An Overview on Sex and Gender PDF

An overview on sex and gender “Can you think of everyday objects that are marketed specifically to men or women?” “Why do you think these products are differentiated by gender?”  Each group reimagines their product and creates a marketing campaign targeted at the opposite gender....

An overview on sex and gender “Can you think of everyday objects that are marketed specifically to men or women?” “Why do you think these products are differentiated by gender?”  Each group reimagines their product and creates a marketing campaign targeted at the opposite gender. Advertisement: Develop a short ad slogan or pitch that sells the product to the new audience  1. “How did you decide what changes to make to the product?” 2. “What challenges did you face in appealing to the opposite gender?” 3. “How do these redesigns challenge traditional gender roles?” 4. “Could these changes work in the real world? Why or why not?” 5. “How does this activity make you think differently about the products you use daily? 6. “Have you ever chosen or avoided a product because it didn’t ‘fit’ your gender?”  “How did you decide what changes to make to the product?” “What challenges did you face in appealing to the opposite gender?” “How do these redesigns challenge traditional gender roles?” “Could these changes work in the real world? Why or why not?” “How does this activity make you think differently about the products you use daily? “Have you ever chosen or avoided a product because it didn’t ‘fit’ your gender?”  Gender Psychology The exploration of the concepts of gender across cultures and the influence of those concepts on behaviour, health, interpersonal relationships, and psychological processes. Although gender psychology originally denoted the analysis of biological sex differences between men and women, the field has grown to encompass the social construction of gender and all gender identities as well. Current topics of study are broad, including within-sex variability, gender identity and gender roles, sexuality and sexual orientation, gender stereotypes and their origins, and other explorations of gender experiences, attitudes, and attributes  Need for Gender Psychology Understanding gender identity and expression Examining gender-based stereotypes and biases Addressing gender-based violence and harassment Promoting gender equality and social justice  Scope of Gender Psychology Gender identity Gender roles Stereotyping and prejudice Gender and sexuality Intersectionality Social change  The world is filled with prevailing notions about gender, and these ideas are so widespread that we often assume their accuracy, unquestioningly accepting popular sayings as if they were scientifically proven facts.  What kinds of “things” are “women,” “men,” and gender? What Does it mean to be a man or a woman? How would you define gender if you could not rely on stereotypes ? Sandra Bem proposed three lenses with which we view gender: 1. Biological essentialism: Puts our focus on differences in reproductive biology as the primary signifier of gender difference. 2. Androcentrism: ‘male-centred’ 3. Gender polarization renders masculinity and femininity as binary opposites, one being expressed at the expense of the other  gender lenses not only contribute to our understanding of the world but also lead to unequal categorization of men and women, resulting in sexism. Rather than serving as neutral tools for comprehending reality, these lenses introduce biases into our perspective. To assess Bem's proposition, let's reconsider human biology, a domain presumed to be impervious to gender lenses due to its basis in scientific facts. Let us look at some Definitions  Sex is one’s biological classification as male or female, which is biologically determined at the moment the sperm fertilizes the egg. United Nations (UN) has used a definition of sex as “the physical and biological characteristics that distinguish males and females.” Definitions based on sexual dimorphism do not recognize the rare but diverse set of individuals who are intersex or third sex. Gender is the cultural definition of what it means to be a man or a woman. gender is socialized behaviors prescribed for society’s members based on their sex. Therefore, sex=male, female and gender=masculine, feminine.  