Eduardo Ochoa-Campa

Eduardo Ochoa-Campa

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

I find it hard to define what a man and a woman is. Honestly, I just think of a man as a person with a penis, and a woman as a person with, of course, a vagina. I mean, isn't that enough?  The reason why we call a man a man and a woman and a woman is to differentiate them by their gender, so why add any more "definition?"

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

I strongly believe that our society should be gender role free. I grew up with a single mother who had to play both gender roles set by our society, so I've always believed that men and women should be able to do whatever and think in any way they feel, and that they should never be limited.

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 think I mostly conform to the gender roles set by our society, but not because I'm pressured into doing so, but because I'm fine with the expectations.

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?

Well the situations are definitely unfair, but are they really important? To me they're just superficial. What is important about the effects of gender roles is how they affect people's perspective.

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?

What you've said here is very true.  I think femininity is seen as less than masculinity because femininity is characterized as a weakness, as a thing that get's you nowhere in life, and as a thing that only makes you pretty and girly. This leads to discrimination in the workforce because people who are seen as weak and only pretty aren't desirable as workers. On the other hand masculinity is characterized as a strong thing, which is desirable in workers.

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

It really is an important thing to make this world a better place for gender role non conforming people. I think that the only way to do this though is the way it has been so far; through social reform.

Anonymous 4

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

A man is someone who identifies as such, and a woman is someone who identifies as such. This is different than male or female, which refers to “physical” gender.

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

Women should be the ones who breastfeed a child. Pretty self explanatory. Besides that, I don’t think there are many professions or gender roles that really need to be conformed to because there’s no specific reason for one sex to have a different set of expectations.

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 guess I conform to what my society expects, but not consciously. I do what I want, and that just happens to be acceptable under what society defines as gender roles for someone like 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?

It’s not only a double standard, it’s a double double standard. I think it’s a function of the more conservative times in our past (think 18-19th century) that women were expected to dress one way and men another. The difference of skin-baring begins with misogyny way, way back, when it became acceptable for women to show skin only because male society deemed it ok. More and more, women became independent, and some of that was wearing clothes that defied the norms of traditional society. At a point where men were on the top of society, they could have more gradual changes without outside pressure, but women didn’t have that same freedom. Now, there is also the question: what can we do about it today? I think following laws such as those in NYC, which allow women to be topless anywhere men are allowed to be without a shirt, are the first step. Ultimately, there’s no law against a man wearing a strapless dress, but society isn’t ready for that yet. That’s largely something that’s just going to have to change over time.

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?

Femininity is valued less than masculinity because in today’s society, men are still the controlling gender (workplace included), even though they shouldn’t be. The two characteristics should be valued equally, and ultimately they can be done away with, as they are both subjective terms. Who gets to say what is feminine or masculine?

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

Absolutely it’s important. Start with education at a young age about those who aren’t solidly a man or a woman. Other civic changes can be made: bathrooms, for example. The biggest obstacle is people who have an outside source, such as a certain upbringing, giving them the opposing side’s information. That is something that is very touchy to solve, but I think over time society can become more accepting.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

There’s a lot of misinformation about different sexual orientations and genders. Many people couldn’t tell you the difference between bisexual and pansexual, for example. I don’t know how, but that needs to change, whether it be through education or something else.

Karen Zellers

Karen Zellers

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

I guess I don't really have set definitions. A man is whoever feels that they are a man and a woman is whoever feels that they are a woman.

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

Well obviously the female has to give birth to a child (if a couple wants one) and I think that the man's role in that is to be supportive, but other than that there shouldn't be specific gender roles. Less people should associate women with staying at home/ taking care of the family, because women are just as qualified to work as men.

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 think I conform to gender expectations. I plan on getting a great job and not giving it up even if I decide to have kids. I definitely don't base my actions on what I believe my gender is supposed to do.

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 a lot of society's dress codes are dumb. I guess the thing is that a lot of people forget what certain things are for. A lot of people forget that breasts actually have a purpose and are not just for people to show off. Until people realize that, I don't think the ideas of society could ever change

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 men sort of think of femininity as an insult, and are afraid of being shunned from their peer group. Another thing is that the gender stereotypes for men are a lot easier to conform to than gender stereotypes for women. Women are supposed to specifically go out of their way to look nice and be attractive, whereas men can basically do whatever they want.

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

It's important to accept gender nonconforming people. Nobody is exactly the same way and nobody should be treated differently because of race, gender, or sexual orientation.

This should be done by simply not judging people and treating all people with respect

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Everyone should just be nice to each other. It's as simple as that.

