(This post is a part of the series Queer Sexuality-Myths Busted. A small, not all inclusive research project i did in college. I am hereby presenting a few portions of that research work so that more and more people become aware of Queer Sexuality and start seeing it in positive light.)
The 'gender' and 'sexuality'
question
There is a big
contrast when it comes to identifying gender and sexuality. Gender refers to
the age old notion that has been followed by the world, while sexuality
essentially is a western concept.
The difference
between two is however very simple. Gender refers to the genital or
reproductive structure that a person is biologically born with. On the other
hand, sexuality is a matter of sexual preferences i.e. what or who is defined
as an object of sexual gratification and amorous love in a person. Sexual
orientation is thus the name given to a person's sexual preferences.
Hence, we can find
that He is born a man, i.e. his gender is male. He practices homosexuality i.e.
his sexuality and he is a gay, i.e. a term given to a male practising homosexuality. He can even
be a male who is heterosexual. Likewise, we can take the example of women as
well. She is born a female, is a homosexual and identifies as a lesbian.
In the eastern
societies there has always been the presence of the 'third gender' commonly known as 'hijras' or 'eunuchs' as
far as the indian society is concerned. They are either asexual or castrated
males who live in distinct communities and places. No wonders, they are all a
part of the mainstream indian society and are nowhere regarded as sick or
diseased. However, they still remain a mystery to the normal indian people.
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