Anonymous 2

What are your definitions of "man" and "woman?"

I define a man by the biological definition, a human with male sexual organs naturally.

Are there any specific gender roles that you think should be there? Are there any you wish did not exist?

For gender roles I like the partners of a relationship to be equal. Everyone should give everyone respect.

Do you conform to the society's gender expectations? Is there anything you do that is not usually associated with your gender? If you do conform, is it more because society expects you to or because you identify with the expectations?

I think many people do, and I wouldn't say I conform, I became who I am based on what made me happy. I don't believe so. I would only conform if it was inappropriate to do otherwise.

A lot of the time when it's socially acceptable for a man to expose his chest, a woman has to cover hers. Yet when it is socially acceptable for a woman to show her legs, arms, and cleavage (think dresses), the same is not acceptable for a man. What are your thoughts about these two situations?

I think its a weird double standard and that people should be able to do what they want within reason. If its not harming anyone, who cares?

In many cases, women and girls are encouraged to embrace their masculine side, while feminine men and boys are looked down upon by society. What do you think about this?  Why do you think femininity is seen as less than masculinity?  How does this relate to discrimination in the workplace?

I don't think girls are encouraged to be masculine at all. When was the last female football or hockey player you saw? And I think its about instinct and biology. If a girl is tough, she can bear children and fend for herself in the wild. If a boy is weak, he cannot bear children of fend for himself, therefore he is weak and useless. I think its seen as different, not less. I have honestly not seen any sexism in my workplace.

Is it important to make the world a more welcoming place for gender nonconforming people? If so, how can this be done?

In regards to gender nonconforming people, I say we let them be. if a male chooses to be feminine fine, if a female chooses to be masculine, fine, but they should not expect many people to like or accept it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I think that the societal norm has its disadvantages, but has its uses.

Chad Gasman

Chad Gasman

What are your definitions of 'man' and 'woman?

The titles of "man" and "woman" to me are just that, titles. They are titles that a person gives to themselves, and as a decent human being, I respect what a person wishes to be called.

Are there any specific gender roles that you think should be there? Are there any you wish did not exist?

I personally hate gender roles. The fact that a woman is expected to be subservient to men and do all of the housework is terrible. The fact that a man is expected to be this macho tough guy is terrible. All in all, without gender roles there'd be less sexism.

Do you conform to society's gender expectations? Is there anything you do that is not usually associated with your gender? If you do conform, is it more because society expects you to or because you identify with the expectations?

For the most part, I do. However, unlike most "men" I happen to be attracted to males as well as females, and I wear pink and other "girly" colors and designs (completely unrelated to my sexuality). I also enjoy cooking (to the extent that I can) and design (not fashion, but everything else). The main reason that I conform for the most part is that is how I was raised. My parents told me that "real men don't cry" and that I need to "toughen up if I want to get anywhere in life. If it weren't for the fear of (even more) harassment from my peers, I'd move further away from the male gender role.

A lot of the time when it's socially acceptable for a man to expose his chest, a woman has to cover hers. Yet when it is socially acceptable for a woman to show her legs, arms, and cleavage (think dresses), the same is not acceptable for a man. What are your thoughts about these two situations?

I personally believe that if a person wants to wear something, they should have the right to wear it (providing it covers the areas pretty much every person ever relates to sex, i.e. what's between their legs). If a woman wants to go topless or if a man wants to wear booty shorts and a tube top, more power to them.

In many cases, women and girls are encouraged to embrace their masculine side, while feminine men and boys are looked down upon by society. What do you think about this?  Why do you think femininity is seen as less than masculinity?  How does this relate to discrimination in the workplace?

I hate the way society views these things. If a woman wears a t-shirt, jeans, and sneakers, she's "one of the guys", but if a man wears a dress or something "feminine", he's a "wuss" or a "queer", and it's because society views being a woman as degrading and being a man as the best option. This also relates to discrimination in the workplace when a woman doesn't act like a man, she's harassed for simply being a woman.

Is it important to make the world a more welcoming place for gender nonconforming people? If so, how can this be done?

Oh it most definitely is. People grow up depressed and suicidal because they don't exactly "fit in", and while this isn't just in the department of gender roles, it is definitely a big portion of it. If we start educating children at a young age that not fitting in is perfectly fine and just as awesome, if not more, than fitting in. We also need to stop having boys and girls sections for toys and other things for children. Pink is not just for girls, and everything else is not just for boys.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Nope.

