Beyond the Gender Binary | Yee Won Chong | TEDxRainier

Yee Won Chong shares a story about the challenges of navigating the world while transgender, and provides suggestions on being a good ally.
Yee Won Chong converts practical skills and experiences to train hundreds of grassroots activists on effective communication and fundraising for social, economic and environmental justice. He is currently Development Director at Western States Center, a regional non-profit that trains people to organize toward a just, equitable and democratic society. Before moving to the Northwest, he worked in Boston with United for a Fair Economy and Haymarket People's Fund. He is also involved with Alternatives for Community and Environment, Resource Generation, Progressive Communicators Network, and Grassroots Institute for Fundraising Training.
This talk was given at TEDxRainier in Seattle on November 10, 2012. In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[@YeeWon]

:-) I was given 7 minutes ended up using 10! I hope to have more videos this fall. They won't be TED talks though. Please stay tuned.

[@giurare3974]

Thank you for the lovely talk, you are so inspiring. The LGBTQ experience a lot of discrimination and hatred in my country (India). I hope one day we can create a safe, normal and accepting environment for every human being.

[@darwinhaditbackward5899]

Because of you and other brave folks I now teach a text in my seventh grade class with LGBTQ characters. And we plan on adding more. 💪❤️👏👏👏

[@bryanholt76]

my right ear loved this

[@kxtcxiox]

bryan holt I wanna know what that means! why just the right ear?

[@bryanholt76]

kxtcx3iox2307 0 the audio only works in Mr right ear, for whatever reason

[@oksanarose6879]

bryan holt i didn't understand your comment at all and then i hit play lol

[@Lollygager3]

😂 I was using only one ear bud until I saw this comment. 💙

[@shaily2404]

Omg lol, same. I was wondering if there was gonna be any comments about that

[@xiaohantao2005]

I thought my left headphone didn't work but thank god it's just my left ear gone deaf

[@MyGracely]

My left ear is lonely. :(

[@CausalObserver74]

+MyGracely ~ That makes me sad for you... : (

[@heathcliffO_o]

my to....the hell

[@karengao]

I thought my earbuds where going out which would have sucked because they are kinda new :-)

[@dannyhaasdyk3572]

MyGracely same!

[@valdergrove2499]

... my right earbud doesn’t even work. Damn it.

[@JoaoZamae]

That was absolutely touching and instructive. He is a great man.

[@joym824]

I agree

[@darwinhaditbackward5899]

Very true

[@TheMissKittyStar]

That was a marvellous video! Thank you so much for posting it. Its opened my eyes and I'm trans myself. I've just finished my own transition and have been through a lot of what you've talked about and yet still, you've touched me by what you've said and what you've been through! You are a huge inspiration to me, thank you so much! Kitty.xx

[@darwinhaditbackward5899]

I just found this Ted Talk and read your comment. I hope things are continuing to go well for you! 🥰

[@audraashley5072]

Proud to see a Malaysian on a TEDx stage inspiring others, I'm glad you've found your voice and a better place now, stay safe

[@YeeWon]

Greatly appreciate your encouraging words, Kitty. And congratulations on your path to liberation!

[@noseymerkat]

wonderful and touching talk!! good vibes to you. hope we can treat each other with respect and kindness a little bit more each day.

[@darwinhaditbackward5899]

I agree

[@YeeWon]

Thanks for your comment. Malaysian law may not be explicit about punishment for transgender, but it is in "the books" that corporal punishment can be used on "homosexuals". If a transgender person is sexually active with someone of the same assigned birth sex. They will be treated as a homosexual, thereby may face corporal punishment.

[@BarryZeUnicorn]

MALAYSIA YOU'RE FROM MALAYSIA PLEASE COME BACK AND INSPIRE MORE PEOPLE ;~;

[@YeeWon]

Thank you Leslie!

[@the1produkt]

Thank you Yee Won. I'm glad to see such an excellent talk being given on something that affects me everyday. Sometimes, I think about it so much it's hard to remember that most people have never given it much thought at all.

[@darwinhaditbackward5899]

I’m very glad to hear his story. And glad that it helps others.

[@YeeWon]

That's great to know! Love to hear how it goes/went.

[@carmensanchez3179]

So proud to know you, we have to open our hearts and respect every human being!

