Gender as we know it is by and large a social construct.
Humans have a lot of variance when it comes to primary and secondary sexual characteristics. Those characteristics and the physical attributes involved in reproduction are only one small and sensitive, sometimes weak, aspect of a human body. Yet for some reason those attributes are used to define roles in many societies by forcing conformity to standards of gender -and usually with binary definitions of gender. There is little scientific evidence for gender being binary, much less associated with sexual characteristics. Yet throughout human history binary roles have been enforced, equality often challenged, and those who have not conformed adequately have been disadvantaged, mocked, mutilated, unacknowledged, and even killed -simply because they were too different in physicality or expression. Science indicates that even when less common, variances are natural and normal. Religions and societal conventions often say otherwise. When laws begin to restrict care and protections for people based on traditions or conventions, it diminishes humanity.
Most humans exhibit personality traits of both traditional male and female qualities at various times. Some identify strongly as the gender they were assigned at birth and have never questioned that assignment or felt uncomfortable with it, and that is great for them. Others do not have that experience, whether it fluctuates or they constantly feel that they do not fit the body and designation they were assigned, and it often leads to frustration and misery in extremes.
Sexual characteristics have little bearing on most jobs, yet statistics show a lack of gender diversity and unequal pay in most careers. Legal protections against gender discrimination exist in many places, yet primarily for those who conform to a binary definition of gender as assigned at birth. Individuals who identify differently for physical or other reasons do not always have the same protections. Those who express themselves in non-binary ways or as a gender they were not originally assigned are less likely to be hired in many fields, and even when hired are often mistreated and/or threatened.
There is no good reason to treat anyone with disrespect due to their sex, gender identity, or gender expression. There are some pretty horrible reasons why it happens. People who are non-binary, genderfluid, genderless, and transgender all exist quite scientifically and naturally and no legal definition will change that they have the right to do so in safety. Basic human rights should apply to all.
Those who live in the United States are facing choices in their elections where protections for those who do not conform to a gender assigned at birth are at risk. Some states may have specific questions about them. Some politicians are very open about their views on these matters. The odds of someone being transgender are about the same as them being a natural redhead so it is very likely that you have met and currently know someone who might not match the identity assigned to them at birth and you really don’t know about it because they feel safer not disclosing that information. Please keep them safe with your vote. Support protections for everyone regardless of gender, and make it clear to the politicians who represent you that nobody should have fewer rights by nature of who they were perceived to be and how they identify and express themselves.
The fearmongering and hatred being spread right now is intimidating. Every voice counts. Let’s make ours heard, loudly, and help everyone feel safer.
workingthroughsomestuff 
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