Understanding Gender and Identity
What is Gender?
Gender is about how people see themselves and how they express who they are. It’s different from a person’s sex, which is usually decided when a baby is born.
People can identify as male, female, both, neither, or somewhere in between. There is no single way to be a boy or a girl—or any gender!
Gender is not just about body parts—it’s about how you feel inside and how you show your identity to the world.
Gender Roles
In the past, people had very strict ideas about how boys and girls should behave. These are called gender roles. For example, boys were told to be tough, and girls were expected to be caring and quiet.
“From the day babies are born, we often give them clothes, toys, and colours based on their gender.”
But today, many people challenge those ideas and choose to express their gender in ways that feel right to them.
Gender Identity
Gender identity is how a person feels and understands their own gender on the inside. It might match their body, or it might not. This is a personal and important part of who someone is.
Some people identify as male or female, while others might be non-binary, genderqueer, or something else entirely.
The Gender Spectrum
Some people believe gender is a spectrum—just like a rainbow! It means there are many different identities, not just two. People can be anywhere along the spectrum, from masculine to feminine to a mix of both—or neither!
You don’t have to fit into one box. Gender is about being yourself and feeling safe and accepted for who you are.
History and Culture
Throughout history, people have expressed gender in many different ways. In some cultures, people believed there were more than two genders. Some even had special roles for people with different gender identities.
Today, many countries—including Australia—respect people who don’t identify as just male or female. It's important to understand that everyone's identity is valid and should be respected.
Gender Stereotypes
A gender stereotype is a fixed, oversimplified idea about everyone in a particular group based on their gender. Gender stereotypes are often harmful. They are often rooted in gender norms and gender roles.
Gender norms are social expectations about how someone should act based on their gender. For example, boys may be expected to be assertive, and girls to be gentle.
Gender roles are traditional ideas about what jobs or responsibilities each gender should have, like the idea that only women should cook and clean.
- “Boys shouldn't cry.”
- “Girls are more emotional than boys.”
- “Boys should like blue, and girls should like pink.”
Everyone should be free to be themselves and do what they enjoy, no matter their gender.
Reflection Questions
Think about what you’ve learned. How would you answer these?
- What is one thing you learned about gender today?
- How do gender roles or stereotypes affect people's choices?
- Have you ever seen someone treated unfairly because of their gender?
- How can we make sure everyone feels respected and included?