sex categories are historically and culturally contingent. That is, the meanings have changed substantially over time, and they are not identical across all cultures. Gender is culturally-based and varies in a thousand subtle ways across the many diverse cultures of the world. Gender has been shaped by political, religious, philosophical, linguistic, traditional, and other cultural forces for many years. Gender is not something we are born with, and not something we have, but something we do (West and Zimmerman 1987) – something we perform (Butler 1990). Understanding sex  Reproductive anatomy Assigned at birth by sight on the presence or absence of a penis. Genital shape is only a partial definition of sex. Biological sex is also defined by chromosomes, hormones, the function of the reproductive system and the sex of the internal accessory organs – the embryonic forerunners of the reproductive structures Genital Characteristic Male Female External Genitalia Penis and scrotum Clitoris, labia majora, and labia minora Within the vulva, separate from the Urethral Opening At the tip of the penis vagina Absent (replaced by the urethral Vaginal Opening Present, leading to the vaginal canal opening) Testes/Ovaries Testes (in the scrotum) Ovaries (within the pelvic cavity) Production of sperm and male sex Production of eggs (ova) and female Gonadal Function hormones sex hormones Facial and body hair, deepening voice, Breast development, wider hips, higher Secondary Sexual Characteristics Adam's apple voice Vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate Internal Reproductive Structures Ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina gland  CHROMOSOMAL SEX Human genes are arranged on 23 pairs of chromosomes, totaling 46. In females, both chromosomes in the 23rd pair are X-shaped. In males, the 23rd pair consists of one X-shaped and one Y-shaped chromosome. This chromosomal difference is instrumental in determining the genetic sex of the embryo.  Chromosomes and genitals The embryo's genitals remain undetermined until the seventh or eighth week. Around three months, hormonal activity influences significant changes. Without specific hormonal instructions, the embryo defaults to the female pathway.  Hormones When comparing biological sex, hormones differ more by degree than by type. Females higher levels of oestrogen and progesterone. Males have higher levels of f androgens (notably, testosterone). Rather than two sets of hormones operating separately, there are extensive interactions (cooperation) between them; , in typical development, there is no such thing as 100% female (‘all woman’) or 100% male (‘all man’) in biological terms. Sex too is not as binary as we are often led to believe.  INTERSEX – VARIATIONS OF REPRODUCTIVE/SEX DEVELOPMENT  variations in sex development or variations in reproductive development. Inter sex : The term "intersex" is not related to a person's gender but rather to the sexual characteristics a person is born with. These can be : 1.External genitals 2.Internal reproductive organs 3.Sex chromosomes A 2019 study in the Journal of the Endocrine Society suggests that 1.3 of every 1,000 babies are born with identifiable intersex traits.  Chromosomal variations Klinefelter syndrome: Extra X chromosome in males Undeveloped testes, enlarged breasts, tall. Infertility Low testosterone, learning challenges. Prevalence: 1 in 500–1,000 males. Turner syndrome (TS): Monosomy X Missing X chromosome Short stature, webbed neck, possible infertility, poor mathematical but good verbal ability. Prevalence: 1 in 2,500 females.  Hormonal variations Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS) Resistance to androgens in individuals with XY chromosomes. Some or all female traits, despite male genetics. Female external genitals, infertility, or mixed physical traits. Mutation in the androgen receptor gene. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH): Definition: Enlarged adrenal glands due to a missing enzyme, impairing cortisol production. Physical Traits: Ambiguous genitalia, early puberty, or excess androgens in severe cases. Symptoms: Difficulty coping with emotional and physical stress, potential salt-wasting crises. Cause: Genetic mutation affecting adrenal gland function.  Gonadal variations Ovotestes: contain both ovarian and testicular tissue. These might be instead of oneone or both ovaries or testes. Greek history behind the term hermaphrodite : Hermaphroditus, was the son of Hermes and Aphrodite. The water-nymph Salmacis, seeing him bathing in a pool, fell in love with him and prayed that they might never be separated. The gods interpreted her request literally and joined the pair into one body. In both his name and his being, therefore, Hermaphroditus combines male and female. Terms related to our understanding of gender Sex: A medical term designating a certain combination of gonads, chromosomes, primary sex organs, secondary sex characteristics, and hormonal balances. Gender: A complex system of roles, expressions, identities, performances, and more that are given gendered meaning by society and usually assigned to people based on the appearance of their sex characteristics at birth. Sexuality: Refers to a person’s exploration of sexual behaviors, practices, and identities in the social world. Sexual Orientation – The desire for intimate emotional and/or sexual relationships with people of the same gender, another gender, or multiple genders. Gender Expression – How one presents oneself and