Thank you so much!

Your welcome!

Julia Khan

Julia Khan

What are your definitions of "man" and "woman?"

I define a man as someone who identifies as a man and a woman as someone who identifies as a woman regardless of biological/birth sex.

Are there any specific gender roles that you think should be there? Are there any you wish did not exist?

I believe that gender roles are the antithesis of a productive society. By putting both men and women in boxes, we limit both.

Do you conform to the society's gender expectations? Is there anything you do that is not usually associated with your gender? If you do conform, is it more because society expects you to or because you identify with the expectations?

I to a certain extent conform, but at the same time I consider myself a leader (or at least i try and be one), and unfortunately that is a role our society has deemed generally male.

A lot of the time when it's socially acceptable for a man to expose his chest, a woman has to cover hers. Yet when it is socially acceptable for a woman to show her legs, arms, and cleavage (think dresses), the same is not acceptable for a man. What are your thoughts about these two situations?

While I am totally against the idea of shaming girls for dressing sexually promiscuously because I find it a form of victim blaming, I acknowledge the fact that society finds different parts of the male and female anatomy sexual.

In many cases, women and girls are encouraged to embrace their masculine side, while feminine men and boys are looked down upon by society. What do you think about this?  Why do you think femininity is seen as less than masculinity?  How does this relate to discrimination in the workplace?

I think that femininity is in fact demonized by our society. And, honestly, this is more harmful to boys than to girls. Femininity is considered acceptable, or even encouraged, in girls but frowned upon in boys. Girls have the fluidity to be masculine or feminine but boys can only be masculine.

Is it important to make the world a more welcoming place for gender nonconforming people? If so, how can this be done?

Having lived on the border of the Castro in san Francisco, my perspective on the worlds acceptance of gender nonconforminists was always a little too optimistic. We need to realize that if people don't like to label themselves then they shouldn't have too. I think that we should expand the use of gender neutral names so people who don't identify with a gender can do so with less backlash.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Not really:)

Anonymous 1

What are your definitions of "man" and "woman?"

My definition of a man and a woman are pretty simple. I find the differences to just be parts of human anatomy basically.

Are there any specific gender roles that you think should be there? Are there any you wish did not exist?

I dont really think there are specific ones that should be present.

Do you conform to the society's gender expectations? Is there anything you do that is not usually associated with your gender? If you do conform, is it more because society expects you to or because you identify with the expectations?

I dont really find myself questioning the things I do related to my gender. I find the things I do to just be something of nature.

A lot of the time when it's socially acceptable for a man to expose his chest, a woman has to cover hers. Yet when it is socially acceptable for a woman to show her legs, arms, and cleavage (think dresses), the same is not acceptable for a man. What are your thoughts about these two situations?

I find all of these to be ironic, in all honesty. However, it seems to be the norm from ages ago, therefore, it makes sense that we still accept it that way. I dont really see a society that would be totally acceptant of men wearing dresses on a regular basis or women walking with exposed chests, and although that is a double standard, I feel like thats just a norm that most of society has come to accept.

In many cases, women and girls are encouraged to embrace their masculine side, while feminine men and boys are looked down upon by society. What do you think about this?  Why do you think femininity is seen as less than masculinity?  How does this relate to discrimination in the workplace?

I find this to be unfair because I think that each person should be allowed to embrace any part of themselves that they want to, even if thats not exactly the status quo. I feel like women have always been seen as less superior dating back to even the Middle Ages, therefore when a man is seen to be more feminine, he is seen as “inferior”. Even when a man who is straight dresses in a different way, people view that to be weird or abnormal. I see this around sometimes; people judge a boy/man for wearing nicer clothing (like rolling up their jeans, sperry’s, button downs, even the color pink) , and frankly, I think its stupid. Although dressing doesn’t really create discrimination at work, I find the whole issue of women being inferior to men to be present, regarding the issues of less pay for women in comparison to men. I think that it is pointless and there is nothing to justify this. Women and men are equal, and that is that.

Is it important to make the world a more welcoming place for gender nonconforming people? If so, how can this be done?

I think that everyone deserves to be able to live comfortably in whichever way they please. People should be allowed to dress how they want and shouldn’t feel obligated to label themselves as anything. I think its important for people to not judge others and be welcoming to new ideas. Although judgements are inevitable, as it is just part of being human, people should see themselves in another person’s position.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

No but this was a nice topic.

