The number of young adults and teenagers who describe themselves in terms other than male or female is increasing. This is according to a report that was published in the journal Pediatrics. It was carried out by researchers in the University of Minnesota. The study showed that the identified persons who rejected their birth assigned gender, gave themselves a title that described their gender identity. The titles included transgender, gender queer, gender fluid among others. These teens got the courage to identify themselves according to their own self expression and their own understanding of their roles within society. The study identified 2.7% of American teens who had gender differences against a lower 0.7% that an UCLA study had produced an year earlier. The study showed that youth that were outside the fit of conventional gender roles recorded health of a poorer state. This was because of fear of stigmatisation that was prevalent even during health checks and preventative counselling.
The topic of gender identity affects university students almost as much as it does teens. The university is a place where peer groups are formed based on similarities such as sports, recreational interests and even sexuality. The individuals who do not fit into any mold are often unable to socialise with their peers due to fear. Many members of the student body hide their true gender affiliation because of fear of branding and violence. Some members of the society look down on those who are bold enough to come out while others use sexual violence as a way of converting them. Gender identity raises an issue that personally affects everyone. My personal opinion is that everyone should be able to express themselves the way they feel without fear of judgment. This point of view presents complications because of simple classification that is used to create order in society. For example, if I'm born male but I identify more with the female gender, which rest room should I use?
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Additionally, the law only identifies two genders. Male or female. It becomes complicated to legally acknowledge these youth who do not conform to gender. It is also not clear when these individuals identify their different labels. Though most of them choose a specific label such as transgender, towards the end of teenage hood, others are still unsure of their gender roles at this time. That is why labels such as gender queer exist. This makes it difficult to advocate for their recognition in law because their gender cannot be given at birth or at a certain time in adulthood. They therefore become unable to create gender roles for themselves because of the internal conflict they are experiencing.
As though the gender confusion is not enough, these individuals still have to deal with the problem of expressing their sexuality. This becomes more complex because of the diversity of relationships available. A person who identifies with both the male and female gender may want to enter into a sexual relationship with someone who is heterosexual and cisgender. The cisgender person may not relate with the partner because they are comfortable in the gender assigned to them at birth. When the two approach a healthcare provider for preventative health checkups, the couple is likely to experience discrimination and eventually, they will stop seeking help. This is the reason why many non cisgender members of society have poor mental and physical health.
From this article, it is clear that persons with gender identity issues exist in our society. It is also clear that this demographic is quickly growing. The society should learn to accommodate this group so as to ease their access to health and other facilities. Mental health professionals should also be ready to assist these individuals to transition into a place of self realisation.
References
Griggs, B., & Leguizamon, M. (2018). More US teens are rejecting 'boy' or 'girl' gender identities, a study finds. Retrieved from url https://edition.cnn.com/2018/02/06/health/teens-gender-nonconforming-study-trnd/index.html