one’s gender to the world via dress, mannerisms, hairstyle, facial hair etc. Gender Identity – A person’s sense of self as masculine, feminine, both, or neither regardless of external genitalia Gender Normative – A person who by nature or by choice conforms to gender-based expectations of society. Gender Oppression - The societal, institutional, and individual beliefs and practices that privilege Cisgender and subordinate and disparage transgender or gender non-conforming people Cisgender – someone who feels comfortable with the gender identity assigned to them based on their sex assigned at birth Cisgender Privilege – The set of privileges conferred to people who are believed to be Cisgender. (Examples: having one’s personal pronouns correctly used, no harassment in public restrooms, no denial of expected access to health care, etc.) Cisnormativity – The assumption, in individuals or in institutions, that everyone is cissexual, and that cisgender persons' identities are more normal, valid, and worthy of respect than transgender people’s identities. Cissexism – A pervasive and institutionalized system that “others” transgender people and treats their needs and identities as less important than those of cisgender people Gender Binary – The idea that there are only two genders – man or woman – and that a person must be strictly gendered as either/or. Agender – A person without gender. An agender individual’s body does not necessarily correspond with their lack of gender identity. Gender Non-Conforming – A person who either by nature or by choice does not conform to gender-based expectations of society (e.g. transgender, transsexual, intersex, genderqueer, cross-dresser, etc.). Intersex Person(s) – Individual(s) born with the condition of having physical sex markers (genitals, hormones, gonads, or chromosomes) that are neither clearly male nor female. Intersex people are sometimes defined as having “ambiguous” genitalia Transgender – A person who lives as a member of a gender other than that expected based on sex or gender assigned at birth. Sexual orientation varies and is not dependent on gender identity. Trans Man – A person who was assigned female at birth but identifies as male. Trans Woman – A person who was assigned male at birth but identifies as female. Transphobia – The irrational hatred of those who are transgender or gender non-conforming, sometimes expressed through violent and sometimes deadly means.  Genders beyond the binaries in different cultures Hijra: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal. Calalai, Calabai, and Bissu: Indonesia. Muxe: Mexico Sekrata: Madagascar Two-Spirited: Indigenous North Americans Bakla: Philippines Waria: Indonesia Kathoey: Thailand Fa'afafine: Samoa Sworn Virgins : Albania Femminiello: Italy, particularly Naples  THE GENDER PATH #StartWithTheBoys | Film by Vinil Mathew starring Madhuri Dixit  History of Gender Studies 1894-1936: Sex Differences in Intelligence Early focus (1894) on gender differences by Ellis, examining similarities and disparities between men and women. Gender roles were absent; the primary goal was to assess if men were intellectually superior. Initial research involved studying the anatomy of the human brain, aiming to establish male superiority. Critiques argued that some studies aimed to confirm male superiority rather than objectively investigate. Brain size comparison suggested women's intellectual inferiority, but considering the brain-to-body weight ratio revealed no conclusive differences. Subsequent research examined specific brain areas for intellectual functioning, initially focusing on the frontal cortex. Shift in understanding as it was found that men do not have larger frontal lobes; attention turned to the parietal lobes as the seat of intellectual functioning. The period concluded with Terman and Miles' (1936) groundbreaking work, "Sex and Personality," asserting no sex-related differences in intelligence. 1936-1954: Masculinity-Femininity as a Global Personality Trait Shift from anatomy to gender traits. Introduction of masculinity and femininity concepts. Terman and Miles introduced AIAS (The Attitude Interest Analysis Survey) in 1936. AIAS measured masculinity and femininity based on scores. Issues with AIAS included assumptions about gender-specific knowledge. Hathway and McKinley developed MMPI in 1949. MMPI included a Masculinity-Femininity scale. Femininity items on MMPI were validated on 13 homosexual men. Criticisms of MMPI validation included the exclusion of women. Projective tests, like Franck and Rosen's (1949), used incomplete drawings. Gender differences noted in how drawings were completed. Franck and Rosen concluded their test measured acceptance of gender roles. Differences in drawings didn't align with societal expectations of masculinity or femininity. 