Sex and Gender and Roles (Oh My!) [YouTube Script]

This is the text from which I created my YouTube video of the same name.

Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law.

Welcome to my inaugural video.

The first topic is one that keeps floating onto my radar. We will cover the topics of Sex, Gender, and the like. While I was preparing for this, Laci Green began a discussion on this topic. I will link her video in the description.

So, without further ado, there are many people screaming about gender and sex online. In these discussions, we should remember that one should not attribute to malice that which can be explained by stupidity — even when they are so stupid it hurts. However, I realize that identifying the problem is not the same as explaining the problem, so here are my thoughts. It should be noted that these thoughts are based upon fact, or inferences derived from those same facts.

1. Colloquial

The first thing we need to understand is the concept of “Colloquial Speech”. Colloquial is defined in the dictionary as “used in ordinary or familiar conversation; not formal or literary”. To put it simply, it is what non-experts think a technical term means. Often, it refers to an incomplete or improper use of the term. The modern or popular usage of a term is often colloquial. Sadly, these lines can be blurred even by experts, especially when they import a term across disciplines or fall victim to the impulse to let ideology dictate science. With this in mind, let us move to the first term.

2. Sex

Sex, the state, not the act, refers to the male or female division of a species, especially as differentiated with reference to the reproductive function. What should be clear is that this is a biological term. In humans, it refers to having either an XX or XY chromosome pair. This cannot be changed. Perhaps in the future, genetic re-sequencing of the human genome may be possible, but for now, that is the realm of science fiction.

2.1. Intersex

Discussions of the biological reality of sex invariably brings up the topic of intersexed individuals. Intersex refers to a rare condition where a non-viable, from a reproductive point of view, chromosome expression such as XYX or YY occurs. Experts seem to be in some disagreement over what exactly counts as intersex, but even the most permissive reckoning puts it at only 1.7%.

Now some may object to the term non-viable. Since this is biology, the term only refers to their ability to pass on their genetic heritage — i.e., to have children. It in no way refers to their worth or relevance as a human being or member of society. There are plenty of significant intersex people who are known for more than being intersexed. You have access to google.

Intersex is another biological and unchangeable condition.

3. Gender

Now that we have clarified these biological terms and explained their immutable character, one might wonder what all the confusion is about. According to the dictionary, gender is “either the male or female division of a species, especially as differentiated by social and cultural roles and behaviors”.

Since they use the term “species”, I have to assume that they have observed gender in non-human species. However, we will focus only on human beings. This definition is obviously different from the proceeding two. This is not a biological term. Its reference to social and cultural roles make it obvious that this term is sociological or anthropological in nature. It is the cultural expectations and assumptions made toward one’s role in society based on one’s biological sex.

There are two genders, corresponding to the biological divisions. These divisions are rather broad and include many roles, some of which may even seem to be in opposition to the qualities of other roles.

3.1. Gender Roles

This brings us to a term that seems to have fallen out of modern discourse. Gender Roles are the specific duties of Men and Women within a society. The roles for males include everything from effete femme-boy to the epitome of iron-disciplined warriors. Those for females can include delicate princesses to shield-maidens. This isn’t to say that all roles are held in equal esteem. Societies naturally favor those which increase the viability of the society. They also vary in how they react to less common gender expressions (Christian, Muslim, and Jewish views of homosexuality come to mind).

Again, Gender Role is not a biological term.

3.2. Gender Dysphoria

Pendent to this is Gender Dysphoria, a psychological term used to describe the dissonance created by one’s natural inclinations being at odds with the gender expectations of a society. This is caused by both biological and social factors. The degree can vary, but many cases resolve themselves after puberty, possibly because they either find or manufacture a gender role for themselves within society. Such was my case.

Transexualism is a final effort to ease the dysphoria for those who do not find a resolution on their own. By transitioning, they mimic the other sex so as to open that portfolio of gender roles. I would presume that success in easing the dysphoria relates to how closely their transitioned selves mimic the desired sex (thus causing others to relate to them as that sex) and their own acceptance of their transition. Then again, while conversant with psychology, gender dysphoria is not my field of study.

4. Conclusion

In conclusion, there is a significant distinction between sex and gender which is lost in most conversations on this topic. Gender roles can change within generations. However, since some gender roles are tied to biological sex functions (e.g., Motherhood), some roles may only be capable of slight modifications, rather than wholesale revision. Sex, being biological, is immutable — at least until we can directly modify the DNA of living beings in such a way that its results are both controllable and immediate.

I would also like to point out that I feel that modern “trans” culture trivializes a serious condition by pretending that gender is something that can be easily changed like a set of clothes.

Further, modern gender discussions seem to posit that any gender role is a unique gender. This seems to only complicate the matter rather than offering a resolution.

So, to wrap up, I should point out that I am open to meaningful criticism, rather thick skinned, and enjoy discussing ideas. Truth is found in the rubble of falsehood.

Love is the law, Love under will.