Sexual orientation and gender identity are frequently confused, but they represent different facets of a person's identity. Gender identity is one's internal sense of their own gender, whereas sexual orientation is a separate, though related, concept concerning one's attractions to others. Recognizing them as two distinct concepts is crucial to avoid common misconceptions.

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Gender identity is an individual's internal, personal sense of being a man, woman, both, or neither. It is a distinct concept from sexual orientation, which relates to attraction, although the two are often mistakenly conflated. While a person's gender identity often corresponds to their sex assigned at birth (based on chromosomes and phenotype), this is not always the case. Gender identity should also not be confused with gender expression, which is the outward presentation of one's gender. It is crucial for clinicians to understand these distinctions and be knowledgeable about gender-affirming care.

Gender Identity

Sexual orientation (or sexuality) has multiple dimensions and is a person's identity in relation to the gender(s) they are physically and/or emotionally attracted to. It concerns an individuals romantic, emotional, and/or erotic attraction towards others (or the absence of).

Sexual Orientation

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Individuals who experience Gender Dysphoria and feel that their gender identity is incongruent with their sex assigned at birth experience psychological distress due deviation from the societal norm, and Compassion-based Art Therapy combined with mindfulness can help build self-compassion and greater resilience

Mindfulness-Based Art Therapy for Gender- Variant Individuals

Gender dysphoria is a condition listed in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) that is characterized by an individual feeling distress due to their gender identity being different than their sex assigned at birth.

Gender Dysphoria

Intersex is a term used to describe when an individual's sex traits, hormones, or reproductive anatomy differ from the two ways humans usually develop. Sometimes intersex is recognized at birth, but it can also show up later in life. Intersex and transgender are terms that are not interchangeable.

Intersex

Cisgender refers to when an individual identify with their sex at birth. "Cis" as a prefix has the meaning of "on the same side."

Cisgender

Though progress is being made, many people still faces hardship, backlash, discrimination, and violence when they vary their gender identity or expression from the traditional gender norms. 

Challenges in Gender Identity Expression

The case of David Reimer began with the 1965 birth of twin boys, Bruce and Brian Reimer, in Winnipeg, Canada. When Bruce was a few months old, his penis was irreparably damaged during a routine circumcision due to faulty medical equipment. This tragic accident led his parents, Janet and Ronald Reimer, to consult with experts, ultimately connecting them with Dr. John Money at Johns Hopkins University. The family's story has since been widely covered in news reports and documentaries, providing further insight into their experiences.

The Case of David Reimer

Distinction Between Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

The term 'transgender' describes individuals whose personal gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. People who are transgender may use a variety of terms to describe themselves, including the abbreviation 'trans' or identifying as 'non-binary'.

Transgender

For some transgender individuals, transitioning is a process of aligning their life with their gender identity, moving away from living in a manner associated with the sex they were assigned at birth. This process is highly individual and can encompass social, legal, or medical changes. However, it is not a required step, and not all transgender people will pursue any or all of these transition types.

Transitioning for Transgender Individuals

Contemporary understanding of gender identity is in a state of continuous evolution, providing more freedom for exploration and expression than in the past. This shift is particularly evident among younger generations like millennials and Gen Z. For instance, research shows a majority of millennials view gender as a spectrum rather than a binary, with 12% identifying as transgender or gender non-conforming. This evolving perspective is reflected in societal changes, such as the increased use of gender-neutral pronouns like 'they/them' and shifts in commercial practices, where retailers are moving away from gender-segregated marketing for items like toys and clothing.

Evolving Understanding and Expression of Gender Identity

While some cultures, such as the United States, have historically been cisnormative and based on a two-gender system classifying individuals as male or female based on their sex at birth, this is not a universal model. Many other cultures recognize more than two gender categories, with some of these identities being integral parts of their societies for centuries. These non-binary identities often predate modern Western definitions of gender and hold deep cultural significance.

Cultural Variations in Gender Systems

An individual named Kai was designated male on their original birth certificate. Kai enjoys wearing tailored suits, is romantically attracted to women, and has a deeply held, internal conviction that they are a woman. Which of these elements best describes Kai's gender identity?