1954-1982: Sex Typing and Androgyny Maccoby's Review (1966): Explored theories on gender-appropriate behaviors in boys and girls. Constantinople's Critique (1973): Questioned using sex differences to define masculinity and femininity; challenged the one-dimensional view. Development of Instruments: Bem Sex Role Inventory (BSRI) (Bem, 1974): Based on the independence of masculinity and femininity. Personal Attributes Questionnaire (PAQ) (Spence, Helmreich, & Stapp, 1974): Similar to BSRI, emphasizing independence. Changes Over Time: Masculinity scores in women increased, reflecting societal shifts. Longitudinal studies indicated age-related changes in men's and women's traits. Introduction of Androgyny: Emerged as a concept where individuals display both masculine and feminine traits. LET'S TALK ANDROGYNY! [COMPLETE TIMELINE]  Gendered Path Biological Sex (Penis /Vagina) Assigned Gender (Boy/Girl) Gender Role (Masculine/Feminine) Gender Identity (internalization) Gender Expression (externalization) HOW WE ACQUIRE GENDER IDENTITY  Psychoanalytic Theory Gender identity is shaped by unconscious processes and early experiences. Sigmund Freud proposed that the development of gender identity is linked to unconscious processes, particularly the resolution of the Oedipus and Electra complexes.  Difference in the development of males vs female children around the phallic stage, around the ages of 3 to 6. Boys-castration anxiety; Girls- Penis envy. Males= Repression of sexual desire of opp. Sex parent. sexual rage gives in to identification ultimately leading to formation of super hero. Females = Electra complex is never resolved. Leading to life long inclination of feelings of inferiority and ultimately jealousy and maternal desires.  Newer Development Horney – Womb Envy Nancy Chodorow - The Reproduction of Mothering; - Why do women mother? Early, intensely intimate relationship with the mother affects the sense of self and attitudes toward women, for both daughters and sons. women’s greater relational needs cannot entirely be satisfied by a man. And so, women have babies.  Evolutionary theory Evolutionary theorists argue that men and women have developed different reproductive strategies due to differences in biological investment in offspring. Parental Investment Theory Mate Preferences Critics argue that evolutionary explanations can oversimplify complex social and cultural influences on gender roles and behaviors. The theory has been criticized for reinforcing traditional gender norms and overlooking the diversity of human behavior.  Women's Safety begins at home (Short Film on the issue of Gender Based Violence)  Social Learning Theory Gender roles are learned through observation, imitation, and reinforcement. Children learn about gender-appropriate behavior by observing and imitating the behaviors of others, particularly same-sex role models. Positive reinforcement for gender-appropriate behavior and punishment for gender-inappropriate behavior contribute to the development of gender roles. Young Sheldon S03 E07 Missy in the baseball team and school bullying all scenes  Gender Typing : acquisition of gender-typed behaviors and learning of gender roles carried out through three processes:- 1. Imitation, or modeling :Children engage in imitation by replicating actions, language, or behaviors they see. 2. Reinforcement: Gender-appropriate behaviors are encouraged through positive reinforcement (e.g., praise), while gender-inappropriate behaviors may be ignored or punished. 3. Observational learning: A broader process where children learn by observing models but may not immediately replicate the observed behaviors. It includes cognitive processing of what is observed, understanding context and consequences, and potentially adopting behaviors later. Attention, Retention, Reproduction, and Motivation: Children pay attention to gendered behaviors and roles, Retain this information, Reproduce it in their own behavior, and are motivated to do so by the rewards and punishments associated with conformity or non-conformity to gender norms. Draw back of Social learning theory Reductionist Perspective Binary concept of gender based in western society Ignoring Biological Factors Passive Role of Individuals Cultural Variability Doesn't Address Early Biological Influences Limited Scope in Explaining Gender Dysphoria Overemphasis on Reinforcement  Cognitive-social learning theory The theory highlights the concept of self-regulation, where individuals actively monitor and regulate their own behavior. In the context of gender, individuals may choose to imitate or avoid certain gender-related behaviors based on their own assessments of the consequences and rewards associated with those behaviors.  