Gender identity

Gender is used to describe the characteristics of men and women that are socially constructed, while sex refers to those that are biologically determined.

Individuals are born male or female but learn to be boys and girls who grow into men and women, and this learned behaviour makes up their gender identity and determines gender roles. 

(The WHO gender policy, 2002).

Gender identity, and sexual orientation, are two very different things.  Gender identity refers to a person’s sense of self, which may not correspond to the sex assigned to them at birth. Many individuals are identified as male or female, while others may not feel they fit into this particular category.

Identities that are not binary are commonly referred to as nonbinary. These individuals do not conform to any of the established social roles for men and women.

In addition, the overlap between gender identity and sexual orientation is often confusing for individuals and people seeking support. 

For example, author Diane Ehrensaft relates the case of a teenage client who self-identified as a gay boy and an androgynous man. The experience of this young person is both dramatic and complex. 

But the underlying theme is the same: gender identity and sexual orientation are fundamentally different, and they often disagree.

As a result, transgender and intersex individuals may encounter social and legal barriers. Obtaining a legal ID and gaining access to public benefits may be difficult, particularly for people whose genitalia are not matched by anatomical sex. 

Some states allow transgender people to change their name to reflect their post-operative gender, but may not recognise the applicant as someone of the same gender in other areas.

Sexual Gratification & Diversity 

Heterosexuals

Heterosexuals and homosexuals and same-sex attraction are closely related to their reproductive potential. Both groups engage in sexual activities with the opposite sex, but in terms of a higher percentage, homosexual men are less likely to father children than heterosexual men. 

Researchers found that plasma sex hormone levels were not associated with sexual preference in mice. Sexual orientation is independent of sex hormone levels in their plasma. Heterosexuals do not engage in more sexual activities with the opposite sex as homosexuals do.

Some researchers studied this question, and they found similarities in the lives of gay and lesbian children from four countries. The findings suggest that both sexual orientations are biologically determined. 

In addition, the researchers found that differences in family size, gender roles, and cross-dressing between heterosexual men and lesbian women did not affect the likelihood of having children.

Some may believe that sexual orientation does not change over time but can be defined by the social structure that a society has. While there is no clear genetic cause of sexual orientation, studies show that environmental factors and biochemical mechanisms during development may influence it. 

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