User:Jbeckerman/Gender expression

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Gender expression, or '''gender presentation, is a person's behavior, mannerisms, interests, and appearance that are associated with gender, specifically with the categories of femininity or masculinity. This also includes gender roles. These categories rely on stereotypes about gender.'''

The definition of gender expression/identity is not defined in the legislation in countries such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. The lack of a set definition leaves it open for interpretation. Different groups such as “human rights commissions and other extra-legal actors” have attempted to do their best to help various areas of government with the meaning of the terms. It can be problematic to not have a set definition within the legislation of a country.

terminology
Gender expression is separate and independent both from sexual orientation and sex assigned at birth. Gender identity is mostly internal thoughts. It is not outwardly expressed to others. Gender expression is how one “communicates” their sense of their gender to others, in ways that include one’s name, clothing, hair, makeup, and other aspects of one’s external appearance. Gender expression does not always fall in line with a person's gender identity. A type of gender expression that is considered atypical for a person's externally perceived gender may be described as gender non-conforming.

John Money created the term gender role. He also was involved with and explored gender identity. In his work, he studied children and their upbringing. He believed that children’s parents are responsible for implementing gender codes within their kids. It starts during infancy and continues into the individual’s life. In his work, he also stated he believed that gender identity was not biological but was taught/learned. He emphasized the point that the public display of gender (gender expression) was an internalized understanding of the culture. Children born with ambiguous genitalia could live as either male or female based on their environment in relation to gender.

School uniforms can be seen as repressive to students' gender expression. Traditionally female students wear skirts and male students wear pants. The uniforms may even be colored to separate the males from the females. It divides the students into predetermined categories. The clothing, such as skirts, makes it more difficult for the girls to participate in "rough" play. Such as football or climbing. School uniforms that have female students wearing skirts can mold and naturalize gender. It confirms traditional gender identities. Skirt-wearing imposes a feminine gender expression and contributes to gender roles.

'In men and boys, typical or masculine gender expression is often described as manly'', while atypical or feminine expression is known as effeminate. In girls and young women, atypically masculine expression is called tomboyish. In lesbian and queer women, masculine and feminine expressions are known as butch and femme respectively. A mixture of typical and atypical expression may be described as androgynous. A type of expression that is perceived as neither typically feminine or masculine can be described as gender-neutral or undifferentiated.'''

discrimination
'''People sometimes face discrimination because of their gender expression. Victims of discrimination often culturally express different genders than their gender identity or biological sex. Gender expression-based discrimination can be independent of sexual orientation, and it can lead to bullying, childhood abuse, sexual assault, discrimination, and various other traumatizing hardships.'''

However, discrimination based on sexual orientation can be connected to a person's gender expression. It is difficult to separate the connection between anti-LGBTQ discrimination and gender expression, especially when the expression differs from the person's assigned gender at birth. In a study done by Steph M. Anderson, she found that in discriminatory situations, participants' gender affected whether or not they were perceived as LGBTQ. People whose expression aligned with their assigned gender felt less of an impact than those whose expression did not align with their assigned gender. When it comes to health care, one study shows that people with a non-normative gender expression experienced biases during their care. For example, lesbians who presented femininely may be more comfortable in healthcare spaces than people whose expression does not match their assigned gender. Some gender non-conforming people in the study expressed feelings that having one's gender or sexuality assumed because of their expression limited their comfort and access to healthcare.

'''Gender expression is a sizable aspect of how a person views themselves, and thus will impact self confidence. When an individual is forced, for personal or societal influences, to portray themselves in a manner they don't personally identify with, confidence can be greatly hindered in turn damaging mental health. A 2017 study reported that when masculine presenting lesbians are made to dress in a feminine style, their confidence suffers greatly.'''

Confusion between gender expression and sexual orientation
Some scholars link gender expression and the expression of sexual orientation, especially as relating to discrimination. LGBTQ-identifying teenagers were found to use gender expression as a way to express or hide their sexual orientation. Studies on adolescents conducted by Stacey Horn, showed that gay and lesbian individuals who did not express themselves as their assigned gender were seen as less acceptable. Similar concepts were seen in the workplace, with masculine presenting lesbians adapting their clothing and behaviors to obscure their identity. '''"The heterosexual matrix" theory created by gender theorist Judith Butler posits that people often assume someone's sexuality based on their visible gender and sex. Lisa Disch states that it explains why people tend to assume someone's gender expression based on their sex and sexuality. Individuals who expressed themselves with their assigned gender typically faced less social harassment and discrimination. On the other hand, heterosexual males whose gender expression was more feminine than masculine were the most discriminated against.'''

Some sexologists, especially earlier on in the 20th century, viewed gay men and lesbians as "gender inverts". This idea was reinforced by figures in 1950's New York gay culture: effeminate men referred to as "fairies", as well as butch lesbians. Drag shows also can be considered a way that modifying one's gender expression can indicate their sexuality, though this is not always the case. Some research proved a similar idea, showing that homosexual people are generally more gender nonconforming than heterosexual people, and gender nonconformity throughout life can be an indicator of sexuality.