View other drafts Sex and gender identity are two different concepts that are often confused. Sex is a biological term that refers to the physical and physiological characteristics of a person, such as their chromosomes, genitalia, and hormones. Gender identity, on the other hand, is a social construct that refers to a person’s internal sense of being male, female, neither, or somewhere in between.

Sex is typically assigned at birth based on a person’s genitalia. However, it is important to note that sex is not always binary. There are people who are intersex, meaning that they have physical characteristics that do not fit neatly into the male or female categories.

Gender identity, on the other hand, is not assigned at birth. It is something that a person develops over time, and it can be different from their assigned sex. For example, a person who was assigned male at birth may identify as female, or they may identify as non-binary.

It is important to respect people’s gender identities, even if they are different from our own. We should use the pronouns and names that people prefer, and we should avoid making assumptions about their gender based on their appearance.

Here is a table that summarizes the key differences between sex and gender identity:

drive spread sheet Export to Sheets

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Sex and gender identity are two distinct concepts:

1. Sex: Sex refers to the biological and physical characteristics that typically categorize individuals as male or female. These characteristics include reproductive organs, chromosomes, and secondary sexual characteristics such as breast development or facial hair growth. Sex is typically assigned at birth based on external genitalia, but it is important to note that biological variations can exist, leading to intersex individuals who may have a combination of male and female traits.
2. Gender Identity: Gender identity is a deeply held sense of being male, female, or something else, which may or may not align with the sex assigned at birth. Gender identity is internal and self-identified, and it may or may not correspond to societal expectations or traditional gender roles. Some individuals identify as cisgender, meaning their gender identity matches the sex assigned at birth, while others identify as transgender, meaning their gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth.

It’s important to recognize that sex and gender identity are not always the same. While sex is primarily determined by biological factors, gender identity is a personal and deeply felt experience that is not solely dependent on physical characteristics. Gender identity is diverse and can encompass a range of identities beyond just male and female, such as non-binary, genderqueer, or genderfluid.

Respecting and affirming someone’s gender identity is crucial for creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals, regardless of their assigned sex at birth or societal expectations. It is important to use appropriate pronouns and terminology based on a person’s gender identity and to support their right to express themselves authentically.