I’m reading through this week’s reading for my Intro to Gender Studies class, and I might just cry I’m so happy. This week is “Learning Gender” and specifically addressing that the predominant western m/f binary only is goddamn bullshit and telling you why
AND it’s also addressing trans/queer/lgbt identities, as well as cultures that don’t have that binary to start with
AND AND it discusses the colonial worldview issue that stems from the strict binary and a very Eurowestern glossary of definitions for 3rd genders/any genders outside of the m/f binary. And just that the modern, western, colonial binary is dangerous, esp when trying to classify gender identities in relation to said binary where the other cultures don’t have that binary to start with.
AND AND AND it discusses pronouns, and that yes good! ask for pronouns if you’re not sure! but also know that it can be dangerous for some people to risk outing themselves if they assert their actual pronouns (vs assumed, depending on situation who’s around, etc etc etc)
AND AND AND AND it talks about how it’s your job to respect use the person’s pronouns and not expect them to educate you & they have absolutely no obligation to educate
