Gender and sex, two topics that have been dividing society up for quite some time through spurring comments such as ‘are you assuming my gender?’, or ‘are you assuming my sexuality?’.  Comments like these are thrown around all in fun, but how many people actually realize the difference between gender and sex?  Not many people, so the difference isn’t quite a joking matter but is instead a serious topic that people struggle with.

Sex is based on a person’s biological reproductive system.  In some states such as Nebraska, your sex is also considered, at least legally, your gender.  Sex itself is determined by chromosomes, naturally produced hormones, and the reproductive organs.  

Gender, on the other hand, is defined as what a person sees themselves as and how they express this, for example whether the person shows more masculine perceived characteristics, or feminine.  This is sometimes referred to as gender expression. Keep in mind that this gives no indication of a person’s sexual preference, but is just what they may identify themselves as.  

In places such as Pakistan as well as Bangladesh, and India they refer to non binary people as Hijra, and consider them as a third gender.  This third gender is recognized by the government, and is given the same rights as someone who considers themselves female or male.  This though is not quite  a new concept to these countries.  Third genders are a rich part of these countries social landscape.

In contrast, the rights of people who may not identify with their sex is at times questioned in the US.  In Nebraska, there is no law prohibiting discrimination against people who may not fit into the “normal” society.  By being transgender (a person who doesn’t identify with their sex), or maybe demigender (a person who identifies partially with female or male), or whichever nonbinary gender a person may identify with, the person can be turned down for a job, or even getting a house.  There is no protection against being treated unequally.

Overall, the difference between gender and sex is one of importance.  It’s a distinct argument for equality.