[@darwinhaditbackward5899]

I feel the same. 💪

[@celestialclover9]

Amazing heartwarming talk, source spoken with strong tips for being a good Ally. Thank you, Yee Won Chong for sharing your story and experience.

[@jolara79]

thank you for sharing!! Great topic!

[@danaleigh3891]

So very inspiring. Excellent job!

[@maineorganizer]

From one trans* educator to another: Thank you. This was well done and I'm happy to finally see a Ted Talk on this.

[@robertwalters]

"After all, mothers know these things." It's a nice sentiment at least! :(

[@BriBri897]

I wish this talk was longer.

[@blackhatter011]

Thank the lord it wasn't.

[@samkimpeters]

The last 30 seconds of this video moved me to tears.

[@rajats3309]

People are the same everywhere. Always looking only outside.

[@ChrisLow06]

Mothers really do know all

[@kriskabin]

Well done! I'm glad you're an American citizen, people like you IMPROVE this country! 🙏🌈

[@amiekim]

Way to go, Yee Won!

[@YeeWon]

Thank you Jo. Nice to "see" you in the virtual world.

[@YeeWon]

Thank you Bennett. So glad to inspire.

[@okuzabi]

It's always a humbling experience when one encounters people who have to fight social concepts and prejudices which we cis-genders tend to take so much for granted and even help to build. Truly inspiring! Keep your strength!

[@Amanica]

Great talk, Yee Won!

[@anthrograd13]

Great tips for being an ally. Thanks for sharing your story.

[@jasminefrench4065]

As someone who is deaf in my right ear, here's a tip if you're uncomfortable with the stereo audio! In your computer's settings, change the audio to "mono" instead of stereo. It's usually under Accessibility settings! Your left ear will thank you (I know mine did!)

[@tharchandran3709]

Beautiful ending, Yee Won. Very proud that you're Malaysian. I have a question, though, if you don't mind. Suppose you were referring to a transgender person, and have not established a relationship with them yet, how do you refer to them in the third person?

[@lmccahill45]

yes! I can use this for a talk I am doing at the Baltimore Ethical Society this summer! Yes!

[@TheMissKittyStar]

Still not at the end yet, not in my mind, but I'm getting there! Keep up the good work!xx

[@gia9081]

Thank you for sharing your inspiring and honest story. We all can learn so much from one another. I know my parents struggle to understand my gender identity, but I believe in my heart they love me. You are special!

[@darwinhaditbackward5899]

I agree 💯

[@AkatsukiLoverX3]

[@orlando098]

You can also use "singular they" ie. say they instead of he or she

[@dgloria]

Hi, could you please fix the sound? It is very annoying to listen on one side.

[@flynnsummers9978]

Beautiful!!

[@YeeWon]

Thanks Thar for the encouraging words. I would just use that person's first name. Not all transgender people will want to be "outed" so you'll need to take their lead. Hope this is helpful.

[@submoronicbomb]

I have not flown since 2007, and after watching this, I'm not sure I will until the TSA rethinks their approach.

[@YeeWon]

Thank you Rayna.

[@chevvy427]

I mean, biologically there's Male, female, and intersex. But I think gender can be seen more in terms of social science than biology. So if I'm in biology class then, yes, there are 2 genders. Otherwise, in a social situation, why can't people identify as something else? Somebody once told me that gender is how your brain relates acts I relation to your sex, but I wonder if what I think of as gender (seperate from sex) should be called something else entirely.

[@tyttiMK]

I identify as a person.

[@joym824]

Time for single non gender bathrooms. We all deserve privacy and safety

[@ish4638]

Thank you :)

[@SeeSeeSound]

My right ear enjoyed this video

[@user-tc5ke2hn9d]

Thank You 💚

[@gahartorg]

The sound isn't working at all on this video (for non-headphones).

[@linds.ae_]

Thank you

[@CountPokey]

Thank you for saying that. I hate being lumped in with "cis" people simply because I am not "trans." Or vice versa. I'm still a she though, because I interpret it to refer to my being biologically female and not any gender I (don't) ascribe to. Just don't call me a woman and all is good :o) Unless you simply mean it as an adult human female and not a gender classification.

[@YeeWon]

Thank you Kelley. Please stay tune for more. I'll be sharing specific tools in the future.

