In the present day and age, there is much discussion about gender equality and sexual equality.
Many people believe that these concepts cannot be achieved without completely reconstructing how society views and treats people who are not cisgender and heterosexual. This belief stems from the idea that most social systems and institutions today were built upon the assumption that everyone fits into this binary and that they are the natural order of things. To achieve true equality, it would require upending these structures and creating new ones based on more fluid understandings of gender and sexuality. While this may seem like an impossible task, it could lead to a fairer world for all individuals.
Gender equality refers to providing equal rights and opportunities for men and women, regardless of their sex assigned at birth or identity. It also means recognizing the diverse ways in which individuals express their gender beyond traditional masculinity and femininity. Sexual equality, meanwhile, entails respecting and protecting all forms of sexual expression and intimacy, including non-monogamy, polyamory, queerness, kink, and BDSM.
Unfortunately, modern societies are still deeply rooted in heteronormativity, where heterosexuality is assumed as the default and normal state of being. This can be seen in the legal system, healthcare industry, education system, workplace, and even family dynamics. Many institutions assume that every person is either male or female and that marriage should only involve two opposite-sex partners. Even when laws have been passed to protect LGBTQ+ individuals, they often lack explicit language about same-sex relationships or do not address discrimination against gender nonconforming individuals.
To achieve genuine equality, we must first acknowledge that sex and gender are separate concepts. Gender is how someone identifies themselves, while sex refers to biological characteristics such as genitalia, hormones, and chromosomes. This distinction allows us to recognize that gender does not always match up with sex, and there are many variations within each category.
Some people identify as transgender or intersex, meaning they don't fit into the binary categories of male/female or man/woman. Recognizing this difference would help ensure that everyone has access to services, resources, and opportunities regardless of their identity.
Dismantling the heteronormative foundations of institutions means acknowledging that not everyone is interested in monogamy or pair bonding. While these things may be considered traditional or "normal," it doesn't mean they are the only acceptable way for people to live their lives. Allowing for polyamory, consensual nonmonogamy, and open relationships could create a more inclusive world where individuals can express themselves freely without fear of judgment or stigma. Similarly, recognizing queerness, kink, and BDSM as valid expressions of sexuality would break down barriers and give all people agency over their bodies and desires.
Achieving true gender and sexual equality requires rethinking the very foundation of our societal structures. By dismantling the heteronormative assumptions underpinning them, we can create a fairer and more just world for all individuals. It won't be easy, but it will ultimately lead to a more equitable future for generations to come.
Can genuine equality exist without dismantling the heteronormative foundations of modern institutions?
To examine this question, it is important to first define what we mean by "genuine equality. " According to the dictionary definition of the term, true equality implies that all people are treated as equals regardless of their backgrounds, social status, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other factor that may be used to differentiate individuals from one another.