A person's sense of self can be understood through their gender identity. Gender refers to an individual's deeply held belief about one's own gender expression, which may include both physical and behavioral characteristics. It also includes how they identify themselves within society and culture at large.
Gender exists in many different forms, including masculine and feminine, non-binary, transgender, queer, intersex, pansexual, etc., but it is often based on societal norms and expectations rather than biological sex. The relationship between language and gender is complex because all languages have grammatical genders that indicate whether a noun should be male, female, neuter, or agender.
Some argue that these distinctions are arbitrary since there is no biological basis for them.
In order to exist outside of gender, one must recognize that gender is a social construct that has been created through cultural influences and not inherently linked to biology. This means breaking away from traditional roles assigned to men and women in society.
Men who express emotions or participate in traditionally feminine activities may face discrimination because those actions are seen as feminizing traits. Women who act assertively or display strength may also experience backlash because they deviate from expected behaviors associated with being female.
Existing outside of gender requires challenging rigid ideas about what constitutes "masculinity" and "femininity." People who do not conform to these binary categories may feel pressured to choose between two identities when really they do not identify as either. They may use terms such as 'they/them/their' instead of he/she/his/her when referring to themselves and others to avoid using gendered pronouns altogether.
Using non-binary pronouns like ze/hir can help destabilize the binary gender system by creating new possibilities for self-expression.
The process of existing outside of gender involves questioning the societal norms around gender identity and rejecting them if necessary. It requires understanding how language reinforces gender stereotypes and working towards changing them by promoting gender inclusivity.
It allows people to define their own unique identity without relying on outdated conceptions of masculinity and femininity.
What does it mean to exist outside of gender when language itself is gendered?
To exist outside of gender means to reject the social constructs imposed by society regarding gender roles and identities. It involves breaking free from the rigid binaries that categorize individuals based on their sex assigned at birth and challenging the normative expectations placed upon them. Language is an integral part of our daily lives, shaping how we think about ourselves and others around us.