Michele Tom

Michele Tom

What are your definitions of "man" and "woman?"

I don't think that I really have set definitions for "man" and "woman." I guess when I think of the difference between the two, I think about differences in their physiques; meaning guys are more likely to be stronger than girls, etc.

Are there any specific gender roles that you think should be there? Are there any you wish did not exist?

Personally I don't think there should be any specified gender roles. Regardless of whether you're a guy or girl you should be free to do whatever you would like. But, because of society there are stereotypical gender roles. For instance, it'd be more likely to see a woman as a nurse, and a man as a construction worker. It's the whole femininity versus masculinity thing.

Do you conform to the society's gender expectations? Is there anything you do that is not usually associated with your gender? If you do conform, is it more because society expects you to or because you identify with the expectations?

Do I conform to the society's gender expectations, you ask. Erm, I guess not really. If I want to do something, I will. Sometimes it is believed that only males play video games, but I do. I do think that males are mostly taller and stronger than females though, because of how we are biologically.

A lot of the time when it's socially acceptable for a man to expose his chest, a woman has to cover hers. Yet when it is socially acceptable for a woman to show her legs, arms, and cleavage (think dresses), the same is not acceptable for a man. What are your thoughts about these two situations?

To be honest I have never really thought about that. I mean, I suppose an example would be in a swimming environment. Males expose their chests, while a woman has to cover hers'. I think it's more of a personal decision. If you'd like, you could wear a more showy bathing suit (women), but some decide to cover up. Others try to show more cleavage. As for situation two, I think it would also depend on the individual and the time. A male, if they chose, could expose more of their arms or legs but it depends on the time and how they feel personally.

In many cases, women and girls are encouraged to embrace their masculine side, while feminine men and boys are looked down upon by society. What do you think about this?  Why do you think femininity is seen as less than masculinity?  How does this relate to discrimination in the workplace?

In particular, I think more feminine males are subjected to more negative treatment. Most often, sexual orientation is brought into this. From what I've noticed, guys who are more feminine are more than likely going to be called "gay," even if they aren't. I don't know if this is an issue for females who are more masculine, as I haven't experienced this. I think it's terrible that individuals that are more feminine or masculine have to deal with how society dictates how a guy is supposed to be masculine or a girl is supposed to be feminine. Femininity is associated with weakness because in contrast, masculinity is associated with strength. I guess it's because people conform to gender expectations. Unfortunately many individuals who are the opposite of what is expected in society are discriminated in the workplace.

Is it important to make the world a more welcoming place for gender nonconforming people? If so, how can this be done?

I think you are referring to places that aren't as free as here in the US, like a mostly-Islamic nation where there would be women forced to cover more of her body, etc. I think it is important to make the issue known. It would be difficult, however, to have immediate change. I think it would be important to help individuals who are suffering from being bullied because of how they may be different than how society dictates they should be. Making sure everybody knows to call a help-line, for instance, for more feminine males who are bullied by more masculine males would be good.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Nah.

Ryan

Ryan

What are your definitions of "man" and "woman?"

Man: strong, chaotic, hardworking Woman: intelligent, helpful, responsible

Are there any specific gender roles that you think should be there? Are there any you wish did not exist?

Man protects, woman nurtures

Do you conform to the society's gender expectations? Is there anything you do that is not usually associated with your gender? If you do conform, is it more because society expects you to or because you identify with the expectations?

I do conform with the gender expectations because it is what society expects

A lot of the time when it's socially acceptable for a man to expose his chest, a woman has to cover hers. Yet when it is socially acceptable for a woman to show her legs, arms, and cleavage (think dresses), the same is not acceptable for a man. What are your thoughts about these two situations?

I think it is not actually socially acceptable, it's just that no one argues against woman showing skin, but they argue when a man does it because they do not want to see it. It is not right though.

In many cases, women and girls are encouraged to embrace their masculine side, while feminine men and boys are looked down upon by society. What do you think about this?  Why do you think femininity is seen as less than masculinity?  How does this relate to discrimination in the workplace?

I've never really heard of this women embracing masculinity, but I think that men think they are more powerful because they can overpower the women in strength.

Is it important to make the world a more welcoming place for gender nonconforming people? If so, how can this be done?

I think the world has already done a pretty good job in civilized countries, but it could help if gender did not matter at all when accounting jobs, salaries, and etc.

Lesley Henriquez

Lesley Henriquez

What are your definitions of "man" and "woman?"

