FEU Public Intellectual Lecture Series | Dr. Cherish Brillon | The Gender Spectrum Part 2

Summary

This video script delves into the complexities of gender identity, expression, and the importance of acknowledging and respecting individual pronouns and names, especially for transgender and nonbinary individuals. It emphasizes the fluidity of gender, challenges societal norms, and highlights how language shapes our reality. The speaker advocates for a more inclusive environment, where expressions of masculinity, femininity, and nonbinary identities are embraced. The script also touches on the struggles faced by marginalized groups, the evolving nature of gender, and the importance of understanding one's identity without pressure to conform to rigid labels.

Takeaways

• 😀 Transgender individuals should be addressed with the names and pronouns they identify with, acknowledging their identity and fostering respect.
• 😀 The Filipino language is gender-blind, unlike English, which requires specific pronouns like 'he' or 'she' for transgender individuals.
• 😀 Gender identity is a privilege, and dismissing concerns about it may reflect a lack of awareness or empathy toward transgender people's struggles.
• 😀 In the Philippines, many transgender individuals don't yet change their names legally, but acknowledging their preferred names in class is an essential step.
• 😀 Gender identity is not just binary (cisgender vs. transgender) but a spectrum, allowing for diverse expressions and identities.
• 😀 Non-binary individuals don't identify as exclusively male or female and may use terms like gender fluid or other self-chosen labels to define their identity.
• 😀 Gender expression, which includes how one dresses or presents themselves, doesn't always align with gender identity; it's a separate concept.
• 😀 People can present a mix of masculine and feminine characteristics, known as androgen, challenging societal expectations of gender presentation.
• 😀 Lesbians face double or triple oppression (as women, as lesbians, and for some, being from rural areas), making their struggles more complex.
• 😀 Gender-neutral expressions are becoming more common, but mainstream brands still limit clothing and accessories to binary gender categories, excluding gender-fluid or androgynous individuals.
• 😀 Gender identity, attraction, and expression are separate aspects of an individual's self-concept and can exist in various combinations, with terms like bisexual, pansexual, and asexual helping to describe these diverse experiences.

Q & A

What is the importance of addressing transgender individuals by their chosen names and pronouns?

Addressing transgender individuals by their chosen names and pronouns is crucial for respecting their identity and acknowledging their experiences. It helps foster inclusivity and validates their gender identity, which can be especially important for those who have struggled to express themselves openly in the past.

How does the Filipino language differ from English in terms of gender recognition?

Filipino is described as gender-blind in terms of pronouns, meaning that the language doesn't have the same gender-specific pronouns that English does. This contrasts with English, where gender-specific pronouns such as 'he' and 'she' are used to identify individuals.

What is the significance of gender as a spectrum, rather than a binary concept?

The concept of gender as a spectrum reflects the fluid and diverse nature of how people experience and express their gender. It challenges the traditional binary of male and female, allowing for a broader understanding of identity that includes nonbinary, genderfluid, and other gender non-conforming experiences.

What are the different types of gender identities discussed in the transcript?

The transcript discusses several gender identities, including cisgender (individuals whose gender identity aligns with their assigned sex at birth), transgender (those whose gender identity differs from their assigned sex), nonbinary (those who don't exclusively identify as male or female), and genderfluid (those whose gender identity changes over time).

What is the role of gender expression in understanding one's identity?

Gender expression refers to how individuals choose to present themselves through appearance, behavior, and actions. It may or may not align with societal expectations based on gender. The transcript emphasizes that gender expression doesn't always correlate with gender identity, as individuals may express themselves in ways that challenge traditional gender norms.

What is the societal issue with gendered clothing, and how does it impact individuals?

Gendered clothing is often limiting, with certain clothing types being assigned to men or women only. This creates barriers for individuals who identify outside of these categories, such as gender-neutral or nonbinary people, as they may not find clothes that reflect their identity. The speaker expresses a desire for more inclusive, gender-neutral fashion options.

What are the challenges faced by individuals who are both transgender and disabled?

Individuals who are both transgender and disabled face multiple layers of oppression. They are not only marginalized due to their gender identity but also experience discrimination because of their disability, making their struggles even more complex and challenging.

How does the speaker suggest we should approach people who are exploring their gender identity?

The speaker advises patience and openness when approaching individuals exploring their gender identity. Since identities can be fluid and evolving, it's important to support people in their journey and not rush them to define themselves. The speaker suggests that it’s okay to not have a fixed identity at a young age, as gender understanding may change over time.

What is the difference between sexual orientation and gender identity?

Sexual orientation refers to who someone is attracted to (e.g., heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual), whereas gender identity relates to how someone identifies in terms of gender (e.g., male, female, nonbinary). The two are separate concepts, and one does not necessarily correlate with the other.

What are some examples of different sexual orientations and what do they mean?

The transcript discusses several sexual orientations: heterosexual (attraction to the opposite sex), homosexual (attraction to the same sex), bisexual (attraction to both men and women), pansexual (attraction to all genders), asexual (lack of sexual attraction), and demisexual (attraction after forming a deep emotional bond). These orientations highlight the diversity in how people experience attraction.