[@BillyTT72]

No Omni, that's why the binary doesn't work. There are people who don't fit neatly into male or female. I'm a transgender guy and everywhere I can I make sure I select transgender AND male, as I am both if that makes sense :) I'ts a tough habit to break - putting people into only two categories.

[@slightlydiluted]

Im not trans, but as a male, who looks a bit more female than many people think I should, its very hard to interact sometimes. Going to a public bathroom is a pain and I hold it as often as I can. Being told your in the mens room, in front of other men, is no fun. I want to yell YES I KNOW!

[@jeremiahmcanally6916]

Grow a beard. Or at least don't shave for a while. That should easily solve your problem.

[@dokimoeraveparty]

why did i scroll down to look at the comments? why? i knew what i would find, but i did it anyway. why do so many of you hate happiness? what is it like in your cruel, harsh world completely devoid of joy? is everyone there a straight, white, middle-class individual with no "flaws" of mind or body? what is the hellscape you call home? why do you want us all to suffer with you? you are in my prayers.

[@darwinhaditbackward5899]

Why does it take six years to grant asylum? And how long to get a Green Card??? Why?!

[@petersmythe6484]

Yes, the men's toilet is in my opinion more appropriate and probably has been for quite a period of time.

[@lolaponce5904]

as far as for #3, hypothetically, if you are traveling through an airport, those scanners, questions and process 'IS' necessary due to protection of themselves and others aboard the plane. Some people need to stop and think themselves and be reasonable rather than expecting others to be more sympathetic to their nature when security has bigger issues to deal with. So yes, it IS too much to ask for sympathy when asked 'personal' questions and checked before allowing you to pass.

[@radhikamohani]

I am in gender disphoria at the age of 21.

[@ish4638]

I'm sorry

[@YT-Observer]

happy 45th birthday its nearly here

[@anna_bean9045]

if I see someone that looks pretty androgynous like not rly a guy but not rly a girl and I felt too shy to ask that person for their pronouns, or they weren’t around I would refer to that person as either their name or they(: i feel like they is always the safest option bc most ppl ik that are non-binary identify w they/them or he/they or she/they

[@CountPokey]

I think we ought to just get rid of gender all together. I didn't consider myself transgender, but I did consider myself genderqueer - then I just threw out gender totally. I'm just female, which seems to typically refer to one's biological sex, as opposed to woman, which is gender. I consider myself a she because I'm a female and use the washroom with the figure in the dress because I'm female (even though I'd never wear a dress) I just don't refer to myself as a woman. Makes life easier.

[@SilvanaDil]

So, about 150 trans people are murdered worldwide each year? Nearly that many Parisians people were murdered in a single day last week. Both bad, but PERSPECTIVE.

[@CausalObserver74]

+SilvanaDil ~ More times then not when an LGBT person is murdered it is by the hands of another LGBT person rather than by a stranger.

[@slukecooper]

There are Agendered and GenderQueer and intersex people, who are neither a he or she.

[@organist1982]

When listening to this video, just pull your headphone plug out of the jack partway to force it into mono, which puts it in both earpieces.

[@organist1982]

Based on the title, I was hoping this video would be about not identifying as man or woman but rather as non-binary, but Yee clearly identifies as a man. Good video, but misleading title.

[@thedragonsknow]

Interesting

[@xBobaFetish]

These comments are atrociously ignorant.

[@99horcruxes]

Agreed. What I don't understand is how there are people who refuse the existence and validity of non binary folk when so many non binary folk already exist. It's not like genders beyond the binary are theoretical- they're real. It's like someone refuting information in a non-theoretical textbook because it's not what they were taught by their religion or it's simply not what they think the world "should" be like. It's ridiculous. Hopefully with time more people will be less hateful.