I really don't know my own definitions of a man or a woman all I know is that there are some slight differences such as in the way we dress and our bodies.
Are there any gender roles that you think should be there? Are there any that you wish did not exist?
I think the gender role of girls not being able to be as strong as men should not be there. Also, men shouldn't be shunned for having feelings and expressing them.

Do you conform to the society's gender expectations? Is there anything you do that is not usually associated with your gender? If you do conform, is it more because society expects you to or because you identify with the expectations?

I don't believe I conform to society's expectations of what a girl should look like. I also don't act the way a girl should act. My mom always worrying about what society would think has always tried making me act more of a girl than a boy. I haven't always wore the clothes that I wear now. once I got to middle school I did start wearing make up and actually caring about my hair. At times I do care about my make up or my hair for special occasions but I also just like to wear basketball short with a t shirt and put my hair up and just go and not care.

A lot of the time when it's socially acceptable for a man to expose his chest, a woman has to cover hers. Yet when it is socially acceptable for a woman to show her legs, arms, and cleavage (think dresses), the same is not acceptable for a man. What are your thoughts about these two situations?

I do find it awkward if I saw a man wearing a dress but I would soon get use to it. At first it would be weird to see a woman expose her chest like a man would. Everything just takes time getting use to. Of course many people would disagree and say that it's not okay. But I don't see anything wrong with it

In many cases, women and girls are encouraged to embrace their masculine side, while feminine men and boys are looked down upon by society. What do you think about this?  Why do you think femininity is seen as less than masculinity?  How does this relate to discrimination in the workplace?

Everyone finds that being more feminine makes you more weak. I find that anyone can be emotionally and physically strong embracing one side of a gender shouldn't determine that.

Is it important to make the world a more welcoming place for gender nonconforming people? If so, how can this be done?

I find that we should just let people be who they want to be. We shouldn't be as harsh as we are now. We should make it clearer that we don't have to be robots and that we don't have to fit in.

Alex Appel

Alex Appel

What are your definitions of "man" and "woman?"

Man-an adult male person, as distinguished from a boy or a 
woman.

Woman- a female human being ( distinguished from man ).

Are there any specific gender roles that you think should be there? Are there any you wish did not exist?

No

Do you conform to the society's gender expectations? Is there anything you do that is not usually associated with your gender? If you do conform, is it more because society expects you to or because you identify with the expectations?

Yes. I conform to society’s gender expectations because they are my natural instincts.

A lot of the time when it's socially acceptable for a man to expose his chest, a woman has to cover hers. Yet when it is socially acceptable for a woman to show her legs, arms, and cleavage (think dresses), the same is not acceptable for a man. What are your thoughts about these two situations?

In our modern society is it inappropriate for people to display exclusively female or exclusively male organs in public. That is why women aren’t allowed to expose their chests. The reason men don’t wear dresses in this country is most likely just historic. Pants are more comfortable to move around in. Men used to have all the jobs in the country, and women had just one, the housewife. This tradition stayed with us for all these years and now it is just natural that women wear dresses or pants, and men only wear pants.     

In many cases, women and girls are encouraged to embrace their masculine side, while feminine men and boys are looked down upon by society. What do you think about this? Why do you think femininity is seen as less than masculinity? How does this relate to discrimination in the workplace?

Women and men work by two different survival strategies. Naturally, a woman’s main purpose in life is to give birth. Women can only have a few offspring in a lifetime. Men on the other hand, can impregnate as many women as they want. As such, there is competition between men and is the explanation of why men are naturally stronger than women(muscle wise). This also led to men being the hunters and the protectors of tribes. Nowadays, men are still a lot of the time “the hunters” and “the protectors”, but now they hunt for money and protect their family. When women step up to be the hunters and the protectors, it is accepted because they are helping, but when men step down from being hunters and protectors, they give up an important part of their job.  

Is it important to make the world a more welcoming place for gender nonconforming people? If so, how can this be done?

Sure

Is there anything else you would like to add?

No.

Chris Hamilton

Chris Hamilton

What are your definitions of "man" and "woman?"

A man is a person who identifies with the male sex. A women is a person who Identifies with the female.

Are there any specific gender roles that you think should be there? Are there any you wish did not exist?

I think Gender roles a redundant. Who has the right to judge us and tell us what to do based on our gender. At this day in age the are plenty of families who have only one parent, and that partent has to adopt both gender roles sometimes, I think gender roles shouldn't exist all together. Its just another limitation that society has made.

