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The Splendor of Gender
Preface
If one does not keep pace with their companions, perhaps it is because they hear a different drummer. Let them step to the music which they hear, however measured or far away.
--Thoureau
Gender has become for me a living, breathing, evolving state of mind and perception. For many, gender is taken for granted, not even thought about except in terms of sexual/personal relationships and finding a "mate." Gender may be thought of in terms of glass ceilings, equal pay, or which is the appropriate restroom. I think for the most part, most people do not wake up and think about being female/male or why they are the gender they are.
For me, gender is an ever-present thought. I am surrounded by gender questions and inputs wherever I go. How people walk, dress, talk, people getting to be, why can't I just get to be? What is gender? What does it mean to be female or male, woman or man? What of those that do not fit, nor desire to fit, in one or the other gender? How does one create a sense of pride and dignity being true to one's self, when that self is so abused, misunderstood and feared by many in our society? How do we work within the system, politically/medically/socially, to follow our path that maintains our control over our lives, promotes self-dignity and honors our basic human rights?
In this "book" my intent is to offer ideas to awaken an awareness of the individual uniqueness that is gender. I do not claim to have all or even any answers, except for myself. These writings are the very humble opinion of me. I would like to think I might offer encouragement, support, humor, or insight. I spend a lot of time thinking about things and I thought you might like to know what some of those thoughts are.
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