The term sex assigned at birth is used to describe the legal and medical designation of male or female that is ascribed by doctors to infants at birth based on the presentation of their external genitalia. Assigned Male at Birth (AMAB) and Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB) are used to demark the identification one was give while also being used rhetorically to note the difference between both the sex someone was assigned and what their biological sex is - for instance in the case of intersex individual, and to differentiate between sex and gender identity.

Sex Assigned At Birth

Intersectionality refers to how multiple systems of oppression experienced at the same time create a different experience of oppression than if experienced individually. These systems include sexism and racism, and this intersectionality can be observed in the Hyper-sexuality of Africans:

- African women have been portrayed as highly sexual and lusty
- African men have been portrayed as savage sexual predators
- African sexualities have been used to justify racism
- Since African women were portrayed as over-sexualized they were raped by slave owners; African men could be lynched because they were seen as dangerous predators

Intersectional Sexualities-TW

Social and cultural institutions exert social control over sexuality, this can be seen in many contexts:

- Women become sexually mature during puberty (which typically occurs from 12-16 years of age) but tend wait until 23 years old (on average) to have children
- Abstinence-only sex education is received at most schools
- Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a medical disorder but was initially understood as a social problem

The Social Control of Sexuality

Contains models pertaining to how people develop their sexual identities.

Models of Sexual Orientation/Identity Development

- sexual behavior
- sexual desires
- sexual identity

3 Dimensions of Sexual Orientation

- Lesbian
- Gay
- Homosexuality 
- Bisexual
- Queer
- Heterosexual/Straight
- Asexual
- Pansexual

Examples of Sexual Orientations

Aromanticism describes a romantic orientation where an individual does not experience romantic attraction. This is distinct from asexuality, which is characterized by a lack of sexual attraction.

Aromanticism

Attraction can be categorized into different types, primarily romantic and sexual. Sexual attraction involves erotic interest, and its absence is termed asexuality. In contrast, romantic attraction involves emotional connection, and its absence is termed aromanticism. An individual's romantic and sexual orientations are not necessarily the same.

Comparison of Romantic and Sexual Attraction

Sexual orientations are not always fixed categories but often exist on a spectrum. This means that an individual's feelings of attraction may not fit neatly into a single defined term, reflecting the fluidity and diversity of human sexuality.

Sexual Orientation as a Spectrum

Sexual orientation is understood to be shaped by a combination of factors. While environmental influences like family background and socialization were once thought to be primary determinants, research has consistently refuted this idea. In contrast, a significant body of evidence points to an underlying biological component, supported by findings in genetics, brain structure, and basic physiology. This suggests that sexual orientation is, to a large extent, an innate trait with which individuals are born.

Biological and Environmental Influences on Sexual Orientation

A central finding in sexuality research is that sexual orientation is not a choice but a relatively stable personal characteristic that cannot be fundamentally changed. The scientific consensus is that attempts to alter sexual orientation, such as conversion therapy, are not only ineffective but also potentially harmful to individuals. This consensus refutes claims that sexual orientation can be changed through external interventions.

Sexual Orientation as an Unchangeable Trait

The understanding and expression of sexual orientation are heavily shaped by sociocultural factors, leading to significant variations in definitions and norms across different cultures. For example, while the United States is considered a heteronormative society where heterosexuality is the historical norm, other societies hold different views. In some cultures, such as parts of New Guinea, periods of same-sex sexual activity are socially prescribed as a necessary stage of development for young boys to become men.

Sociocultural Influences on Sexual Orientation

Homophobia is an umbrella term for prejudice and discrimination directed at individuals based on their sexual orientation. It commonly targets non-heterosexual people, including those who are bisexual, lesbian, and gay. In the United States, homophobia is a widespread and often tolerated form of prejudice.

Homophobia

An individual identifies as a woman, is emotionally and romantically attracted to men, but does not experience sexual attraction to people of any gender. Which of the following statements best analyzes this individual's identity based on the provided information?

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