Argumentaive Essay: Gender and Sexual Oorientation

Gender and Sexual Orientation

The expressions “sex” and “gender” are often employed interchangeably whenever referring to an individual being female or male. Nonetheless, they are extremely dissimilar and affect different features of a personality. The genetic disparity between individuals in terms of hormonal profiles, chromosomes, or external and internal sex organs is referred to as sex. On the other hand, gender relates to the cultural ideals that are either feminine or masculine. The manner in which an individual contemplates about his or her gender is known as gender identity. This relates to masculinity or femininity of an individual. Gender role entails the manner, in which the general society dictates how a masculine or feminine individual dresses, as well as associates with others. This outlines the construct of what gender entails.

Gender refers to the various ways, in which individuals may communicate their gender or sex to other individuals. This can be in terms of manners, clothing and the way of speaking, hair styles or responsibilities (Deaux and Kite, 1987). Sexual orientation is the long-term exciting, passionate or sexual desirability towards others. It is candidly differentiated from other sexuality components such as the social gender role, gender identity and biological sex. Furthermore, it encompasses practices, sexual desires, identification, and feelings. It may also be towards individuals of different or same sexes.

Conventional sexual orientation is categorized into: bisexual, homosexual, and heterosexual. Not all individuals identify with these classes. There exist other inclusive expression, like poly-sexual. Homosexuality entails the attraction between individuals of similar gender. Although, the expression “gay” may refer to women or men who are involved into relationship with other individuals of similar sex, it is mostly linked to men (Haslam, 1997). With regard to females, the expression “lesbian” is used. On the other hand, bisexuality involves the attraction of an individual to both sexes, male and female. Consequently, heterosexuality relates to the attraction of an individual to the opposite sex. Here, women are attracted to men and vice versa. It may also be referred to as “straight.” Gender identity encompasses the compound connection between gender and sex, which refer to an individual’s familiarity of self-expression. This relates to social classes of femininity or masculinity.

The precise expressions, individuals identify with and utilize in subjects of gender identity and sexuality, differ broadly from one culture to another. Each person possess a biological sex, whether male, female or intersex. Gender is the legal and social status normally regarded as woman or man. On the other hand, sexual orientation is an expression utilized to depict whether an individual experiences sexual craving for person of the same gender, other gender, or both genders. Everyone has a gender as well as gender identity. Gender identity entails the genuine thoughts about ones gender. Consequently, every individual has a sexual orientation. Generally, there exist no known determiners of an individual’s sexual orientation. Studies indicate that sexual orientation is founded on biological aspects that are inborn. It is normally established prior to puberty. Even though sexual orientation possibly starts to develop prior to birth, it may transform during the lifetime. As a fact, sexual orientation cannot be decided by an individual.

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