Cognitive-social learning theory Self-Regulation Individuals monitor and regulate their behavior. Gender-related behaviors are imitated or avoided based on perceived consequences and rewards. Vicarious Reinforcement and Punishment Learning occurs through observing others and the reinforceSelf-RegulationIndividuals actively monitor and regulate their behavior. Gender-related behaviors are imitated or avoided based on perceived consequences and rewards. Cognitive Processes in Gender Identity Gender roles are internalized through active identification with specific attributes. These attributes are integrated into the self-concept. Internalization Children internalize gender norms and regulate their own behavior based on them Self-Efficacy Defined as the belief in one's ability to perform specific behaviors or achieve goals. Plays a pivotal role in influencing behavior, cognition, and motivation.In gender development, self-efficacy affects how individuals approach and navigate gender-related tasks.ments or punishments they receive. This process influences the adoption or rejection of gender-related behaviors.  Cognitive-social learning theory 1. Observational Learning: The boy observes gendered behaviors and society's reactions. 2. Vicarious Reinforcement: Praise or criticism given to others teaches him what behaviors are appropriate for his gender. 3. Self-Regulation: He modifies his own actions to align with what he perceives as socially acceptable. 4. Internalization: Gender roles and stereotypes become part of his self-concept. 5. Self-Efficacy: His confidence in certain tasks (aligned with gender norms) shapes his motivation and actions. Cognitive – Developmental Theory Gender Identity (around ages 2-3): At this stage, children begin to recognize and label their own gender and the genders of others. They typically understand themselves as either a boy or a girl. This basic awareness forms the foundation for their gender development. Gender Stability (around ages 4-5): Children start to understand that their gender is stable over time, meaning that they will remain a boy or a girl as they grow older. However, this understanding may still be influenced by superficial changes, such as changes in clothing or hairstyle. Gender Constancy (around ages 6-7): At this stage, children achieve full gender constancy, understanding that their gender is consistent across various situations and is not affected by superficial changes. They also begin to comprehend that gender is a permanent characteristic, not subject to alteration.  Gender Schema Theory Sandra Bem in the 1980s Individuals develop mental frameworks (schemas) that influence their understanding of gender roles, stereotypes, and behaviors within their society. Mental Frameworks (Schemas) Children actively construct mental structures that organize and simplify information about gender. These schemas are influenced by societal norms, culture, and family expectations. A child might learn that "girls like dolls" and "boys like cars" by observing family, peers, and media.  Gender Schema Theory Internalization of Gender Roles These schemas become deeply ingrained and guide how children perceive, interpret, and remember gender-related information. When shown pictures of children playing, a child might remember only the "girl playing with dolls" and forget the "boy playing with dolls" because it doesn’t fit their schema. Behavior Guidance Gender schemas shape how individuals act and make choices. A boy might avoid wearing pink because his schema associates it with being “girly.”  Gender Schema Theory Sex-typed individuals identify with their gender and process information through the lens of that gender schema. Cross-typed individuals process information through the lens of the opposite gender. Androgynous individuals exhibit both masculine and feminine thinking. Undifferentiated individuals do not show consistent use of sex-typed processing.  Feminist Theory Feminism is a socio-political and cultural movement that advocates for the equal rights and opportunities of all genders, challenging and seeking to eliminate social, political, and economic inequalities based on gender. Gender as a class variable Gender as an axis of power He Said, She Said Debate | Brooklyn Nine-Nine What is feminism? | A-Z of ISMSs Episode 6 - BBC Ideas Why Does Feminism Have a Complicated History in India?  Feminist Theory – Feminist theory aims to highlight the social problems and issues that are experienced by women/other genders. – Some of the key areas of focus include discrimination on the basis of sex and gender, objectification, economic inequality, power, gender role, and stereotypes. – Feminists share a common goal in support of equality for men and women/Across genders These 25 men voted to ban abortion in Alabama.  Subtypes of feminism Liberal Feminism : Focuses on equality of opportunities and removing barriers to women's participation in public life, such as education, employment, and politics. It advocates for legal and policy changes to ensure equal rights for women. Cultural/ Care-focused feminism : It values these traditionally feminine characteristics and argues for their importance in reshaping society. Radical Feminism: Examines how patriarchy operates as a system of power and control, oppressing women at a structural level. It seeks to challenge and dismantle patriarchal systems, including those in marriage, family, and sexuality, to achieve gender equality.  