Nathan Levitt of Brooklyn will let his 20-month-old child, Zo, choose a gender when ready
The debate on sexuality and gender has been a long and controversial debate. As younger generations are showing more signs of acceptance, it seems that there is a multitude of states that are starting to pass legislation that is validating those who don't identify with a gender. While this is a great start, there is a lack of organization in state governments that create confusion within the community. In some states, there can be an "X" on the driver's plate but not the birth certificate and in other states, it's vice versa. Some states still haven't adopted any legislation for the third ambiguous gender. For parents who are letting their children decide what gender they want to be, this is going to be a difficult and confusing process. It is very amiable that these states are trying to do something for these people, but the process needs to become more efficient and more consistent.
Questions:
How can states create this change effectively?
What are your takes on this third gender?
Why does generational ideology show such a difference in acceptance in both sexuality and gender?
How will the current administration affect laws such as this nationwide?
Questions:
How can states create this change effectively?
What are your takes on this third gender?
Why does generational ideology show such a difference in acceptance in both sexuality and gender?
How will the current administration affect laws such as this nationwide?
While I do think it is important for people to have the option of selecting other than the two genders of female and male, I have some disagreements with the way states are handling the issue. I agree with Maia that the current system is creating confusion and is difficult to maintain; I believe that in order to create an effective change, the states have to agree on one system and make it consistent. If not, then the different rules and options will confuse people around the nation. However, keeping in mind the current administration, this would be a long shot. The current administration is made up mostly of Republicans and therefore mostly conservatives. The possibility and reality of having an equal and consistent system throughout the nation is rare but the goal in my opinion. I think that having that third option is important for people that don’t identify with one gender or the other and that kind of openness and acceptance is shown with younger generations. The difference in acceptance is changing our world for the better making people more caring and accepting of all our differences.
ReplyDeleteThe organization of this issue state-by-state will be inefficient and inconsistent, so I feel like the only method to make progress on this issue is to pass federal legislation which provides national laws that each state would follow. However, given the current administration, the issue of acknowledging the gender spectrum is not and will not become a priority. To answer the question regarding generational differences, the trend of younger citizens liberal tendencies is not new and is by no means limited to this issue alone. As mentioned in the textbook, older generations become more sedentary in their beliefs and therefore are less likely to support progressive legislation. While not admirable, it is understandable that older demographics are less invested in this change.
ReplyDeleteWhile I would applaud states for their progressive measures to include a third non-gender conforming option, I would agree that it creates some complications. I would assume the majority of states have not made the third "X" option available. It is federal law that states must acknowledge and respect the legal documentations of other states but it would cause confusion across state borders and on federal documentation if the person's gender or lack thereof cannot be defined because documents won't translate. Federal legislation is necessary to make the process and documentation homogeneous among states but it appears unlikely that this administration would make an effort to pass that law. Even if such a change were made on a federal level I would assume there would still be states who would struggle to include a third gender option and might defy federal law.
ReplyDeleteIdeally a federal law would be passed requiring states to offer a non-binary option on all legal documents, including drivers' licenses and birth certificates. This is unlikely to occur soon, however, as Republicans dominate Congress and are generally less invested in this issue. In the meantime, states can attempt to pass laws that require a non-binary option on all legal documents instead of specific documents to avoid confusion. Unfortunately, many states do not offer and gender-neutral option on their legal documents and will likely continue to refuse to do so. Until there is a federal law supporting a gender neutral option, there is little states can do to synchronize their policies.
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