Words according to Thomas, Co-Founder, Jack of all Trades, and Creative and Visual Director of Raven Vanguard
Today’s succinct Once-over is about the Spirit of Christmas, inclusiveness, and the power of openmindedness and interconnectedness.
Long ago, I was born with a male sexual organ, which, according to the “sex” and genetic science of biology and generally accepted English language determiners of the day, made me a male, a boy, a man, and in later years also made me a husband and a father. By the time I was in second grade, thanks to a girl named Patty Gies, for the very first time, I had realized that I was also physically attracted to girls rather than boys. Don’t worry, Mom and Dad, my fascination with Patty, was entirely unrequited. For me, thankfully, my sex and gender identity aligned, both personally and according to stereotypical societal norms. Meaning, I could exist without fear of societal persecution and reprisal because my anatomical and physiological self conforms to ignorant and misguided patriarchy-ordained gender benchmarks and social and cultural roles that have endured for centuries.
But what about those of us who are unsure? Or those of us who are sure, but transgender? Or those of us who are convinced of their gender-nonconformity? Or those among us that exist and travel along a gender-continuum?
Fast forward to 2019, as a fierce, although some would say absurd debate rages on over the meaning of gender. But is this discussion genuinely pointless? Why is it necessary to be unnecessarily critical of the differences that exist between us, be they real, imagined, or perceived?
Throughout time, the words sex and gender have been made interchangeable. But are they, really? Should they be? I think not. Sadly, it seems to me that previously-prescribed gender identity, roles, and expression say more about the indomitable power of mankind’s stereotypes of femininity and masculinity than it does about an individual’s freedom of choice, subjective perceptions, and concept of self.
An individual should never have to conform to some rigidized gender role or norm in response to family expectations, to the dictates of their peers, or the whims of the media, or the superfluidity of political expedience.
Now, more than at any other time in the existence of humankind, we must unconditionally accept and tolerate each other as we are. There is utterly too much bullshit and intolerance everywhere we turn. We all need to quickly find a way to peacefully coexist with one another because the rapidly approaching Armageddon wrought by climate change will necessitate the utmost in global cooperation.
Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays to all from Raven Vanguard.