How are the concepts of sex/gender/sexuality distinct and in which ways are they related? What are three important dimensions of sexuality? What are some of the dominant assumptions about sexuality and how do they relate to the construction gender binaries?
a. The concept of sex refers to an individual's biological characteristics, such as male or female genitalia and chromosomes, while gender refers to the social and cultural aspects of being male, female, or something else. Sexuality, on the other hand, refers to an individual's sexual orientation, desires, and behaviors.
b. Three important dimensions of sexuality include sexual orientation (e.g. heterosexual, homosexual, bisexual), sexual identity (e.g. gay, lesbian, queer), and sexual behavior (e.g. monogamous, polyamorous, celibate).
c. Some dominant assumptions about sexuality include the belief that there are only two (binary) genders (male and female), that heterosexuality is the norm, and that individuals' gender and sexuality are fixed and unchangeable. These assumptions contribute to the construction of gender binaries by reinforcing a strict division between male and female, and by marginalizing non-heterosexual and non-binary individuals.
d. The concepts of sex, gender, and sexuality are related in that they all influence an individual's sense of identity, relationships, and experiences. For example, societal expectations about gender roles and sexual behavior may shape an individual's understanding of their own gender and sexuality.