Do you know the new terms for describing gender identity?
Did you hear that Facebook recently added 58 new gender options?
NEW TERM: GENDERQUEER
If you don’t related to male vs. female you now have a wide variety of alternatives to describe your gender. (The list is below.)
In addition to one’s gender identity, there is also one’s sexual orientation to consider.
BiCurious, Hetero Leaning, Queer, Heterosexual, Pansexual, Gay, Lesbian… there is another almost endless list of sexual orientations building in the world today.
How peoples’ energy manifests in the world around masculine and feminine should not be confused with their physiology or their sexual orientation.
Gender and sexual orientation are different. And new terms are emerging.
NEW GENDER TERMS TO KNOW
That’s why I want to give you a simple orientation for gender identity that might help you be more politically correct and sensitive to other’s gender identity.
There is a new term called, Genderqueer. It’s all one word and it’s the alternate category to Male or Female.
Male and Female are preferred over Men and Women when talking about gender. And for those people who do not specifically identify with either of those black and white camps, there is now the new moniker, Genderqueer.
Many younger people are able to step beyond constrained gender definitions. They might feel like a combination of male and female. Some don’t identify with either male or female. So Genderqueer is a new third category for people who don’t always identify as their physiologic gender.
This is about your identity, not your body.
Cisgender and cissexual (often abbreviated to simply cis) describe related types of gender identity where individuals’ experiences of their own gender match the sex they were assigned at birth. [Wikipedia]
You could consider male and female to be cisgender and the alternate to be genderqueer.
Now there are two categories of gender identity at the top level: cisgender and genderqueer.
Though it might be confusing at first, understanding and knowing these terms is a considerate, sensitive and modern way to relate to others.
More and more people are transcending the physiologic orientations of our genitals and embracing a more customized way of expressing both gender and sexuality.
What I like most about these new frames is that it empowers an individual to choose what feels most right for them.
If you have a comment about this, please post it here, under the article on our website instead of reply to me here in this email.
This is a subject for group discussion. What do you think?
Be Fluid.
** Facebook’s New Gender Identity Options:
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25 Responses
At the risk of sounding somewhat unevolved, I’m inclined to think this is a little much. One of the fundamental teachings in many of the Personal Life media products is respecting the naturally occurring balance of the Masculine and the Feminine. This goes very much in line with clearly defining and celebrating our respective genders. Now, I understand and advocate for the facts that
(a) Gender is NOT the single most important element of anybody’s identity
(b) gender does NOT dictate one’s sexual orientation, and shouldn’t be a function for judging anyone on what turns them on or what they do
(c)In all males even on a biological level, there IS a bit of female, just as in all women there is a natural bit of masculine [it took both a man AND a woman to get us here, after all].
(d)Some people are simply more comfortable embracing elements of the opposite sexual energy as their own.
(e) Past a certain point, “gender” is very much a social construct built around the qualities we define in our Masculinity and Femininity, and as a social construct, it’s not quite as “set” as our physiological sex.
This does’t change the truth that there IS a difference in the genders, biological, mental, physical and even spiritual; that’s what creates our sexual Polarity and feeds our natural instincts. While I’m not at all saying anyone should feel uncomfortable in their own body, to me, “blurring the lines”, even for a well meant reason, somewhat undercuts the import of that very real polarity.
Also we should take into account GENDER and SEXUAL PREFERENCE are TWO DIFFERENT THINGS, and (while sometimes linked), a problem identifying with one doesn’t automatically means person will have issues with the other. Marvin freely admits to enjoying wearing female undergarments [more power to you and your Boo, boy], yet he’s still straight.Other men might have an issue relating to him, however, because that’s not what most societies have established as a “masculine” quality. Thing is, Marv, this would probably be more accepted if it WAS just a sexual proclivity; something that turns you on as play with your woman. oddly enough, cross dressing as a fetish isn’t really seen as “the same thing” as cross dressing as a life style…hell, I’m not even certain if just wearing a woman’s underwear is enough to even be CONSIDERED cross dressing.
The Irony? There are countries in the world wear men wear skirts—-not kilts, but ACTUAL SKIRTS—as part of everyday dress.And they are not considered any less masculine for it. There are also African tribes where the MEN put on makeup and finery so that WOMEN can choose them. Again, their masculinity is not called into question. There are literally dozens of contrary examples of gender-bending differences around the world.
Personally, I too would have no problem cross dressing with a partner in sexual play….anything that brings you closer is not off bounds. but, while i sometimes go commando, I see no \real pull towards wearing women’s clothes otherwise. But again, that’s just me; my personal principles of masculinity have already been deeply defined by ME—-informed by society at an early age, maybe, but still my OWN definitions. And i DO think that me having genitalia that hangs outside has at least a small something to do with that.
I honestly think, in an attempt to be more inclusive and better, we are confusing both the gender AND the sexuality issues for more than we need to. I’m a male that has never had a desire to lay physically with another man, but will try ANYTHING with a WIDE range of females, no matter shape, size, color, fetish or proclivity, as well as having turn ons that go outside the range of porn, erotica or paraphernalia…does that make me a Pan sexual? Back in the day, we used to say “Tri-Sexual”, because I’d TRY anything at least once ;-).