Maribelle Dickins

Maribelle Dickins

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

Man - someone who has male body parts

Woman – someone who has female body parts

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

No as far as I can see gender roles are outdated and unnecessary. And as for the one’s I wish did not exist, I think it is unfair that society more or less accepts when an older man is in a relationship with a younger woman but when an older woman dates a young man it’s frowned upon. Also if a guy is promiscuous then that makes him “cool” but if a girl is promiscuous then she’s a “slut”. Those are the gender roles that I feel are most prevalent currently.

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 can’t deny that I do, I cook (on occasion), clean, look after my younger brother, grocery shop and I would much rather a guy ask me out than actually just ask him myself. But I am also my mom’s go-to person is she needs something to be built or fixed, a lot of the time. And although I do care about my appearance, it doesn’t rule my life. I conform because I want to please my parents and so I do what they tell me to do (the majority of the time) and when I have children I would expect them to do the same things I do now regardless of their gender.

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 have often thought about this, and it seems rather silly once you really think about it. I think gradually society will grow more comfortable with exposing the human body and I’m sure there are some parts of the world where both men and women show the same amount of skin. At the end of day the male and female anatomy is pretty similar, seeing a woman’s breasts is nothing new, ever since we were born we’ve seen them so it seems peculiar that as we grow older and become more “mature” we have to cover more. We think it’s normal because that’s what we’re used to but can you imagine covering a tree trunk because it’s too “exposed”.

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 this dates back to hunting and gathering days where the men had to be strong, fast in order to support his family. And nowadays women are able to provide for themselves, women are more empowered than ever and so there is no space for too much femininity.

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 the world just needs to be more welcoming to differences in general and we should learn to not just tolerate diversity but to celebrate it. I think people just need to be more open minded.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I like to think that someday in the future people will look back and find it strange how intolerant we are now because they will be so much more accepting than we are. This may just be a fantasy, but a girl can dream.

David Xiong

David Xiong

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

To me, there’s both a technical definition and a more “human” definition. My technical definition is that a man has one kind of sexual organ, and a woman has another. However, I consider a person’s gender as what they prefer to be, be it man, woman, both, or none.

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

There shouldn’t be any gender specific roles out there, in my opinion. There’s no big difference between a man and a woman (save for maybe the fact that they’re different genders), so why should there be any specific gender roles?

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?

Most of the time, I conform to society’s expectations of being a man. However, I have an unnatural fear of pain and tend to cower at everything and anything that might hurt me. That’s almost the exact opposite of one of the most major stereotypes of being a man: being “macho”. The rest of the time, I conform to society’s expectations because I identify with most of them, and some because the people around me force me to.

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?

The boundaries described here are actually lessening. I honestly don’t know about other parts of the United States, but there are increasing amounts of women athletes who expose their chest, and more and more men who show more of their legs and arms.0

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 always viewed femininity/masculinity as a byproduct of history. Back in the old days, men were more valued than women. They were supposed to go out, do all the hard work, and eventually come home and have enough money to support their families. A woman’s job in those days was just to stay at home and take care of the kids. Even though the world has become more equal in a sense, there’s still a lot of discrimination between men and women (and even still an underlying message that being male is better than being female), which leads to more unfair opportunities.

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

It’s not just important to make the world more welcoming for gender-nonconforming people, it’s imperative to make the world a better place for all people. If enough people are informed and aware of the gender-nonconforming community, more people will rise up and start to protest the inequality. Sure, there will always be people who disagree, but the most we can do now is to keep educating as many people as possible and encourage them to act.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Not at the moment.

Lauren Mok

Lauren Mok

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

I believe that a ‘man’ and ‘woman’ are defined by both physical parts (genitalia, hormones, etc.) and a person’s characteristics (ie. Masculinity, feminity).

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

I personally don’t think there should be gender roles. A person should be able to express themselves however they see fit, regardless of gender. I believe that gender and sexuality are not set in stone. Rather, they are on a large spectrum and neither should be confined to labels.

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?

Although I don’t agree with society’s gender expectations, I can’t say that I don’t conform to them. I identify as female, but some days I feel like presenting myself in a more typically ‘masculine’ way. I feel lots of hesitation on the days that I want to present myself as more ‘masculine’ because I feel that it’s against the norm and I face other peoples’ judgment.

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 believe that these two situations are examples of gender roles imposed on society. From the moment we first learn about the difference between boys and girls, we learn about what is acceptable for each gender to do (in terms of presentation of self and mannerisms of girls and boys). However, we believe what we are told when we are young, and I don’t think we have any legitimate reason to label genders other than what was taught to us. We are so accustomed to the roles imposed on us and taught to us at a young age and never know anything different than what we’re taught.