[@99horcruxes]

It's not selfish, it's a right. I don't care what people do "at the end of the day". What people do "at the end of the day" is wrong. The mass following of an societal idea, i.e. connecting gender and genitalia ("you are what's in between your legs") does not make it justifiable. The issues they face have everything to do with the gender binary. They're not "intentionally" nonconforming, it's just who they are. One who is bisexual is not intentionally attracted to two genders purposefully. It's not something one can control. Feeling INHERENTLY masculine while one has biologically female genitalia is not purposeful by any means. It's just that: inherent. If it makes men uncomfortable when a trans man uses the men's bathroom, that's an issue we as a society need to fix (although we've made progress in the past decade). How is this different from white people being "uncomfortable" with people of color being in schools accompanying them and/or their children? It's not. It's oppressive and that's anything but okay. "Because in reality the majority of people don't care about your inner feeling and what you feel your sex should be, as long as you don't bother them"....don't bother them? I'm assuming by this, you're alluding to this "bathroom issue". Trans people don't cater to cis people, end of story. Sorry it makes you uncomfortable. Sorry you think they should stay in the dark because YOU want them to "not bother you". It's not about you. It's about equality, and only about equality. Think what you want, have the opinions you want, be uncomfortable- I can't change that. I can only tell you that equality will not be reached by oppressing one to "comfort" the other. If it's simply an issue where you're against trans equality- okay. Keep living your life as the movement towards trans equality progresses without you, without revolving around you and the others who justify the oppression of others through their own comfort levels.

[@99horcruxes]

You know, I just typed 42 lines, but every cell in my body is telling me that all you're going to do is refute me and simply rephrase what you said before. People like you aren't going to change, so I'm not going to try to change you, or even convince you, and I won't even bother to continue this argument. People like you aren't worth my time.

[@Jormungandr0]

+Son Gohan Don't you mean that it's going to be one hell of a bitch to find those sources? You don't want to try and use evidence because you know you can't provide any concrete and trustworthy sources. Science revolves around evidence and facts.

[@YeeWon]

Thanks Schnapp!

[@aprilmoon5330]

Not picking on people because they express themselves differently is basically being polite. You are a jackass if you do otherwise. You should be able to go to the women's bathroom even if you dress like a man, if you are a woman. But I find that it is a trend with these people to ask for more. You should be asking to be treated the same as other people, not come up with ideas for special privileges. Pronouns are just a way to put things into categories. If you have to invent one, that is only for you. Don't ask for others to accept them blindly.

[@tomasinacovell4293]

Non, few, very few mothers know these things, they vastly hate these things and will be the worst thing and the last one to embrace any of it! Fuck'em! It just seems no mater who the TED speaker is they're all so credulous, like the one who railed against the nursing home that used an empathy robot that an elder loved.

[@Saran2701]

This is very educational

[@xanpena2858]

i honestly thought she was male before he said he was trans. Huh, he transitioned very well

[@ohpanickedopossum]

*He

[@joym824]

I'm sorry I'm confused. He was born as a female?

[@londonhughes5986]

He admitted he was born female but wishes to be addressed by he/him pronouns and not be discriminated against based on the fact that his parts don't fully match his gender identity.

[@tomhulcelover]

so he states that he is sort of in the middle of the masculine and feminine identity, wouldn't he be bigendered? i really don't know. he also says he is transgender. so this means that he is transitioning to have more feminine traits but not exactly to change his sex right? please help me out here. and shit i probably should have said she right??

[@christopherstricklin325]

I'm pretty sure it's the other direction, since Yee Won told a story about wanting to shop in the boys' section while being told to get dresses. Yee Won never really says how they identify, whether it's male, agender, bigender, genderqueer, or something else entirely. All of those identities fall under the transgender umbrella; it's not just binary. I don't think "she" would have been correct, though.

[@tomhulcelover]

Chris Stricklin ahh alright. i understand now, so he never really specified exactly what he identified as? i was confused because he put himself sort of in the middle in that scale thing. and ahhh so i should use "they" then right?

[@pistacchiolino]

tomhulcelover I Suppose that Yee Won does not strictly identify in a gender but clearly has a masculine gender expression, hence started transition: to masculinize body.

[@tomhulcelover]

pistacchiolino wait what?? i thought he was more oriented towards the feminine side? ughh i haven't seen this video in a long time either so of course im confused

[@tomhulcelover]

Tammie K so genderqueer is the slang term for agender?

