones. Our sex is established when an egg is fertilized Men ejaculate two types of sperm X chromosomes and Y chromosomes When sperm fertilizes an egg, its X or Y chromosome combines with the X chromosome of the egg. XX chromosomes = female sex and reproductive organs XY chromosomes = male sex and reproductive organs A child born with sex chromosomes that are different from the usual XX or XY = Intersex The child may develop sex and/or reproductive organs that are ambiguous, not completely female and not completely male 1 in 2,000 people born in the U.S. is intersex Intersex Society of North America (ISNA).

Sex vs Gender Our sex refers to our sexual anatomy and chromosomes. Our gender is our biological, social, and legal status as girls and boys, women and men. Example, Boy biological sex but feels more like a girl gender Each culture has standards about the way that people should behave based on their gender. For example, many cultures expect and encourage men to be more aggressive than women. Our gender identity is our innermost feelings about our sex and gender. Some people have a gender identity that strongly conflicts with their biological sex — they are called transgender.

You are who you ARE… Each person has a sex, a gender, and a gender identity Gender identity is how we feel about and express our gender and gender roles — clothing, behavior, and personal appearance. It is a feeling that we have as early as age two or three. Transgender Some people find that their gender identity does not match their biological sex. When this happens, the person may identify as transgender.

GIRLS WIN… Difference between Men and Women Our cultures teach women and men to be the opposite of each other in many ways. The truth is that we are more alike than different dependent emotional passive sensitive quiet graceful innocent weak flirtatious nurturing self-critical soft sexually submissive accepting independent non-emotional aggressive tough-skinned competitive clumsy experienced strong active self-confident hard sexually aggressive rebellious FEMININITY MASCULINITY Our cultures teach women and men to be the opposite of each other in many ways. The truth is that we are more alike than different

Gender Roles Four Types of Stereotypes: Children learn gender roles from an early age — from their parents and family, their religion, their culture, and outside world television, magazines, and other media. Four Types of Stereotypes: Personality traits — For example, women are often expected to be passive and submissive, while men are usually expected to be self-confident and aggressive. Domestic behaviors — For example, caring for children is often considered best done by women, while household repairs are often considered best done by men. Occupations — For example, until very recently most nurses and secretaries were usually women, and most doctors and construction workers were usually men. Physical appearance — For example, women are expected to be small and graceful, while men are expected to be tall and broad-shouldered.

Gender Identity If you have been struggling with gender or gender identity, you’re not alone. It may help you to talk to a trusted parent, friend, family member, teacher, or professional counselor. Rest assured that many other people are still figuring out their sexuality, so what you're feeling is more common than you might think. Talking with a trusted friend or family member may help you figure it out.

Abuse/Violence Those who appear to be homosexual — may face verbal abuse or physical violence because of their sexual orientation. This abuse is sometimes called gay-bashing. Internalized homophobia can lead to suicide. Up to 30 percent of lesbian, gay, and bisexual adolescents attempt suicide.