What's the difference? Sex & Gender

With a more welcoming society coming into play, it is important to take the time to educate ourselves about the world and the people around us. As the title states, we will be talking about the difference in sex and gender.

Believe it or not, many individuals are unaware of the difference and that is okay! I am here to help and educate so let us begin:

According to Dictionary.com

Sex: A male, or female, or intersex labeled assigned to a person at birth.

The sum of the structural and functional differences by which male, female, and

intersex organisms are distinguished...

Sex can be classified as the anatomical of it all.

For example holding...

Gonads: Ovaries and testes

Gametes: Eggs and sperm

Genitalia: Small penis, big breast, etc.

It is important to emphasize that you should never assume a person's sex (solely out of respect). For example: When questioning someone’s sex you can simply ask "What is/was your sex assigned at birth?"

AFAB (A female assigned at birth)

AMAB (A male assigned at birth)

According to Dictionary.com again

Gender: Either the male or female division of a species, especially at differentiated by social and cultural roles and behavior.

A similar category of human beings that is outside the male/female binary classification and is based on the individual’s personal awareness or identity.

Referring to sex, in gender the big difference is that it is an internal factor.

The individual can identify themselves as a female, male, or female/male based on how they feel, or think is best for them. It is also very important to never assume a persons gender (solely out of respect).

With this factor in mind, it is very important to always consider using pronouns when speaking to someone. For example, "What are your pronouns?" (She/they/he/ze/xe)

Overall, knowing the difference between sex and gender is important for us all to know. It allows each individual to not only be educated but also share more awareness towards all individuals and grow in making a change.