2018 Issue 4 Jul/Aug - Focus Mid-South Magazine

Gender Spectrum The gender spectrum model
evolves from the acknowledgement that the
black/white rigidity of the binary is artificial and
that there are a range of masculine and feminine
grays between the extremes. Since the 1970s, this
understanding of gender has slowly become part
of our cultural mainstream and may be the system
that feels most normal to you.
This model allows more self-determination than
a binary model—individuals are allowed to choose
the position along the spectrum that feels most
comfortable—but it does have flaws. As practiced
in our society, there is still substantial pressure
for men and women to remain on their half of the
spectrum. People who fail to do so tend to be
categorized as anomalies, e.g. butches and queens,
and only tolerated to varying degrees within
mainstream society.
Gender Fluidity Gender fluidity evolves from the
idea that a person need not choose just one spot
on the spectrum of gender-oriented behavior. In a
gender fluid model, an individual can move along
the spectrum, choosing hyper-masculinity one day
and moderate femininity the next. This isn’t a large
departure from the spectrum model, but it allows
even more self-determination.
Non-Binary Gender The non-binary concept of
gender takes the revolutionary step of rejecting,
not only the binary, but the entire spectrum.
Unlike the previous models which relied on
opposing extremes of masculinity and femininity,
the non-binary model points out that even this
opposition is an artificial social construct. In the
non-binary model, masculine and feminine are not
opposed. Behaviors are not innately gendered.
Characteristics are neither male nor feminine.
Someone who ascribes to this model may refer
to their gender as “non-binary” or “genderqueer”
instead of “male” or “female” and chooses
societally gendered behaviors à la carte, mixing
and matching without regard to a spectrum. From
this perspective, behaviors and characteristics
are not determined by gender, but rather express
aspects of who a person is regardless of gender
associations.
Got all that? Feel free to go back through it a
couple of times. Gender concepts are learned very
early in our development, so you may find thinking
about these ideas unsettling, but keep at it. No
matter what, if you get the chance to meet your
son’s new boyfriend, I know you will welcome him
with love and acceptance no matter his gender
identity.
That should get you started.
Your friend,
Allie
To submit your own question, email Allie at Allie@
focusmidsouth.com. Focus Mid-South reserves the
right to edit letters for length and clarity.