Subtypes of feminism Women of color Feminism : Focuses on the intersection of gender, race, and class, acknowledging the unique experiences of women of color. It critiques mainstream feminism for often ignoring the challenges faced by marginalized groups and promotes inclusive feminism. Eco-Feminism: Explores the connection between the oppression of women and the exploitation of nature. It emphasizes that both women and the environment are dominated in patriarchal systems and advocates for a sustainable, egalitarian relationship with the Earth.  Subtypes of feminism Archa-Feminism: Archa-feminism focuses on reconnecting with ancient or pre-patriarchal traditions where women were seen as central figures, often associated with spirituality, nature, and goddess worship. It emphasizes reclaiming these cultural roots and celebrating femininity, nurturing, and creativity as sources of power. Postmodern Feminism : Postmodern feminism challenges the idea of universal truths or fixed identities about women and gender. It argues that gender is socially constructed and shaped by culture, history, and language. This perspective critiques traditional feminist frameworks for oversimplifying or essentializing women's experiences.  Power Theory Power theory examines how power operates in society, relationships, and structures. It explores who holds power, how it is maintained, and how it affects individuals and groups. Weber stated that power is the ability for an individual or group to get what they want even when facing opposition.  Centre: Represents the "Power Centre" or dominant group. This is the group or identity that holds the majority of power, influence, and privilege in a given context (e.g., culture, society, or organization). People or groups in this zone often set societal norms, values, and rules. Periphery: Represents those closer to but not fully integrated into the Power Centre. These individuals or groups are influenced by the Power Centre and may have limited access to resources and privileges. Their voices are acknowledged but not necessarily given equal weight. Outside-Margin: Represents those entirely excluded or marginalized from the dominant framework. These groups may face systemic discrimination, lack of representation, and exclusion from decision-making processes. They challenge or exist outside the norms and power structures of the centre. Social Perspective of Gender Minority Stress Theory People belonging to stigmatized social categories often experience negative life events Minority status and the label of minority also add to the general life stressors Proximal stressors Distal Stressors  Minority Stress Theory Coined by Illan Meyer in his 1995 research study "Minority stress and mental health in gay men.” Explains how stigma, prejudice, and discrimination create a unique set of stressors for individuals belonging to marginalized or minority groups. These stressors, which are over and above the general stressors experienced by the majority population, negatively impact the mental and physical health of minority individuals.  Minority Stress Continuum: 1. Distal Stressors: Objective events and conditions that involve external factors, such as discrimination, prejudice, and harassment. They are observable and occur in society as a result of minority status. 2. Proximal Stressors: Subjective processes that occur within the individual. They depend on personal perceptions and appraisals, such as the internalized feelings of shame or expectations of rejection due to minority status. Four specific minority stress processes: (a) chronic and acuteprejudice-related events, (b) the expectation of minority stress and the vigilance this expectation requires (stigma) (c) the internalization of negativesocietal attitudes (internalized homophobia) (d) concealment of sexual orientation. Understanding Intersectionality A System is a set interacting units with relationship among them (Miller, 1995,p.17) (1) The behavior of each element has an effect on the behavior on the whole. (2) The behavior of the elements and their effects on the whole are interdependent. (3) However, subgroups of the elements are formed, each has an effect on the behavior of the whole and none has an independent effect on it. To put it in another way, the elements of a system are so connected that independent subgroups of them cannot be formed Inequities are never the result of single, distinct factors. Rather, they are the outcome of intersections of different social locations, power relations and experiences.  