In recent times, the distinction between biological sex and gender has gotten a lot of airtime. This idea has been met with dissension and agreement alike and has given kids who weren't quite sure where they fit in the terms to identify themselves with.

But what is the difference between sex and gender? And why does this division of terms matter?

Up until recently, the ideas of gender and sex were almost synonymous. However, recent discoveries have proven this to be not quite true. The idea of a binary "you must be a boy or girl" world isn't true anymore, though this idea is (as most worldview-altering ideas are) met with disagreement nearly every step of the way.

Biological sex is, and has been, defined as "either of the two major forms of individuals that occur in many species and that are distinguished respectively as female or male especially on the basis of their reproductive organs and structures ." Simply, biological sex is a binary distinction between male and female dictated by genitalia that you are born with.

Gender, though with a similar definition, holds a very important phrase: "Either of the two sexes (male and female), especially when considered with reference to social and cultural differences rather than biological ones." The important part of the definition is, "especially when considered with reference to social and cultural differences..." because this highlights a key difference: gender as a social construct rather than a biological one.

Essentially, the difference between sex and gender is what dictates their construction: biology versus society. Gender, as we are beginning to realize, is a social construct and operates on a scale rather than a binary. Each individual is unique as to where they fall on the gender scale. A biological female could feel more "masculine" or a biological male could feel more "feminine" and act/feel/dress etc. accordingly. Though most individuals aren't just traditionally masculine or feminine in their gender, terms like "gender fluid" and "gender non-binary" exist now for those who do not identify with one specific side of the binary scale.

So why does this matter?

Unlike the past, gender and biological sex are now recognized as different. The rise in acceptance of this as well as the acceptance of new terms such as "gender fluid" etc. are creating a change in the dynamic of society. This is an important thing to recognize -- society changing is always something to note. Whether you agree with the ideas that are beginning to grow and gain acceptance or not, this change in the way that people can identify themselves is something to pay attention to.

The terms with which people can identify themselves with and feel comfortable in their own skin are growing. Acceptance and support are also growing: make sure you don't miss out.

For more information, visit https://www.genderspectrum.org/.