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 masculinity is dominant over femininity because femininity is seen as soft and gentle, while masculinity is seen as burly, tough, and strong. I think these traits are attributed to the physical characteristics of a male’s body because they are bigger and stronger, while a woman’s natural figure is somewhat smaller and more frail in comparison to a man’s body.

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

Of course it’s important to make the world a more welcoming place for those who do not conform to gender. The world is a much better place when people feel more comfortable expressing themselves freely, regardless of gender, sexuality, religion, etc.

Julia Morgans

 Julia Morgans

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

I think my definitions of men and woman are anyone that possesses the feeling that they are female or that they are male. idk I guess it's up to how that person feels about themselves

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

I wish women didn't have to be seen all the time as having to be quiet and obedient and just do things for the opposite gender and even though everyone says no one actually follows those gender roles we all know there's a part of everyone who actually believes that women are meant to be like that

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 most typical female gender roles, I conform to them because that's what I identify with. I don't feel pressured to be feminine, I have always just felt that way.

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 people are just wimps are they get scared when people don't conform all the time and really it's no ones business if a man dresses like a woman or a woman dresses like a man.  it's their own choice and no one should think they have the right to judge people on how they dress.

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?

well women have bed discrimintaed as not being equal to men for long time so them embracing their masculine side is maybe showing they are equal to men, but I think if women can access their masculine side, men can access their feminine side. it's only fair

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

yes. we need to understand that not everyone has to conform to gender roles. everyone is different and there is simply no way you can expect the 6 billion people on this planet to identify with the same morals and vales. that being said, nonconformists and conformists need to find an even standpoint where they can both live comfortably with each other and discriminating each other is no way to do this.

Abby Hoefling

Abby Hoefling

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

A man is the father, husband, and authoritative part of his family. A woman has just as much independence but she should be humbled. man and woman are very different yet have enough similarities so that they can connect.

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

Gender roles have existed for a long time so many have changed. I believe that roles that make one gender feel inferior or limit them from doing what they love are not okay. I wish that the role for women in foreign countries, especially middle eastern countries, would not bring them so much harm, so those roles are also not okay.

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 mostly do conform with society's expectation for my gender. However I do lift weights, which is one of the things that many people don't expect women to do since they are considered physically weaker.This definitely doesn't break the gender role because I have yet to prove  that I am stronger than men. I conform both because I am expected to but also because the values that I follow with my life do not clash with the roles I am expected to have.

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 that the reason these ideas are so accepted is because it is what society has come to be comfortable with. However, even with men exposing their chest, many people find that uncomfortable, but not simply because of gender roles. It is uncomfortable for them because they have their own desires for what to see around them. It is a mutual desire to prefer to not see women with exposed chests.Women have been wearing skirts and dresses for many years, so them wearing them and exposing arms and legs makes it more okay than men wearing shorts since men also have certain things that they will look strange in. It always depends on what a society accepts.

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 are told to be more masculine because women very often are too soft. Men are known for having headstrong behaviors and women can be emotional and very naive. If women act more like men, they could end up getting a benefit out of it, such as if a women becomes as athletic as a man. Feminine men are looked down upon because people desire for men to wear clothes made for men, since it is usually uncomfortable for people to see men in skirts and dresses. Women wearing men's clothes is generally okay, but is is more preferred for women to wear clothes designed for women. Although this unfairness does exist, there is still good amounts of fairness still left in this aspect.

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 to make both gender roles tolerable because each gender is stuck with their own roles and there is little that can be done. Having role regulations can also inspire people to rebel and strive to reform the roles for the better. Making reform can be done by proving the people through their actions that the gender roles are not okay and causing uncomfort for people.

Sean Millet

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

Sexually correct organs and hormones.

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

No; Yes, I wish that the "male" role shouldn't have to be about being masculine and tough, but more about the way that they are caring to there spouse.

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; No; No comment

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 feel that when a man or a woman wants to show off there chest that is a choice that is up to them, but because of the social acceptance more women feel that it is highly fround-apon to do so. I also feel that when women show off cleavage they are basically "single and ready to mingle". On top of that it all comes down to the comfort levels of the certain individuals.

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?

Fuck society! They should be ashamed of themselves to even consider being irrational against anything that they aren't comfortable with. Even if an individual of society isn't comfortable. That doesn't just give that person the "go a head" to degrade that variety; Some people think that if an individual is more masculine then feminine then they get the impression that that individual is physically able to do more work, and vice versa for feminine. And it possibly makes the difference between getting a job or not.

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

Extremely!; In a general sense, to be more outgoing, and friendly to anyone and everyone.

Maggie Kristian

Maggie Kristian

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

Honestly, speaking as a cis white person, I can't deny that the image that first comes into my head is one of the typical all american man and woman. A woman with a dress and long hair, and a man with a suit and broad shoulders. But I believe that a man is really anyone who identifies with that label, and the same for women.

