Gender Identity
Gender identity refers to an individual’s deeply felt sense of their own gender, which may or may not correspond with the sex assigned to them at birth. It encompasses how people perceive themselves and what they call themselves. Here are some key points to consider:
Personal Identification: Gender identity is about how individuals see themselves—male, female, a blend of both, neither, or somewhere along the gender spectrum.
Gender vs. Sex: Sex is biologically determined (e.g., male, female, intersex) based on physical attributes such as chromosomes and genitalia. Gender identity is more about personal and societal perceptions of gender roles and characteristics.
Diverse Identities: Gender identities include but are not limited to:-
- Cisgender: When a person’s gender identity matches the sex assigned at birth.
- Transgender: When a person’s gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth.
- Non-binary/Genderqueer: Identities that do not fit within the traditional categories of male or female.
- Genderfluid: When a person’s gender identity changes over time.
Cultural and Social Influences: Gender identity is influenced by societal norms, cultural expectations, and personal experiences. Different cultures recognize a variety of gender identities beyond the male-female binary.
Expression: Gender expression refers to how individuals present their gender through behaviour, clothing, hairstyle, voice, and other forms of presentation. This can be consistent with or different from their gender identity.
Importance of Respect: Respecting a person’s gender identity and using their chosen names and pronouns is crucial for their well-being and mental health.
Understanding gender identity is vital for fostering inclusive and respectful environments for all individuals, acknowledging the complexity and diversity of human experiences.
Supreme Court: Ruling on the definition of a woman in the Equality Act 2010
The UK Supreme Court has ruled that the legal definition of a woman should be based on biological sex.
So what does this mean in practice?
The judges ruled that when the term “woman” is used in the Equality Act it means a biological woman, and “sex” means biological sex.
It also makes it clear that if a space or service is designated as women-only, a person who was born male, but identifies as a woman does not have a right to use that space or service.
Useful resources
Best Practice resources for Schools and Colleges (also useful for anyone who works with young people!)
Advice for Schools, Colleges and Settings to be more LGBTQ+ inclusive
Careers support for Young People
Support for Neurodivergent and Disabled LGBTQ+ young people
Advice for Schools, Colleges and Settings
Advice for young people
Advice for trusted adults of LGBTQ+ young people
Support from The Proud Trust for young people and the adults in their lives (including live chat)