Gender Identity

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identifies as transgender they are not comfortable with their anatomic sex and fulfilling what is expected by society is completely inauthentic and completely unhealthy.

Masculinity & Femininity

The continuum of masculinity and femininity is a belief that these two very different traits exist essentially on opposite sides of a singular sequence of continuity. (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2011). It is believed that a person is essentially either masculine or feminine but this is not a realistic view of things. Masculinity and femininity can and do reside within every person and one trait does not take away from the other. One individual can be a strong hard working construction worker (male or female) and still be a sensitive, nurturing caregiver.

For myself three factors that have helped determine my gender identity, which is female, are; 1. My anatomic sex; 2. My mannerisms are that of a female; and 3. The way I was raised. Being born female I have always felt like a woman, never having feelings of being born the wrong sex. As far as my mannerisms, I have always carried myself like a woman and I do possess many (definitely not all) of the stereotypical traits of such: emotional, affectionate, nervous, forgiving, softhearted, and sexy among many others. Finally, the way I was raised, I was always told; ladies are to present and carry themselves in a certain way; and they are supposed to rear children and maintain their home while the man provides. While this is not for every female, truth is I have never desired any other lifestyle. I have only ever wanted to fulfill my motherly and wifely duties by being what some refer to as “just a mother and wife”.

The traits that I attribute to myself regarding the continuum are rather clear from my point of view. I do possess many of each, masculine and feminine, traits and one doesn’t take away from the other in any way. I am a loving, caring, and nurturing caregiver that also is submissive within my relationship but I can also be very assertive and I am capable of doing hard work that is considered to be manly such as laying hardwood floors or changing the car oil. I can be cute, sweet, and as feminine as they come one minute and be out playing tackle football with the boys the next. I would say that is a mixture of both masculine and feminine all in one individual.

Conclusion

Throughout society there has been much emphasis on gender and gender roles; on the importance of masculinity in men and femininity in females; and on who, what, and how males and females should and should not be. The factors that contribute to ones gender identity are both a matter of science, society, and an individual sense of self that cannot be denied in a healthy lifestyle. Gender identity does not fit a specific mold nor does it come in a nice, neat package. Discovering our true gender identity is an individual journey, one that does not always match our anatomic sex and cannot adhere to the expectations of others. It is our truest sense of self and is a huge part of who we are as human beings.

References:

Gender Identity. (n.d.). In Definition-of Community Dictionary By FARLEX.

Retrieved from http://www.definition-of.com/gender%20identity

Rathus, S.; Nevid, J.; & Fichner-Rathus, L. (2011) Human Sexuality in a World of Diversity. 8th ed. Retrieved from:

https://newclassroom3.phoenix.edu/Classroom/#/contextid/OSIRIS:49043002/context/co/view/activityDetails/activity/6b334236-650d-467f-ae12-6cc9b8444196/expanded/False