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Genderism, or gender binarism, is the social system or cultural belief that gender is a binary: that is, that there are, or should be, only two genders—masculine and feminine—with aspects of one's gender inherently linked to one's genetic sex, or sex assigned at birth. Genderism is an ideology that reinforces the negative evaluation of gender non-conformity, or an incongruence between sex and gender.^[1]

These aspects may include expectations of dressing, behavior, sexual orientation, names or pronouns, preferred restroom, or other qualities. These expectations may reinforce negative attitudes, bias, and discrimination towards people who display expressions of gender variance or nonconformity or whose gender identity is incongruent with their birth sex. These negative judgments of people are present in individuals who do not conform to a stereotypical man or woman.

In the LGBT community

Within the LGBT community, genderism may create institutionalized structures of power, and individuals who identify outside traditional gender binaries may experience discrimination and harassment within the LGBT community. Most of this discrimination stems from societal expectations of gender that are expressed in the LGBT community. But many LGBT people and many youth activist groups advocate against genderism within the LGBT community. Many individuals within the LGBT+ community report an internal hierarchy of power status. A specific example of this would include white, gay men who behave and present as “masculine” as more powerful. However, those who do not identify within a binary system experienced themselves at the bottom of the perceived hierarchy. The multitude of different variables such as race, ethnicity, age, gender, and more can lower or raise ones perceived power.^[2]

Transphobia

Genderism is of particular relevance to individuals who fall within the transgender spectrum, and is an ideology underlying transphobia and trans bashing. Much like how transphobia is parallel to homophobia, genderism is parallel to heterosexism, or the belief that heterosexuality is the superior or more desirable sexual orientation in comparison to homosexuality, bisexuality, etc. This can lead to things such as gender-bashing which is the assault or harassment of an individual who does not conform to gender norms. Another related concept is heteronormativity, the notion that masculine and feminine genders as well as heterosexual orientation is the social norm.^[3]

Transphobia is an emotional disgust toward individuals who do not conform to society’s gender expectations. Transphobia involves the feeling of revulsion to masculine women, feminine men, cross-dressers, transgenderists, and transsexuals. Those who are genderist believe that people who do not conform to sociocultural expectations of gender are unnatural.^[4] Genderism Scales can be used to identify the stance one takes on masculinity and femininity associated with anti-trans sentiments and behaviors. ^[5]

Bathroom Controversy

Genderism can also be used to discriminate based on discontinuities between the sex of an individual and how others judge their sex in a variety of spaces such as bathrooms. Restrooms are biologically designated to someones sex instead of socially designed. Thus, public toilets are segregated entirely by sex. The bathroom problem is where individuals are challenged in toilet spaces and questioned for being in the opposite designated restroom. Topics like these can lead to heated debates. However, acting out of natural boundaries through strictly sexed spaces can be traumatic for an individual.^[6]

Drag

Drag can be seen as a way to challenge stereotypes and promote awareness of gender diversity. Individuals who perform drag often face marginalization and discrimination including within the LGBT+ Community. However, performing drag can be empowering, politicized, and deeply meaningful. Drag can play a role of communication of issues when portrayed for an audience. For some, this might be a way to state, an instance of humiliation faced from before, and overcome it to find strength within themselves.^[7]