The fear of ambiguity is an unavoidable part of human existence. It can manifest itself in many ways, from the mundane to the extreme, but it is often more intense when it comes to topics related to sex and sexuality. In this essay, I will examine how these anxieties have influenced public policy surrounding gender-diverse youth, specifically those who identify as nonbinary or transgender. I will also explore the impact of these policies on individuals and families affected by them.
Let's define "ambiguity." Ambiguity refers to situations where there is uncertainty about what is true or what should be done. This lack of clarity can stem from various factors, including conflicting information, incomplete data, or even simply having different points of view.
If someone asks you if they look good in a certain outfit, you may say yes because you don't want to hurt their feelings or no because you think it looks bad, creating ambiguity about your answer. The same goes for discussions around sex and gender identity - there are multiple perspectives on these topics that may conflict with each other, making it difficult to know exactly what to do or say.
This ambiguity can be particularly challenging for parents and educators of gender-diverse youth. Children and adolescents struggling with their gender identity often need support, guidance, and reassurance, which can be complicated when adults themselves are unsure about what is appropriate. Many parents feel pressure to choose between affirming their child's identity and respecting societal norms; some schools have implemented policies requiring students to use pronouns and bathrooms corresponding to their assigned sex at birth, which can cause additional distress. These policies reflect fears that allowing children to explore their gender identities will lead to confusion or harm, but research suggests this is not the case.
Society's fear of ambiguity has led to policies that limit support for gender-diverse youth. While well-intentioned, these policies can create more problems than they solve by perpetuating harmful stereotypes and stigmas. To move forward, we must acknowledge our discomfort with ambiguous situations and work to provide nuanced, informed solutions rather than blanket policies that ignore individual experiences.
How do adult fears of ambiguity shape policies around gender-diverse youth?
Although some people may believe that there are only two genders, many others see gender as being more fluid and diverse than this binary classification suggests. These individuals may have been labeled "nonbinary" in childhood but were likely raised by parents who rejected their identity or pressured them into conforming to traditional gender roles. As a result, they grew up with an internalized sense of fear about what would happen if they expressed their true self openly or came out to others.