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

I don't think that there are any gender roles in particular I think should exist.// I find it rather aggravating that women and girls are really seen more as mothers and child bearers, and in contrast, that men are thought of as breadwinners.

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?

In some ways, I do. I wear dresses and paint my nails and do my hair and go shopping, all of which are really associated with girls.// However, I feel I do them because I genuinely enjoy them. However, I often find myself conforming in ways that are not true to myself. I am a fairly argumentative, loud, and mildly obnoxious person. But girls are seen as docile and kind and gentle, and it is unattractive to be otherwise, so i tone myself down and often don't speak out when I'd like to for fear of being seeing a callous, annoying bitch. // In some ways, I don't conform to the general female gender expectations. I play video games for hours into the night. I eat a ton, and by a lot of standards, I'm fat. Sometimes I won't shower for a couple days. all of which don't conform the the general thought of a girl as gentle and clean and dainty and kind. Although, I'm more comfortable with doing these things that I love because (apart from being fat) they are all things I do out of the public eye.

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 they're both bullshit. I mean, don't expose your genitalia  please (I feel thats really more of a private and provocative thing that shouldn't be pulled out in public), but if you want to show your nipples, go right on ahead. If you want to bare your legs, by all means, go for 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?

I think because femininity is associated with gentleness, etc, it is seen as something weak, and so anyone displaying those traits is therefore weak. I think it is almost a mindset of femininity being the lowest starting point in life, the lowest and worst level to be on. Males are for some reason better because they are not on this level, and males who subscribe to femininity are seen as even worse than females themselves, having sunk to the level of femininity. Women who embrace more masculine things have therefore "overcome" their femininity and should be praised. // I think femininity is seen as less than masculinity because masculinity has the tendency to be classified as violent and have the need for domination.  Therefore, those who subscribe to it will want to feel dominant, and then perpetuate their dominance, and a cycle is started // I honestly don't have all that much knowledge of workplace situations, so I don't want to speak uniformed/

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

Of course it's important! Everyone deserves a right to comfort, to safety, and to happiness. It may be slow- getting people to change their pronouns might take a while- but it's entirely possible. But in order to, I'm going to have to overthrow the golden rule a little bit. Others might not want to be treated like you would want to be treated. Treat them in such a way that they want, and that they feel comfortable. Also, to all the the genderqueer/ gender nonconforming kids - speak up! It may be hard, but if i'm offending you, let me know. I won't know if I'm making you uncomfortable if you don't say anything.

But most of all- just don't be a jerk. seriously. that's it.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I doubt I could produce anything else eloquent enough. I'm all written out.

Anonymous 3

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

They are both human beings, but with certain characteristics. Physical differences are obvious, but some say there are also mental, emotional, etc. differences. I think that varies upon person-to-person, regardless of gender. Basicly, I think a man and women are the same human beings of mind, but certain characteristics are different.

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

I don’t think there should be specific gender roles, because men and women are capable of anything, it’s just the way society thinks of their roles. However, I do think a woman is fit to take care of babies, not saying that men can’t, but women seem naturally fit for that role because of their motherly nature. But then again men are still capable.

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 to the expectations without realizing it. For what seems like forever, I’ve always wanted to be strong in anything I do, but not because of society’s gender expectations, but rather because I wanted to, and because of competition. I think maybe society’s gender expectations are forged from what the majority of males and majority of women desire.

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 never really thought about this. As a male, I don’t mind seeing these physical parts of women, and I know I sound a little grotesque, but it’s my hormones. I think that it comes back to physical attributes, like a women’s chest and a man’s, and also the places where hair grows. I actually think that men have more freedom to be able to show their body as long as genitalia is covered, because it will just show off their masculinity. Yet if a women exposes parts shown in the question, certain people won’t complain, others would think wrongly, although the same could go for males. I guess it comes back to what society sees fit. In ours, it’s fine for a women to dress like a (excuse my terminology) slut, and it is okay if a man shows of his chest, dressing all masculine.

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 honesty think that’s wrong. If a man acts like a woman, there should be nothing wrong. Throughout history, women in general have been considered weaker than men. Being religion, physical attributes, or societal beliefs, women have been thought to less to man, and even if they were great, man influenced them. Now coming to the today’s workplace, I’m not sure how it works out. Women’s status has moved up greatly in today’s society, as far as I’ve seen. Therefore, I’m not sure if it affects discrimination that much.

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

Definitely, the world needs to be more welcoming for non-conformers. Right now, it would be very hard because everyone believes a man should be a man, and a woman should be a woman. I think it is up to the youth and the future to break societal gender norms, or at least allow them to be welcoming.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Nothing really, everything I have to say has been said.