Do you conform to the society's gender expectations? Is there anything you do that is not usually associated with your gender? If you do conform, is it more because society expects you to or because you identify with the expectations?

I do confront society's expectations on gender roles. Me being a man people think it is wrong fo me to wear makeup, but i do it anyway. I do the thing I do that push that boundary because that who I am. I am not trying to be over the top, Im just trying to be me. Thats who I am.

A lot of the time when it's socially acceptable for a man to expose his chest, a woman has to cover hers. Yet when it is socially acceptable for a woman to show her legs, arms, and cleavage (think dresses), the same is not acceptable for a man. What are your thoughts about these two situations?

I think if one gender can do something why cant the other. If a woman wants to show her chest is that wrong, not to me. If a guy wants to wear a dress then let him. If its not hurting anyone why is it anyones else's business.

In many cases, women and girls are encouraged to embrace their masculine side, while feminine men and boys are looked down upon by society. What do you think about this?  Why do you think femininity is seen as less than masculinity?  How does this relate to discrimination in the workplace?

I think is a shame that society does this. Why Is being feminine a bad thing. Think about single fathers. If they dont embrace some form of femininity then the child they a raising wont get the same care as a child with both parents. We need more men to not be afraid of their femininity and embrace it if we ever want to break the chains of gender roles. It also effects the environment in the work place. A man could lose his job for wearing a dress, or even something as little as eye liner. Its very one sided and thoughtless.

Is it important to make the world a more welcoming place for gender nonconforming people? If so, how can this be done?

It is important for the world to make it a place more welcoming for gender non-conforming people. We need to Embrace individuality, not frown upon it. If we all were the same and stuck to the same rules the world would be boring. Besides that people who feel confined and restricted by gender roles could encounter depression due to not truly being able to be who they are. We can change this by not being afraid to break gender roles, and being ourselves. We need to embrace change if we ever hope to get rid of gender roles.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

When we are first coming into existence in our mothers womb, our gender isn't defined until later in the pregnancy. Until that point gender roles aren't relevant, and thats how I think it should be. It like The Story of X by Lois Gould. Man or Woman, we shouldn't let gender roles restrict us. Be you be true is the endless message I spread every day, to everyone, including my fans. I hope to have people feel how I feel when I finally freed myself of society's expectations. Endless power, Love, and just over all bliss. Its a feeling you cant describe. So free your self and love you for you.

Michael Wu

Michael Wu

What are your definitions of "man" and "woman?"

I think men and women are born as male and female respectively. I know some would disagree, but that's just what I think.

Are there any specific gender roles that you think should be there? Are there any you wish did not exist?

I guess there doesn't need to be gender roles necessarily. I'm not sure they fit in 21st century America.

Do you conform to the society's gender expectations? Is there anything you do that is not usually associated with your gender? If you do conform, is it more because society expects you to or because you identify with the expectations?

I suppose I conform (for the most part) with society's gender expectations. Partly because I don't want to stand out, but the expectations aren't anything I adamantly disagree with so its not a huge deal to me.

A lot of the time when it's socially acceptable for a man to expose his chest, a woman has to cover hers. Yet when it is socially acceptable for a woman to show her legs, arms, and cleavage (think dresses), the same is not acceptable for a man. What are your thoughts about these two situations?

I think since men and women have different physical characteristics, it makes sense for societal rules to be different. I don't consider those situations a huge deal necessarily.

In many cases, women and girls are encouraged to embrace their masculine side, while feminine men and boys are looked down upon by society. What do you think about this?  Why do you think femininity is seen as less than masculinity?  How does this relate to discrimination in the workplace?

I'm not quite sure why being feminine is better then masculine or visa versa. Each place is different. I personally haven't seen this phenomenon and I'm not sure how prevalent this problem is in this area. I'm not sure if being masculine or not has to due with workplace equality. They might be slightly related, but I'm not sure the exact connection.

Is it important to make the world a more welcoming place for gender nonconforming people? If so, how can this be done?

I would say it's important to help all people. There are many worthy causes to advocate. This seems a worthy cause, but we should remember there are many people in need.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I think it's important to note gender roles and sexism isn't a one way avenue. Although it could be argued women are discriminated against more, it's not like men don't have certain expectations set forth. For example, society would argue it's simple an accident if a woman walked accidentally into the men's room, yet if the opposite happened, society and witnesses to the incident would be much less forgiving.