National Native American AIDS Prevention Center Exploring Gender and the Impact It has on HIV Risk: Distinguishing Between Gender and Sex Jamie Folsom, M.S. APHA October 201

Presenter Disclosures Jamie Folsom, MS The following personal financial relationships with commercial interests relevant to this presentation existed during the past 12 months: No relationships to disclose.

The Office on Women’s Health (OWH) of the Department of Health & Human Services is committed to reducing the impact of HIV/AIDS among women and girls in the United States. OWH recognizes gender as a key driver of the epidemic among women and girls and the importance of gender-responsive approaches to HIV prevention.

Project HOPE Helping Organizations Provide Effective HIV/AIDS Prevention for Women and Girls JSI and NNAAPC are capacity building assistance providers assisting OWH grantees to effectively integrate gender in their HIV prevention programs

Learning objectives Define the difference between sex and gender

Sex is… Biological and physiological characteristics usually defined as “male” or “female.” Based on differences in sex chromosomes, gonads, hormonal levels and reproductive anatomy. Is generally constant, unless changed through hormones or surgery.

Gender is… Complex concept that includes an individual’s sex, sexuality, identities and social relations. Defines what it means to be a woman/man, girl/boy Defined by cultural values and beliefs Is reflected in norms, expectations, roles, relations, behaviors

Components of Gender Socially constructed Relational Hierarchical Contextual Dynamic

Gender Goes Beyond Gender goes beyond relations between women, men, boys and girls Cuts across society at all levels Supported and reinforced by values, legislation, religion, etc.

Gender Identity I am Man Two-spirit Woman Both Transgender Neither Masculine Feminine Queer Questioning

Gender Expression Masculine Feminine Androgynous I am Man Two-spirit Woman Both Transgender Neither Masculine Feminine Queer Questioning

Gender Norms Masculine Feminine I am Man Two-spirit Neither Both Transgender Woman Masculine Feminine Queer Questioning Masculine Feminine Androgynous

Stepping outside the boxes Norms often force people into one of two exclusive boxes Norms are often enforced by communities and families Challenging norms is often met with disapproval, social pressures and/or violence Stepping outside the norms impacts risk for disease

Staying within the norms also impacts risk for disease.