Gender Identity In Children
Danielle Kilcawley
Ms. Carr
Child Psych
12/1/16
Gender identity is defined as a personal conception of oneself as male or female. Being a boy or a girl, for most children, is something that feels very natural. At birth, babies are assigned male or female based on physical characteristics. This refers to the "sex" of the child. When children are able to express themselves, they will declare themselves to be a boy or a girl (or sometimes something in between); this is their "gender identity." Most children's gender identity aligns with their biological sex. However, for some children, the match between biological sex and gender identity is not so clear. Society, the media, celebrities, peers, parents, and teachers may all have an influence …show more content…
People with gender dysphoria desire to live as members of the opposite sex and often dress and use mannerisms associated with the other gender. For instance, a person identified as a boy may feel and act like a girl. These people may encounter teasing, name-calling, and even verbal or physical abuse. Our society has come a long way in terms of acceptance; however, we still have a very, very long road ahead of us. If my child had this disorder, I would fully support them in all of their decisions. If I had a son who wanted to dress as a girl, or vice versa, I would be more than fine with that. There is no reason to shame your child, or anyone for that matter, because of their personal feelings or desires. It is important to express to anyone suffering from gender identity disorder that they are perfect the way they are and there is not mold of expectations they are required to fit, no matter what. It is crucial that they know because the consequences of this belittlement are severe, and could even be deadly. Have respect for all, do not shame others for their internal feelings, and simply let people be themselves while you focus on
Ms. Carr
Child Psych
12/1/16
Gender identity is defined as a personal conception of oneself as male or female. Being a boy or a girl, for most children, is something that feels very natural. At birth, babies are assigned male or female based on physical characteristics. This refers to the "sex" of the child. When children are able to express themselves, they will declare themselves to be a boy or a girl (or sometimes something in between); this is their "gender identity." Most children's gender identity aligns with their biological sex. However, for some children, the match between biological sex and gender identity is not so clear. Society, the media, celebrities, peers, parents, and teachers may all have an influence …show more content…
People with gender dysphoria desire to live as members of the opposite sex and often dress and use mannerisms associated with the other gender. For instance, a person identified as a boy may feel and act like a girl. These people may encounter teasing, name-calling, and even verbal or physical abuse. Our society has come a long way in terms of acceptance; however, we still have a very, very long road ahead of us. If my child had this disorder, I would fully support them in all of their decisions. If I had a son who wanted to dress as a girl, or vice versa, I would be more than fine with that. There is no reason to shame your child, or anyone for that matter, because of their personal feelings or desires. It is important to express to anyone suffering from gender identity disorder that they are perfect the way they are and there is not mold of expectations they are required to fit, no matter what. It is crucial that they know because the consequences of this belittlement are severe, and could even be deadly. Have respect for all, do not shame others for their internal feelings, and simply let people be themselves while you focus on