[@benares180]

We are assigned a sex at birth not by a sex binary exactly. But by biology. There is male. There is female and than there are intersex people. Of which they still assign a sex. Which I would agree they are the ONLY ones that should be held off on in assigning said sex until they figure it out. And if you were born biologically one way, but turned out to be another. You should be given the right to be able too change it legally. =) It's true most people pick pronouns based on their assigned birth sex. But that's only if the person continues to associate with that sex/gender identity. If you were born a male but are a female, I for one would call you a she/her/whatever you prefer.. Some people are ignorant to these polite but important rules and at times simply need to be educated. But it's of no fault of their own, or mine in fact, if you are born biologically a male, and never stop me from saying so. =) (or any other way). I will always refer to people as I see grammatically and generally correct. It's up to YOU to correct me. I will not be made to feel bad in the 1 in 120 million chance I'm wrong. I am not a bigot for not doing so. Or ignorant. You are not special. You are human just like us and we are allowed to make small mistakes. It's up to you to fix them so that we can help you fix them when it comes to other people. I am all for using descriptive methods (clothes, features, so on) or first and foremost using their names. But you can't always do that. Just saying. I will now and only ever refer to people as their name/him/her. All these made up ones like, his/shim/them/they (and many, many more). No. Men are more likely to face murder than any other group. Murder is bad no matter the sex or gender identity. It should be prevented on all accounts. The only other outside of the binary I'll allow myself is non-gender. And only if a person simply wants to be considered a human being. I think that's pretty cool. But all of these genderqueer/genderfuild, and the supposedly "infinite" amounts of combinations are false. Why? I don't see that if a girl is born and considers herself to be hetero, but is a "tomboy" she should be assigned some nonbinary label. Or if a guy is hetero but is, "In touch with his feminine side" that he is "metrosexual". She's just a girl who likes to play in the dirt and that's just a guy who enjoys using products. Big whoop. No need to make up names for this. This goes for all the possible combinations of sex, identity, and sexual orientation. It is a great talk. And NEEDS to be discussed more. More rights given. More acceptance needed. But you must trust me when tell you that making shit up like words and ideas won't help. Education and meeting in the middle is the way. Don't be social justice warriors. We can work together on this. No hate. Just rational discussions. Like what most of this video presented. Please don't assume just because someone doesn't' agree with your every single point they are "blinded my privilege" or a hateful ignorant person. Sometimes they aren't. Think critically and don't be a slave to your ideology. Thank you. =)

[@benares180]

You'll have to clarify what identities you are referring to. What, otherkin? Haha. Nope. If that is what you're trying to say then I won't agree. What you forget is that there are mental illnesses. There are also people with minor mental illnesses who simply want attention and are willing to go thru great lengths to get it. We shouldn't have the right to be whoever/"whatever" we want to be. If you think you're a cat. You have issues. I'm not being dismissive. I'm being realistic. If we start to allow EVERYONE to be WHATEVER they want there will be no limit. You are a human. You are either male, female, or intersex. If you want to act like a cat. Fine. Don't care. But if you make up a feline descriptive word for yourself. I won't call you it. Unless you legally changed your name to Cat/Kitten/Kitty/whatever. I'll describe you as either male, female, non-gender, or by your name. It's not disrespectful to play into what is obviously a mental illness. You'll be guilty of reinforcing a person who clearly needs help. Professional help. Ever hear of a time when little boys or girls were called or pretended to be a king/queen/boss.. And everyone went along with it. Playing along because what's the harm? Well, they're children. Who cares? Let them play. Lets say nobody snapped them out of that. Nobody said, "OK, let's get back to reality Timmy, Sarah..." They'd grow up with potential narcissist tendencies. When things are encouraged or left uncheked. They can get worse even if you don't think they can. I can only assume that's what you meant because I more than agreed trans people deserve rights and respect. If you're talking about queergender/genderfuild. Then I'll still disagree. Just because you want to be this one thing, I don't have to agree with it. You'll have to explain to me what's the difference between a queergendered person and a guy or a girl with personality traits that reflect that of what we typically deem masculine, or at times, famine? Sorry I accept you as a person and not as a label. I mean. I have a very close friend of mine. She's girly as fuck on the outside. Dresses. Make up. Cutesy things. But she has the, "mind of a dude". She has male tendencies. What is she? Oh, just my friend. A she. I call her by her name. She's bi, awesome, and doesn't need anything extra attached. So, yeah. Many more examples like this. I will not make you feel special because you feel like making up words. Oh, also. Pansexuals don't exist. They're simply pretentious bisexual people.

