Many people believe that sex and gender are the same thing, but they are actually very different. While there are a variety of genders, there are only two sexes. People can choose what gender they want to identify with, but sex cannot be changed.

  According to the World Health Organization, “Sex refers to the biological and physiological characteristics that define men and women. Gender refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviours, activities, and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for men and women” (who.int). Although it is physically impossible to change genetics, people are able to self-identify as they see fit.

   Fundamentally, sex is established in one’s true chromosomal makeup. Females have two X chromosomes in their pair, while males have one X and one Y chromosome. A human is biologically born with either pair of chromosomes which defines their sex at birth. People in the LGBT+ community can choose how they want to identify, but it doesn’t change the fact that they were born with either two X chromosomes or an X and a Y chromosome. Any modifications they make to their bodies will not change their naturally given sex or the chromosomes that they are made up of.

   Dr. Paul McHugh of Psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine explained, “Transgendered men do not become women, nor do transgender women become men. All become feminized men or masculinized women, counterfeits or impersonators of the sex with which they ‘identify.’” Sex is a reality of nature that is determined in the very beginning stage of a developing fetus. The sex of an organism is defined and identified by the way in which he or she is organized for sexual reproduction (heritage.org).  Sex is assigned at birth, and that is why it can’t be reassigned.

   Gender, however, can be determined by the individual. Everyone is different and some people feel uncomfortable in the bodies that they were given. Some choose to present themselves as the gender they identify with through clothing and cosmetics. Others change their physical appearance through hormones and surgery. But this is their gender, not their sex.

   “I personally believe that there are only two sexes. However, after learning about the different varieties of genders, I do see how the two are very different. Gender is based one’s feelings while sex is based on the biology of it all,” said Senior Cameron Mckelvey.

   Sex is about the body, while gender is about the identity someone feels or chooses to present. Science has proven that one can only be born a male or a female, but that doesn’t change the fact that people have the right to identify with what makes them feel like themselves.