SOGIE 101: a mini thread

What is gender? What is the difference between sex and gender? What is SOGIE?

Sex vs. Gender

Sex: biological traits that distinguish between males and females. There are a number of indicators of biological sex, including sex chromosomes, gonads, internal reproductive organs, and external genitalia.

e.g. Male, female, intersex

Gender: the condition of being a man, woman, both, or neither. Sex usually refers to the biological aspects of maleness or femaleness, whereas gender implies the psychological, behavioral, social, and cultural aspects of being masculine, feminine, or neither.

SOGIE: Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression

Sexual Orientation: refers a person’s sexual and emotional attraction to another person. Answers the question, "who do you love?"

Gender Identity: one's internal sense of being a man, woman, or neither. May or may not correspond to a person’s sex assigned at birth or to a person’s primary or secondary sex characteristics. Answers, "who are you?'

e.g. transgender, cisgender, non-binary, genderqueer, etc.

Gender Expression: The presentation of an individual, including physical appearance, clothing choice, and behaviors that express aspects of gender identity or role. Gender expression may or may not conform to a person’s gender identity.

e.g. feminine, masculine, androgynous

A common misconception is that gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation are all the same thing. Many of these terms do not have a direct Filipino translation, and often all get lumped under the word "bakla".

Orientation, identity, and expression are independent from one another. For example, a trans woman is straight if she loves only men, even if she dresses in masculine clothing. The way you dress, act, or who you love does not always reveal your gender.

Human identity is diverse and often fluid, regardless of what rigid social rules try to impose. Instead of accusing others of being wrong or lying about who they are, we should all strive to be kinder and accept that sometimes, "traditional" is not always "right".

Feel free to contact us for any clarifications! Stay tuned for our open EDs and join the most colorful family in UPLB for more in-depth discussions.

UPLB Babaylan Orientation
August 14, 7PM
2nd floor SU Bldg.

For inquiries, contact Airah at 09270821115 or approach any BB.

References (1/4):

American Psychological Association. (2015). Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People. American Psychologist, 70(9), 832-864.

References (2/4):

American Psychological Association. (2012). Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Clients. American Psychologist, 67(1), 10–42. doi: 10.1037/a0024659

References (3/4):

American Psychological Association & National Association of School Psychologists. (2015). Resolution on gender and sexual orientation diversity in children and adolescents in schools. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/about/policy/orie ntation-diversity.aspx

References (4/4):

American Psychological Association. (2015). APA dictionary of psychology (2nd ed.).