[@Jazz-dh2ds]

benares180 Amen, youre exactly the type of person Ive been looking for in ages that gets my point of view

[@Jazz-dh2ds]

Aelasi Zion "Some identities might not seem real to you, but they can be very real to other people" Isnt that exactly the same as mentally ill people? They think objects are talking to them and are real in the idea that theyre sentient, its the same here but their gender is more than just a label?

[@Dannyisgreatful]

Right now there are pretty much 3 types of eaters: Meat eaters, vegetarians and vegans. Some people may only eat fish as a meat, and there's a word for it and that's cool, BUT imagine someone that only ate freshwater fish, and this person didn't like to be called a Piscitarian. that's where it starts to get unnecessarily complex. It's pretty much useless information for everyone else around you, and you can't really expect them to conform to your own vocabulary just for the sake of respect. With genders, it's no different: there are men, women, and other. That's it. Respect yourself, don't seek it from those around you.

[@linds.ae_]

I love you

[@MrMoodyKSA]

Such a torture to listen to a video with only 1 working side...

[@aglahir]

shit only 1 every 3 days? thats not alot...

[@Phoenix-iz2ey]

onerandomgamer Remember though, a lot of hate crimes against LGBT+ individuals (especially transgender people) go unreported. This is much higher in places in which transgender people are not accepted.

[@takaditakadang]

Uhh did you not watch the video at all? They cane you for being homosexual in Malaysia

[@forsenfan69]

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

[@Andronicus88]

why is so complicated

[@mycount64]

it gives someone purpose and meaning who otherwise has none. it is a pretty low bar

[@goaway5872]

@@mycount64 :/

[@awesomebawss918]

Remember when TED talks were educational and informing? Those were good days...

[@serraven4838]

Awesomebawss They still are. They've just surpassed your ability to understand.

[@rebelscumthis5445]

Back in the day

[@user-em4rk4qo1f]

yee

[@mycount64]

i have lived all over the world and had a lot of varied experiences... what i have wanted i tried. i have never let my sexuality define me or be a burden. if i felt like i wanted to be a unicorn would i be right to graft a horn on my head and take horse steroids to compensate... is this within the relm of beyond binary? i am at a loss why he limits the spectrum to male and female if clearly he believes in non binary these are limiting. why not animal, plant and mineral heck any one of the elements on the periodic table and all possible combinations. on one level i am joking however, i also see no reason why this could not be the case.

[@serraven4838]

AW Crowe A philosopher once wondered if he was a human dreaming he was a butterfly or a butterfly dreaming he was a human. His musings were not written in coded nectar and egg placement, so he wasn't a butterfly was he? You can't claim you're a butterfly whilst doing human things. You, as a unicorn, would have to give up ALL human rights and eat grass. You won't. You're trying to be silly. So it's very different to knowing your gender is different to the only two choices printed on forms. You know it's not the same thing. If you ever go live the life of a unicorn to prove your point though, please do. Shame you won't be able to tell anyone though as you won't be able to speak.

[@sweetness583]

I don't mind people who claim to be the other gender, but I really don't get how there is anything more than masculine or feminine. I guy can act like a girl and a girl can act like a guy, but how you claim to not be a guy or a girl? What else is there? If it's not black or white then what color is it? Is it like someone who agrees sometimes with conservatives and liberals and so they don't identify as either? I don't act all super macho like some guys do, but I definitely consider myself a man. What would you call someone who is right in the middle of masculine and feminine?

[@xavierkelly2146]

If it's not black or white then it could be grey, blue, yellow etc. The point is people have to forsake their stubborn black and white view of the world.

[@sweetness583]

Galaxydroid Omni Well yeah there are other distinguishable colors, but when it comes to gender, if it's not man or woman then what is it?

[@Leddderz2TheEdditerz]

sweetness583 Male, Female, and Intersex (which includes 3 sexes [True Hermaphrodite, Male Pseudohermaphrodite, Female Pseudohermaphrodite]) are "Sex." These intersexed individuals include those with Triple X, Klinefelter, and Turner Syndomes, as well as Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. These are SEX-linked/limited/influenced characteristics that do affect the way we view sex AND gender. You could actually also listen to him about what the differences between Sex and Gender. They're not the same thing. You should also look up Two-Spirits, Travestis, Bacha Posh, and Sworn Virgins. These are, as Galaxyhas said, some of the other distinguishable colors created by DOMESTIC and FOREIGN cultures on the idea of sex and gender.

