9781422273883

Sex, Gender, and Sexuality

Language is hugely important to how we perceive ourselves and each other. The words we use to describe other people are inextricably linked to how we think about them. In order to talk about such intimate and complex issues as gender and sexuality, it’s essential that we make sure we choose our words with accuracy and care. So let’s start off this book by looking at the words we use—what they are, what they mean, and why they matter. Sex: It’s Complicated For a long time—and sometimes even now—the word sex has been used interchangeably with the word gender. But while we use those words as though they are the same in conversations, they are actually different. While sex and gender are certainly interconnected, they are not interchangeable. A person’s sex refers to biology, which at first glance may seem like a very simple matter. When babies are born,

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