What does it mean ontologically to desire beyond fixed gender categories?
The term 'gender' is used today to refer to socially constructed characteristics that are assigned to individuals based on their biological sex, which in turn refers to the physical attributes of an individual such as chromosomes, genitals, hormones, secondary sex characteristics, and other features. Gender can also be seen as cultural norms regarding behavior, appearance, language, and roles associated with these factors.
Many people challenge the binary opposition between male/female and feel they belong to neither category. They may identify as transgender, nonbinary, agender, genderqueer, bigender, etc. Their desires extend beyond fixed gender categories and include elements from both masculinity and femininity or none at all. This article explores how these different desires relate to the nature of being human and what it means to have intimate relationships.
To start with, let's consider the question of identity. Some argue that the self should be understood as a set of qualities rather than a particular combination of them, i.e., the essence of one's personhood cannot be reduced to a specific gender identity. In this view, gender is merely a construct imposed by society and therefore irrelevant to our true nature. On the contrary, others believe that gender is an integral part of who we are and should not be ignored or rejected. The question then becomes whether one's sense of self is determined solely by genitalia and reproductive functions or if it encompasses more complex and dynamic dimensions.
We need to examine desire itself. Is it possible for someone to desire without any reference to traditional gender roles? Can we even imagine wanting something outside the binary? What does it mean to crave another person or seek pleasure without conforming to socially prescribed expectations? How do individuals express their desires when they don't fit into neat categories? Do they pursue alternative forms of intimacy? These questions lead us to explore the many facets of sexuality and eroticism, which can take on diverse shapes and forms depending on individual preferences and experiences.
We must ask about the relationship between ontology and intimacy. Does love exist beyond fixed categories? Are there ways to connect with another person while transcending cultural norms around gender expression? Can intimacy go beyond the physical and involve emotional attachment based on shared values, interests, and aspirations? To answer these questions, we turn to the concept of care, which involves empathy, understanding, support, and affection but doesn't rely exclusively on biological differences or cultural definitions. Care can be practiced regardless of sex, age, race, religion, etc., making it a universal human experience. By expanding our notion of what it means to relate to others, we may uncover new possibilities in relating to ourselves and finding fulfillment within our own bodies.
What does it mean ontologically to desire beyond fixed gender categories?
The desire for freedom from fixed gender categories is an expression of one's own individuality. It refers to the need for personal autonomy, self-determination, and self-expression outside the boundaries set by society. Ontologically speaking, this means that one has the ability to define oneself as more than just male or female and embraces their individual identity regardless of social expectations.