Sex vs gender is no doubt a topic that sparked debate for decades and will undoubtedly do so for many
more years to come. With this essay I’ve chosen to explore my own understanding of the topic.
I grew up in in a very traditional and conservative household and family. So the topic of gender and sex
is one that was very rarely, if ever, discussed. When referring to such matters it would always be done in
hushed tones and with the use of euphemisms to avoid addressing it directly. I was no doubt confused
but also intrigued as the “logistics” of it all made no sense to me. How could a woman be with anyone
other than a man and vice versa? And why is it that some men wear women’s clothing?
The neighborhood and community I grew up in was predominantly Christian and these topics were
considered to be taboo. Which is why many of these questions went unanswered. I remember in
primary school we’d have countless awareness campaigns in the form of puppet shows or plays in an
effort to discuss and educate us about important and sensitive issues such as racism, teenage
pregnancy, STD’s even, but never once were we taught about the fluidity of gender.
As an introvert with strict parents I grew up very shielded from the outside world. When I got to high
school I was introduced to a whole new world. The other students were much more liberal with their
beliefs and forms of expression. As someone who grew up in a Christian home, I gravitated more
towards others with similar values and morals. By grade 10, a handful of my female classmates had been
in same-sex relationships. I still could not fathom the concept. I couldn’t understand how they and
everyone else seemed so comfortable and accepting of it. People were openly and proudly discussing
their gender identity. I remember it once being considered as disrespectful to question someone’s
sexual orientation, but now it seems to be encouraged. Asking someone what they identify as is
equivalent to asking someone their favourite colour.
By grade 11, I had discovered the wonder that is Feminism. This put a lot of things, including the
LGBQT+ movement, in perspective. I had come to the conclusion and belief that “love is love”, no matter
what it looks like or the shape or form it comes in. I though I had figured it out, but this was also the
year I decided delve deeper into my faith. What I heard in the Christian community contradicted
everything I thought I knew about the real world. Again I had this internal conflict of not knowing what I
believe to be true.
It is now 4 years later and though I still have the occasional bouts of confusion, I’m able to say that I
finally have a better grasp and understanding of the topic as well as where I stand on it. I have devoted
the last few years to strengthening my relationship with God. I have chosen to drown out the world’s
opinion and rely solely on His Word. This has reaffirmed my belief that God created us male and female,
each for the other. I have also come to the understanding that being attracted to someone of the same
sex is not considered a sin, because temptation is universal. But giving into that temptation, either mind
or body would be considered a sin. This however does not reserve judgement as we are all guilty of sin.
This has not changed the fact that everyone is deserving of love and respect regardless of the way they
choose to express themselves. As a Christian this conversation can be hard to navigate as not everyone
agrees with your opinions and views on the subject.
In today’s society it is impossible to not have your sexuality be brought into question. I have chosen to
maintain the belief that to identify someone by their sexuality is to reduce them to their sexuality.