[@isabellapreble8333]

I think it is important to realize that our culture has brainwashed the idea in society of compulsory gender roles. It's so hard for people to accept and/ or understand the existence of more than two genders because we have science, law, religion and the media convincing us not to challenge the status quo. As an effect so many people are ridiculed and afraid to be who they truly are! While many would argue that this is how it has always been and should be it absolutely should not! Denying equality to populations is a human rights violation! Do any of you believe that intervention could be implemented into areas to change perspective of the nation that cisgendered ( people who identify there gender with their corresponding sex)should not be the only acceptable identity? Can education destroy this stigma? Does it matter more a social or political level to people who are not cisgendered?

[@sweetness583]

***** You raised some interesting facts and I get that people can be transgender, but it's still between just two genders: masculine and feminine. A biological male may identify as a woman, but you would still refer to her as a woman. There seems to be varying levels of masculinity and femininity, but I don't get how there's any more options. There's still only two genders, just varying degrees of each one. I don't agree with gender roles or anything, but people claim that it's not a binary system, and I don't see a third choice. Or fourth or however many others there supposedly are.

[@dspaik]

I totally thought you were a man until you mentioned otherwise. I dont think you'll have problems passing in bathrooms !

[@mycount64]

do you offer a questionnaire when you meet someone with a section on pronouns...

[@mariusbaltazarrozenberg-ho9367]

¿Citizen's rights? ¿How about responsibilities?

[@diegoarc4380]

+Marek Cieslik They pay taxes too

[@tashaax1993xanimalloverx]

Gender was never thought about until a few years ago...

[@Randomzooowner]

braindeath

[@samflesch8561]

im confused... is it a guy or a girl?

[@persnrandm5533]

He's a man.

[@RedxHarlow]

+Sam Flesch Its a female organism, that believes that it is a man. If you want to be literal.

[@persnrandm5533]

***** That's an insult, whether you intended it to be or not.

[@RedxHarlow]

Persn Randm How is that an insult? That is the literal scenario at present. The organism in itself possess a female brain and female genitalia and can bear children, however, the organism mentioned believes that it is male in its mind. That's just a fact, and sometimes facts hurt feelings and people can get over it.

[@persnrandm5533]

***** It's insulting to people because it makes it says that people who are transgender are not really what they identity as but are just confused(that's what your wording sounded like). In addition, gender is a social construct. Also, your last sentence is very insensitive. I'm in the process of transition and the simple thing of accepting some's gender and pronouns is very important in that process with about 90% of the population either a threatening or disrespectful. By, for instance, saying that they "believe" instead of identity, can make the person, like me, feel disrespected.

[@tashaax1993xanimalloverx]

I kinda think it is airport security business to know your gender if stopped....🙈

[@TeraXskyn]

not correct, i nvr heard canning as punishment in malaysia for homosexualism, i am transgender n i am malaysian.. i agree the rights r limited for us, thats for sure...but canning is a lie

[@JCavLP]

We are assigned a sex at birth? And I the dummy thought that Chromosomes were a thing

[@princecharmling14]

those are the same thing.

[@serraven4838]

DJC9000 Productions Your chromosomes are NOT checked at birth before a doctor chooses the male or female option on the birth paperwork. If they were, doctors would have to pick from XY, XX, XXY, XYXY, and more. Meaning, there are more than two genders going by chromosomes alone. Please research this and educate yourself. :)

[@Jazz-dh2ds]

Ser Raven Most people arent intersex

[@pillbobaggins2766]

Chromosomes are not the be all and end all, there’s lots of variations

[@pillbobaggins2766]

Jazz59107 a lot are though

[@gloriasangermano3687]

Beyond the gender bibary thetes misery confusion and madness

[@FPILL]

Gender is what you talk about when you don't have an important message to deliver

[@heydude7568]

TED - Today's Education's Dead

[@hydrogenboy]

This was a waste of time. I want my 10 minutes and 44 seconds back.

[@mycount64]

extremely personal meanwhile they are in front of a crowd speaking about their gender... waaaaahh