ST_F_BRIAN

SEX FILES
WHAT IS GENDER
DIVERSITY?
Gender diversity refers to the variation of genes within a species.
The genetic diversity enables a population to adapt to its
environment and to respond to natural selection. The amount of
genetic variation is the basis of speculation.
When your true essence weeps
sing out loud, strong and proud,
“I will no longer suffer in silence
the stinging lashes of adversity”.
Join the chorus of the alienated.
Let the world hear a voice of unity
as we step forward, hand in hand
and have a say in our destiny.
Written by a married couple in North
Queensland, Australia
SUFFER NOT IN SILENCE
HOW IS SEX AND
GENDER DIVERSITY
DEFINED?
There are various legal, social, medical and scientific opinions and theories about what
constitutes sex and what constitutes gender.There is no consensus about the definition
of sex or gender.
A commonly held view is that sex is a fixed concept that is biologically determined.
Some of the biological factors that may determine sex include physical attributes,
chromosomes, genitals, gonads, hormones and ‘brain-sex’. However, not all of these
factors are accepted as being biologically determined. There are different views about
which of these specific factors actually biologically determine sex.
The biological definition of sex is based on whether a person is male or female.
However, there are also people who are born not exclusively male or female and are
intersex. The phrase sex diversity as a term recognises the complete spectrum of sex
identity.
For people who define sex as biologically determined, gender is viewed as socially
constructed. From this perspective, gender can be determined by how a person looks,
dresses or acts. People can express a gender identity that is masculine, feminine or
something else. Gender identity does not necessarily match with sex. For example,
whilst most females will have a gender identity that is feminine, some males also have
a gender identity that is feminine. The phrase gender diversity as a term recognises that
all people express a gender identity and that gender identity is not necessarily linked
to a person’s sex.
Other views challenge this dichotomy of sex as a biological determination and gender
as a social construction. These views advocate for a definition of sex that is based on
By Graeme Innes AM
social and cultural factors. This perspective collapses the distinction between sex and
gender by arguing that sex is historically and politically specific. This perspective sees
sex as a variable concept and gender diversity is built into the very nature of sex.
Despite this lack of consensus over the exact meaning and definition, sex and/or gender
is an important part of a person’s personal identity. Sex and/or gender identity defines
a person’s sense of self and positions them in a social and political context. Every person
has the right for their sex and/or gender identity to be recognised and respected.
Graeme Innes AM is the Australian Human Rights Commissioner and Disability
Discrimination Commissioner
“The simplest way I can put it is that I don't consider myself trans anything. I am just a
female (no surgery) and it’s a hefty slap in the face to say that my documentation, id
and whatnot cannot be changed to reflect that until I go under the knife.”
Blog participant
“We need to determine why our sex is relevant to anyone except ourselves and our
loved ones ... Except for private moments, more often than not, our sex is hidden from
the view of all others. It is a personal private matter. It is of no concern to those people
who read our birth certificates, our passports, our driver’s licenses or any other official
document.” ST
Blog participant
Creditline: Sex Files/Human Rights, Govt. of Australia
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