But you see where i’m coming from; not being judgmental DOESN’T MEAN we have to be SO fluid, we LOSE the basics of what makes our sexuality and humanity (1) identifiable, and (2) so enjoyable. In all honesty, i think we just need to K.I.S.S. this issue, i.e. Keep it Stupidly Simple
In response to Marvin and Susan: Yes, enjoying wearing women’s underwear (whether frilly or not) does make you a crossdresser. No problem if your girlfriend really likes that too, and is not co-opted into that behavior. The issue is more about autogynephilia. Most often the guys who do this (usually hetero,) also feel sexually aroused when wearing women’s undies. It is “as if” they are inhabiting a woman. Only they are really getting themselves off.
I find the list a tad overwhelming, though I believe that we need to accept all the physical and mental variety of sexuality that do no harm.
What happens behind closed or open doors between 2 consenting adults, as long as no one is getting hurt, is no one else’s business but those involved, right?
It’s the questions we ask that are more profound than the answers we give. Attempt to categorize people usually are for insurance companies (DSM or icd 9)or to form some prejudice. Sexuality is like religion in that what you say you are and what you do dont always match with what you really believe or think you believe
Teaching people they have to identify with a gender term is just going to cause more issues in the insecurity of the people that are concerned about it.
You give people power by liberating them of a need for labels. Not giving them even more confined ego based labels.
This is absolute crap!!! I am sorry you have even ventured into this area at all. This is PC taken to ridiculous extremes. The sooner we forget it the better: heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual and leave it at that!
I think I need a woman first to start which I have not got so what can we do a bout that and I love sex so much what is your (Idear) or what is your (addvice)
This list looks like it was made up by politicians. As usual repeatably with no clue of an outcome.
Tony, I couldn’t have said it better. The list makes little sense being so redundant, with little to zero explanation of terms. Well done, sir.
A list with no definition. I feel a little ignorant.
Yeah, that was my first, second, and third thought, too . . . what do all of those mean and what difference does it make if I can say the names if I don’t know the meanings . . . needs more!
So what label do I get as a straight man who prefers to wear women’s panties as everyday underwear? I’m not a cross-dresser nor a drag queen, I just prefer the pleasure of soft, micro-fiber nylon panties. I don’t like lacy or frilly stuff, Hanes hi-cut style works fine. The physical comfort of micro-fiber exceeds any Jockey For Men products. They’re also less expensive. I think if men tried Hanes micro-fiber underwear for a day they would be amazed at the difference. Best of all, my girlfriend and I go panty shopping together and turn a basic errand into fun. Thanks Susan!
Marvin do you keep you balls in your girlfriends purse?
John, I expected this kind of reply, so I’m not surprised. My girlfriend and I share the power of decision making. Sometimes it’s my call, other times it’s hers, and some choices are mutual. That arrangement might sound weak to you, but it works just fine for us. To answer your original question, she gently plays with my balls while sucking my cock, and I don’t have to ask her.
Hey Marvin,
Face it you’re into women’s underwear. Go on any men’s underwear site, and you will find microfiber. Sorry Marvin but lace is next and your girlfriend knows it.
Hey Tom,
I know you post a lot of helpful comments on our site, and for this I really appreciate you.
In reading this comment I am unsure if you are simply trying to be helpful or if there is some sarcasm and judgement in your reply…
I’m going to think the best, based on your track record and let Marvin know that he’s not doing anything wrong indulging himself in his desire to wear women’s micro fiber underwear.
Even if he wanted to wear crotchless lace panties, that is a very common “fetish,” and certainly one that brings all pleasure and zero harm in Marvin’s case.
We all respond to different arousal triggers, many of which are learned in our youth…
Even more added over time as our various lovers share their quirks and turn ons and we get turned on together…
Even more sexy fantasies and desires can continue to bubble up your whole life so that your sexual palette continues to expand and your sexual vitality soars.
If you’re not doing new things this month sexually that you haven’t ever done before — whether that’s wearing sexy clothing or trying new techniques or positions — then it’s time to tap into your fantasies.
Dr. Patti’s Seduction Trilogy ebook and audiobook program is HOT (recorded by Sloane in her sultry voice) and explains how you can probe the depths of your fantasy world with your partner to keep pulling out more gifts of desire.
The third book, Be Her Sexual Trainer, is a good for women as men and explains exactly how to tap into and safely share your fantasies so that you keep increasing your sexual desires and vitality.
So, Tom. Bring a compassionate heart of full love and acceptance to all beings.
Marvin, continue to stand up for your desires and indulge them. Sounds like you have an amazing relationship with your girlfriend. I’d love to go panty shopping with you two! Imagine how much fun we could have in the dressing room.
Love to you both.
Live and Let Love,
Susan
Well… I can respond fairly predictably to the photo… as to the rest, well queer says it all. No offense intended. Love you Susan! (Call me anytime!) 🙂
hi yo yo it me joseph your frend
This is silly. There aren’t that many kinds of gender or sexual proclivities. Anyway who cares what someone does with another person?
Really?
What about dumb ass
What do I think? I think think all crap! There are men and there are women… Sure there are the gay portion of the society, but come on!
What is wrong with a man just wanting to please a woman with no other thought involved?
I agree!!
I think we need more categories to cover post-menopausal women and men with ed. If genitals don’t define us then we need terminology for pre-pubescent individuals