Question

Gloria identifies as male when she puts on rocker clothes, puts her hair in a bun, plugs in her bass guitar, and plays \(A C / D C\) songs with the guys in her band. However, she identifies as female when she lets her hair down and wears a dress to her job at a day care center. Based on this information, Gloria's gender identity is best described as a. transgender b. genderqueer c. androgynous d. gender dysphoria

Short answer

b. Genderqueer

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Concepts

Firstly, let's gather the understanding of these gender-related terms.\n\na. Transgender: Refers to people whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.\n\nb. Genderqueer: It is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity is not solely male or female. People who identify as genderqueer may identify as neither male nor female, both, or a combination.\n\nc. Androgynous: It refers to a person who does not fit cleanly into the typical masculine and feminine gender roles of their society. They could possess qualities of both genders.\n\nd. Gender dysphoria: It's a psychological term used to describe a state of unease or dissatisfaction with an assigned gender.

Apply the Concepts

Gloria identifies as male when she is in a particular context (rocking with her band) and female in another (at her job at a day care center). She doesn't seem to be feeling any unease or dissatisfaction with her identity in any situation. Thus options a. Transgender and d. Gender dysphoria can be ruled out. Gloria's behavior is marked by a flexibility of gender roles, and she identifies herself not solely as female or male, but as both based on situation.

Choose the Suitable Answer

Based on the description and understanding, Gloria's gender identity can best be described as genderqueer (option b), as she doesn't stick to a single fixed gender role but identifies as male or female based on different scenarios.

Key concepts

Transgender

The term transgender refers to individuals whose gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. Unlike the gender binary that classifies people as either male or female, transgender people may identify as a gender different from societal expectations based on their birth sex. For example, a person born with male genitalia who identifies as a woman would be considered transgender. This identity is part of a broader spectrum of gender expressions and should not be confused with sexual orientation, which is about whom one is attracted to.

Understanding the concept of being transgender is fundamental to recognizing and respecting the diversity and authenticity of each individual's self-identified gender. It is important to note that for many transgender individuals, this identity involves more than just dressing or presenting in a way that aligns with their gender; it is a deep and integral part of their overall sense of self.

Genderqueer

The term genderqueer is an umbrella label for individuals whose gender identity is outside the conventional binary of male and female. People who identify as genderqueer may feel they are both male and female, neither, or a mix of both. They might use gender-neutral pronouns like 'they/them' and might present in a way that reflects their unique sense of gender, which may change from day to day or over time.

Unlike transgender individuals, who typically have a gender identity that is consistently different from their assigned sex, genderqueer people embrace fluidity in their gender expression. It is a rejection of traditional gender distinctions and an expression of freedom in gender identity. Notably, how one expresses their genderqueer identity is deeply personal and can vary greatly from person to person.

Androgynous

The concept of androgyny pertains to a blend or ambiguity of traditional gender roles, expressions, or fashion. An androgynous individual may embody both masculine and feminine characteristics simultaneously or may be perceived as neither distinctly masculine nor feminine. This expression can manifest in physical appearance, clothing choice, or behavior.

Androgyny is distinct from being genderqueer, though there may be some overlap. While genderqueer is a gender identity that may or may not be expressed externally, androgyny often refers more to one's outward presentation and how they are seen by others. It challenges the clear-cut gender norms of society and advocates for a more fluid understanding of gender, allowing individuals to live and express themselves authentically, without being confined to strict binaries.

Gender Dysphoria

Gender dysphoria is a clinical term defined by the distress or discomfort that may occur when there is an incongruence between a person's gender identity and their assigned sex at birth. This experience is significant enough to impact one’s mental health or well-being and is recognized in healthcare as a condition that may warrant support or treatment.

This term is exclusively about the emotional state of the individual and does not necessarily reflect their identity, which makes it different from the other terms discussed. It is possible for someone to identify as transgender and experience gender dysphoria, but not all transgender individuals will experience it. Treatment for gender dysphoria often involves counseling, hormone therapy, or surgery, with the aim of helping the person live as the gender they identify with, thus reducing or eliminating the dysphoria.