Blog 23: Exploring the Spectrum of Gender Diversity

Exploring the Spectrum of Gender Diversity

Like Charlie wants to do its part for the LGBTIQ+ community and as promised in blog 5, here is the blog on gender diversity. Why am I writing a blog about this? Because this is a very important topic that is alive in today's society. Gender is a topic that seems very simple for some, quite intricate for others. Far from being a linear, one-sided story, it is rather a spectrum full of beautiful complexity. Because of that, it can sometimes feel overwhelming.

Through the image below, Like Charlie tries to bring more knowledge to those who are less familiar with this subject. Please take your time to study the image and look at the accompanying examples and explanations.

- Gender identity:
Socially and culturally constructed characteristics
Example: woman, men, non-binary

How you, as an individual, define your gender. In other words, it has very much to do with your own understanding of what gender means and to what degree you align with the available options. This does not necessarily match your biological sex.

- Attraction and sexuality:
The desire to interact with someone on a physical/emotional level
Examples: heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual, asexual

What makes you want to engage in a deeper relationship with another person. There are many types of attraction: sexual, sensual, romantic, emotional, etc. Sexuality can be unidirectional, but also more complex and diverse. It is a fluid concept that is deeply personal.

- biological sex:
Your physical characteristics
Example: female, male, intersex

The body features you are born with or that you develop: genitalia, chromosomes, hormone levels, body shape, hair, etc. Although typically associated with maleness or femaleness, that trait is not strictly binary. There are many individuals for whom this distinction is less clear. They can be considered intersex.

- Genderexpression:
Outward presentation of your gender
Examples: feminine, masculine, androgynous

The way you present yourself and your gender to the external world. You can do so through your actions, behaviors, clothing, makeup, hobbies, etc. This is not a fixed concept. Some people express their gender the same way every single day, while for others it might change over time. Gender expression is intimately linked with your feeling of self-identity.

Jurren van der Gun
Like Charlie