The Gender Tag: Authentic Gender Expression | Ashley Wylde | TEDxCSU

Summary

In this thought-provoking video, the creator explores the complexities of gender identity, questioning societal norms and binary gender roles. The journey begins with a personal experience that sparks a deeper interest in understanding gender. Through the 'Gender Tag Project,' the creator aims to amplify diverse voices and experiences of gender, emphasizing that gender is socially constructed and fluid. With insights from the project, the video challenges conventional gender expectations, offering a critical framework for viewers to reflect on their own understanding of gender and its impact on society.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gender is not fixed and is socially and culturally constructed, meaning it can vary across time and cultures.
• 😀 The 'gender tag project' was created to explore and document diverse experiences of gender identity, helping people reflect on their own gender journeys.
• 😀 Gender identity and sex designation are separate; a person's sex at birth does not necessarily align with their gender identity.
• 😀 There is no singular way to experience gender—each individual's experience is unique.
• 😀 Gender roles are learned through societal influences, such as role models, peers, and cultural expectations, starting as early as preschool.
• 😀 Traditional gender roles harm everyone, not just trans and non-binary people, but also those who don't fit conventional definitions of masculinity or femininity.
• 😀 Gender is more complex than the binary of male/female and involves a broad spectrum of identities and expressions.
• 😀 Social expectations around gender, such as body hair or parenting, can be restrictive, but individuals can choose how to engage with or challenge these norms.
• 😀 The 'gender tag project' aims to normalize conversations about gender, encourage vulnerability, and promote understanding of its diversity.
• 😀 Reflecting on one's gender expression—whether it's appearance, behavior, or life choices—can help individuals make more authentic decisions about their identity.
• 😀 Strict gender roles hurt people's ability to express their true selves, and breaking these roles allows for greater freedom and self-discovery.

Q & A

What sparked the speaker's interest in gender?

The speaker's interest in gender began when, at 18 years old, someone in a sandwich shop misgendered them by calling them 'sir' after they had cut their hair short. This moment raised several questions about what gender is and how we experience it.

How does the speaker define gender?

The speaker defines gender as the characteristics that society considers masculine or feminine. Gender is not determined by biological sex, and it varies across cultures and changes over time.

What is the 'Gender Tag Project'?

The Gender Tag Project is a collection of videos where people share their personal experiences and thoughts about gender. The project is designed to provide a resource for others to learn about different gender identities, expressions, and experiences.

How does the speaker view the binary understanding of gender?

The speaker believes the binary understanding of gender—where there are only two options, man or woman—is limiting and does not capture the full complexity of gender. They advocate for recognizing gender as a spectrum that includes identities outside the binary.

What is the 'Critical Gender Recipe'?

The 'Critical Gender Recipe' is a method introduced by the speaker to help individuals question their gender expression choices. It involves asking three questions: 'Is this something society is telling me I should do?', 'Is this important to me personally?', and 'What will I do with this information?'

How does gender vary across cultures?

Gender varies significantly across cultures. For example, in India, the 'Hedra' is a gender identity recognized by the government, which is different from the gender categories used in Western cultures. In Chile, the Machi people have a belief system where gender is fluid and is tied to specific tasks. Indigenous cultures in the U.S. recognize 'two-spirit' individuals as a revered gender identity.

What role does society play in shaping gender?

Society plays a significant role in shaping gender through cultural norms, social learning, and expectations. From a young age, individuals are taught what behaviors are considered acceptable for their gender through examples from parents, peers, and media. These norms are reinforced through gender roles and stereotypes.

What is the importance of gender identity?

Gender identity is important because it reflects how a person personally understands and experiences gender. It can be different from the gender assigned at birth, and it allows individuals to express themselves authentically. The speaker emphasizes that gender identity is personal and should be respected.

What is misgendering, and why is it harmful?

Misgendering occurs when someone refers to another person using a gender that they do not identify with. It can be harmful because it invalidates a person's gender identity and can lead to feelings of discomfort, dysphoria, or alienation.

How do strict gender roles impact people?

Strict gender roles harm everyone by limiting self-expression. They particularly affect people who do not fit traditional gender norms, such as trans, non-binary, and even cisgender people who don't conform to societal expectations. These roles can restrict personal choices, like a man who wants to stay at home or a woman who does not want children.