The terms gender and sex are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings that are essential to understanding identity.

What's Sex?

Sex is all about biology. It refers to the physical traits that define us as male, female, or intersex. This includes things like chromosomes (XX for females, XY for males), reproductive organs, and hormones. Usually, we get assigned a sex at birth based on our anatomy, but it's not always that simple, intersex folks have a mix of traits that don’t fit neatly into either category.

What's Gender?

Gender, however, is a social construct. It's about how we express ourselves and the roles we play in society. Gender isn't just male or female; it exists on a spectrum! You might identify as nonbinary, genderqueer, or something else entirely. It’s all about how you feel inside and how you choose to express that to the world.

Why Does It Matter?

Understanding these differences helps us create a more inclusive world where everyone feels seen and respected. So let's celebrate our unique identities and support one another in being our true selves!