Chapter 5

Lecture Notes

Ordinarily we take for granted that gender is only male or female. However, gender is a complex process involving both biological and psychological elements. We have examined the connection or disconnection between our genitals, our identity, and our feelings of being female or male, as well as its relationship to sexual orientation and how gender is learned. We have found few significant inherent differences exist between the sexes. Because people sometimes react negatively to variations simply because they are fearful or ignorant, educating others about disorders of gender, orientation, and sexual differences may help to reduce their fear and ignorance and the stigmatization that accompanies both.