The current and prevailing binary definitions of sex and gender are exclusionist in many legal application systems and decline access to social human rights services.
Diverse human beings who do not fit these binary definitions are being discriminated against because of bad moral stereotypes, family social exclusion, cultural and religious beliefs and practices. There is no “obligatory” necessary relationship between anatomy, sex, gender identity, gender expression and sexuality etc. Studies into the lives of transgender people would suggest that the existence of two “genders” between which the transition is made is too simplistic an approach.
Similarly approaching sex through a binary lens denies us a whole spectrum of variations to the human form. As much as there is a growing acceptance of transgender as a third gender possibility, there is more growing acceptance amongst intersex persons of the term as part of their identity. If binary definitions no longer suffice to qualify our gender identities as trans people/ expressions and the sex we are given at birth does not recognize that other possibilities
Should we not also revisit the terms SOGIESC and heterosexuality? Opposites, once identified or presumed, often lead to serious hate, stigma, violence and fear of the discriminatory practices in the wider setting of social gathering.
We are all so aware of our safety and wellbeing for everyday living. This article tries to attempt to address the complexities of our identities nor why we choose the labels we choose or that are imposed upon us. It is going to look at how we can develop practices that ensure as we demand our rights and for society to recognize and accept the diversity that is humankind we can do so securely.
By being transgender, by living our lives, associating with others and demanding the respect of our own rights not to be discriminated against, by calling for acceptance, we are defending not only our own universal fundamental freedoms but those of every other human being on the planet. Our struggle for gender equality, visibility and inclusion in a sense defines us as human rights need to be embraced and accepted in all societies without fear of stigma and discrimination.
Curated by Jonitta Potsane
Jonitta is the Executive Director at Equality Rights Africa Organization, known as the human rights defender for all people across Intersectionality and women for all ages.
Equality Rights Africa Organization 