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Sexual Health Blogs

The Difference Between Sex and Gender

Sex and gender are two concepts that are commonly confused in our society. This can be frustrating for many of us because confusing sex with gender or vice versa can invalidate someone’s identity. Sex and gender are not the same, and everyone must learn the difference between the two. To put it simply: 

“Sex is a label — male or female — that you’re assigned by a doctor at birth based on the genitals you’re born with and the chromosomes you have. It goes on your birth certificate.” (plannedparenthood)

Some individuals prefer to use the phrase “biological sex” when describing their sexual identity. Others use the phrase “ assigned male at birth” or “assigned female at birth.” This assignment of sex takes note of the fact that infants are assigned their sex when they come out of the womb, usually by a doctor. This assignment of sex does not always reflect what’s going on inside someone’s body “... how they feel, or how they identify.” (plannedparenthood) For this reason, it’s essential to be knowledgeable about the process of sex assignment in the first place. Fertilization is a biological process that each and every human undergoes that directly relates to one’s assigned sex at birth: 

“Each sperm has either an X or a Y chromosome in it. All eggs have an X chromosome. ● When sperm fertilizes an egg, its X or Y chromosome combines with the X chromosome of the egg. ● A person with XX chromosomes usually has female sex and reproductive organs, and is therefore usually assigned biologically female. 

“A person with XY chromosomes usually has male sex and reproductive organs, and is therefore usually assigned biologically male.” (plannedparenthood

Some individuals are born with “...sexual and reproductive anatomy [that] doesn’t seem to fit the typical definitions of female or male, they may be described as intersex.” (plannedparenthood) In this sense, intersex individuals may have a difference in “...arrangements of chromosomes, hormones, and body parts.” (plannedparenthood) What is Gender? 

For individuals of any sex, gender does not always correlate with sexual identity. This is primarily because gender is much more of a social construct: 

“Gender is much more complex: It’s a social and legal status, and set of expectations from society, about behaviors, characteristics, and thoughts. Each culture has standards about the way that people should behave based on their gender. This is also generally male or female. But instead of being about body parts, it’s more about how you’re expected to act, because of your sex.” (plannedparenthood

Due to its status as a social construct, society should view gender on a spectrum. Along with gender comes societal expectations of gender roles. In reality, gender is fluid, and individuals do not adhere to set standards or expectations regarding their gender identity. Gender is not simply male or female, but rather it’s an expression of one’s own identity. Sex is something that is biological and doesn’t have to reflect one’s gender identity. It’s common for individuals in our society to confuse sex and gender, but it’s essential to educate oneself on the proper definitions of each term:

Just remember that biological or assigned sex is about biology, anatomy, and chromosomes. Gender is society’s set of expectations, standards, and characteristics about how men and women are supposed to act. (plannedparenthood

Overall, sex and gender are not the same things, and it’s important to respect someone’s gender identity regardless of the sex they were assigned at birth- as often, the two do not correlate. 

Gender Identity 

Gender identity is not something that can be seen externally. Rather, someone’s gender identity is based on their internal feelings regarding the fluidity of gender and how their identity flows on the spectrum. Gender identity is often expressed outwardly through “clothing, appearance, and behaviors.” (plannedparenthood) Gender identity can be a confusing concept for some people, as societal standards put forth by the gender binary have produced a cookie-cutter mold of what gender is supposed to look like. 

“[Some] people feel that they’re either male or female. Some people feel like a masculine female, or a feminine male. Some people feel neither male nor female. These people may choose labels such as “genderqueer,” “gender variant,” or “gender fluid.” (plannedparenthood

Gender fluid individuals do not identify with the gender binary, as the confines of male versus female are very limiting and often suppress gender expression. For some people, their assigned sex at birth matches their internal feelings regarding their expression of gender. People who feel that their assigned sex is in line with their gender identity are called cisgender individuals or cis for short. For others, their assigned sex at birth does not match their internal feelings regarding gender identity. Some of these individuals “feel that their assigned sex is of the other gender from their gender identity (i.e., assigned sex is female, but gender identity is male). These people are called transgender or trans.” (plannedparenthood) This is why it’s important to know the difference between sex and gender- you can’t assume someone’s identity based on their assigned sex. While sex biologically determines gender, it does not determine one’s internal gender identity. 

Feelings about one’s gender identity can begin as early as 2 or 3 years old (plannedparenthood) and people often know at a young age if their gender identity doesn’t fit with their assigned sex. Due to societal standards, these feelings can often be difficult to deal with and process. It’s important to understand the difference between sex, gender, and gender identity to ensure that all individuals feel accepted and safe expressing their true internal feelings. Another thing that’s important to remember is that neither sex nor gender are stagnant concepts- both can change. Individuals who identify as trans are able to undergo hormone therapies and sex reassignment surgeries if it suits their gender identity. More than this, internal feelings regarding gender often change as we age and grow. This is why it’s crucial to view gender and a spectrum. Feminity and masculinity should be viewed as adjectives rather than binaried concepts in order to support the fluidity of gender within our society.

By: Alyssa Morterud