Principles of Intersectionality  Ways to Incorporate Intersectionality in Practice  Cases of Intersectionality & Lived Experiences Disability & Masculinity Men with disability must therefore negotiate this intersection of two competing and often discordant social categories, and interpret and enact masculinities to construct their own identity. (King et al, 2019). Challenging one’s own biases and stereotypes in counselling Biases and prejudices against Muslims can hinder a practitioner ’ s ability to work with Muslim clients. Anti-Muslim prejudices can influence a practitioner’s view of their clients, assuming culture and faith are the problems behind an individual’ s issues. The psychologist may consciously and/or unconsciously focus on being Muslim as an issue instead of delving into a holistic exploration of the unique lived experiences of Muslims (Qasqas & Jerry, 2014) Cases of Intersectionality & Lived Experiences Psychologists in relation to examining their own power and privilege in counselling queer clients. A psychologist’s own privileges can be examined so as not to impose their own perception of the world on the clients, to be empathetic, and to understand the complex connections between oppression and privilege. Chesire (2013). "Experiences of Immigrant Women with Domestic Violence: Unique Challenges at the Intersection of Race, Immigration, and Gender" by Shannon L. Weiss (2017). This research delves into the experiences of immigrant women facing domestic violence, focusing on how intersecting identities shape their access to resources and support. "What Do We Know About the Sporting Experiences of Gender and Sexual Minority Athletes and Coaches? A Scoping Review" by Vikki Krane and colleagues (2021). This paper reviews literature on the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in sports, focusing on how their identities shape their experiences as athletes and coaches. Cases of Intersectionality & Lived Experiences "The Gender Buffet: LGBTQ Parents Resisting Heteronormativity" by Erika L. Grafsky (2020). This study examines how LGBTQ parents navigate and resist societal norms around gender while raising their children, offering insights into the intersection of gender, sexuality, and parenting. Ethnic and Gender Differences in Perceived Discrimination Among Black and Latino College Students" by Enrique Neblett and Robert Sellers (2012). This study examines how gender and ethnicity shape the experiences of discrimination among Black and Latino students in higher education. "Queering the Curriculum: Addressing the Experiences of LGBTQ+ Students in Education" by Emily Greyson (2020). This paper investigates how educational institutions can better address the needs of LGBTQ+ students by challenging heteronormative curricula and policies. Questions to ask in an Internationally Informed Practise Who is being studied? Who is being compared to whom? Why?(Lorber, 2006) Is this problem framed within the current cultural, political, economic, societal, and/or situational context, and where possible, does it reflect the self-identified needs of affected communities? (Hankivsky and Cormier, 2009) Which categories are relevant or not directly relevant? Why? (Winker and Degele, 2011) How will interactions at individual levels of experience be linked to social  Full History of Abortion Rights and Laws in America Gravitas: India's supreme court reaffirms abortion rights #MeToo in Bollywood | DW Documentary  Traditional vs Trans: Are There More Than 2 Genders? | Middle Ground Transgender Kids | MY TRANS LIFE Science Proves There are More than Two Human Sexes They buried a girl in my hometown today. A young woman—gone too soon, prime of her life—everyone said. My friends and I all knew her. We grew up together. We were in all the same classes and hobbies and we made up games together at recess. But none of us went to her funeral. We weren’t invited, because the people planning it didn’t think we’d understand. They said it wasn’t our loss. So we got together for drinks. We laughed all morning and played card games all day. At 4 o’clock, we heard the church bells. We saw that long, sad procession of cars stretch like a creek through town, up the cemetery hill. -  We heard strange rumors that night, that the casket was empty. That they put it hollow in the ground. So we went to the plot first thing in the morning. They buried her empty box next to her dad, down the row from an estranged aunt she never really knew all that well. There wouldn’t be a stone for months, but the little placard had my name on it. But not the one I go by these days. “How strange,” we all said, “What a waste of good crying.” All of this mourning for me, and I was down the street the whole time, laughing and drinking. But some people will never understand. They’d rather plan a funeral than learn a new name. My friend said she felt sorry for them, in some small way; What a sad notion— To lose a daughter who never lived And a son who never died.” - @sweetsofmay