Understanding Gender Diversity – The Definition of Transgender
Understanding Gender Diversity – The Definition of Transgender
Sex is a biological trait which determines the reproductive role of an individual, male or female, both in plants and animals that reproduce through sexual division. The classification of an organism into male or female determines its sex. In animals the external sex organs are used to identify the sex. In humans the external sex organs are only sensitive to the external conditions and the genitalia, including the vagina, are not involved in determining sex in humans.
After birth, the physical differences between the two sexes are established and these are passed on to subsequent generations. All observed physical differences between men and women are usually larger than the size of the eyes or brain in both cases; however, this difference does not affect sexual determination. In humans the external sex organs play an important role in determining the assignment of the individual sex at birth. In both animals (including humans) and plants (such as fish) the anatomical differences between male and female have been determined through genitalia analysis. These differences are essential in determining whether an animal is male or female (or sometimes even both).
In humans the concepts of sex and gender identity are frequently used to distinguish and classify sexual behavior. In animals and insects the genitalia are often used to identify sex. In humans the concepts of sex and gender identity are often used to explain individual characteristics such as body hair, breast development, the presence of a Y chromosome (only present in the male), and whether an individual is male or female. In humans, some of these terms (i.e., Y chromosome) do not always coincide with the understanding of sexual behavior, and the precise biological properties that define these concepts may be unclear.
As stated above, the concepts of male and female often overlap in both animals and humans. The distinction between male and female is sometimes recognized between conception and birth, as in human sperm and egg. This observation is useful for animal studies, but it remains unclear as to the exact biological nature of this distinction in humans. There is some confusion regarding the place of the Y chromosome within the reproductive system of males, and between sperm and egg in females.
As in the case of the sperm and egg, the concept of gender identity is often used to distinguish and define characteristics that are considered to be feminine or masculine. Most frequently, this distinction is used to account for the phenomenon of transgenderism. The term “transgendered” was first used in Reference to a person who identifies as a transgender or gender-bender. Currently, many professionals consider the term “transgendered” to be a preferable alternative to the term” Transgender” because it captures a broader range of individuals who self-identify as a transgender or gender-bender. Many in the medical field to refer to individuals who are transgender or gender-benders as being transgendered (instead of transgender), and there is currently no universal consensus on the term “transgenderism.”
Transgender is also a descriptive term that can encompass a wide range of feelings, attitudes, and behaviors about one’s gender identity and body features. Some people may feel like, through their external appearance, that they are members of the “category” of men, while others may feel inside like women. In general, those who feel inside a different gender than they are able to socially identify with will engage in practices that are consistent with members of that category, such as dressing, grooming, and grooming one’s body to appear to be that gender. Those who do not believe that they fall into the category of either male or female will tend to be quite open and honest about their own identity and feelings. While some situations lend themselves to understanding these definitions, many individuals who are transgender will continue to practice many of the traditional practices associated with members of both the male and female categories.