Gender Identity webinar

January 21, 2022

“It is time that we all see gender as a spectrum instead of two sets of opposing ideals.”-Emma Watson

Taking a progressive step to propagate the idea of inclusivity and initiate a meaningful conversation  about diverse groups,  the Gender Club of Strawberry Fields High School organised a webinar on Gender identity, an issue that has not appeared at the surface of many discussions and forums, till recently. The event was graced by two eminent speakers, who have not only contributed greatly to their area of specialisation but also possess great power and capacity to transform the social landscape at large.

We had with us , Ms. Rainuka Dagar, an internationally acknowledged  research professional, who is  an alumnus of the Advanced International Programme on Conflict Resolution (PACS) Uppsala University, Sweden. Prof. Rainuka has researched extensively on gender inequalities and gender based violence, empirically examining the politics of gender constructs.  We were also joined by  Ms.  Deepti Gupta, an esteemed Professor at the  Department of English and  Cultural studies , Panjab University. With a teaching experience of over 36 years, ma’am has worked with more than twenty universities on their curriculum redesign.

Ms. Deepti Gupta  initiated the conversation by providing clarity on the fundamental  differences between sex, gender and gender identity. Firstly, while sex is  a biological construct ,gender is largely a social construct; and gender identity is a person’s sense of who they are. Secondly, it is pertinent that we understand Gender as a spectrum rather than as a set of two binaries. She gave us an insight into the historical perspective as well. Many of the old Hindu temples depict sculptures and pictures of persons with  preference for the same sex. This kind of temple art can also be seen in the monastic Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra. She further developed the themes by throwing light on the role  of literature and portrayal of transgenders in the writings of eminent authors around the world. Literary works depict every individual as they are and as having experiences emotions just like a person whose biological sex aligns with their sense of who they are. It does not disregard a person because of their identity. Finally at present, the increasing use of gender pronouns at workplaces and organisation is indicative of inclusivity but we must also consider ensuring   equality, representation  and dignity to  people whose identity does not conform with their biological sex.

Ms. Rainuka highlighted central aspects surrounding gender identity and neutrality. To begin with, she  informed  the audience to understand the range of the collective identities like sex, caste, religion etc. , to examine  the issue of  gender identity in India. Additionally, we must understand the interplay between host of other gender -related issues faced by men and women and issues relating to gender identity, to get a complete  picture of the issue at hand. Prof. Rainuka  also  provided an account of legislations and discussed the role of judiciary in recognising the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community in this regard. An interesting point of her deliberation included emphasis on cultural variations regarding gender identity and expression. Sweden, for example, has gender neutral washrooms  and has  recently enacted a law to provide  legality to  sex- change. Finally, it is crucial to pay attention to social and psychological aspects related to gender identity particularly, abuse, violence  and  dysphoria.

Both the speakers provided students, with a list of books and movies centred around the theme- gender identity. Following this, questions from the audience were addressed by the speakers and they were delighted to  see inquisitiveness amongst  the students.  The session concluded with the speakers emphasising  the role of youth and students in bringing the a shift towards an open-minded society . And what is required is  a platform for dialogue and  discussion about the inclusivity of people with diverse gender identities , sensitising the younger generations about the importance of respecting everyone, regardless of gender  identity or sexual orientation.