In today’s evolving society, navigating discussions about identity beyond gender constructs have become increasingly self-centred. We are not really making sure we preserve humanity in the conversation. On one hand, it seems like it is our pursuit of inclusion is the reason for it but it’s proving to be more divisive and less inclusive the more the conversation continues. Perhaps when challenging traditional notions of gender , we should be urging individuals to focus more on being genuine, compassionate human beings.
Authentic Humanity in a Diverse World
Now don’t get me wrong, identity and the celebration of individuality is a beautiful thing. It’s acknowledging and appreciating the diversity of the human experience. We all want to be acknowledge for the uniqueness and wonderful expression that is our fabulous self. However, it sometimes feels like the fight for inclusion is making us lose sight of the humanity under all the fuss. We seem to be stuck in a cycle of everyone wanting a medal for everything all the time. Which will cause us to get more inventive in a bid to stand out from the crowd.
Moving Beyond Gender Constructs
While discussions about gender are important, focusing solely on gender identities can sometimes overshadow the broader spectrum of human experience. Embracing authentic humanity involves moving beyond rigid gender constructs and recognising that each person is a multifaceted individual with their own unique blend of qualities, experiences, and perspectives. Placing a label on a container of pasta confirms that there is pasta in that container. Humans, are a lot more nuanced than just putting a label on it. In the UK where the puberty blockers have now been banned for children, we have a loneliness epidemic that is wide spread through the country, so much so that we now have a minister of loneliness. This is an issue that is easily remedied with genuine connection but our continuous need for individualisation takes centre stage and is moving us further away from our humanity.
The Power of Authenticity
Authenticity is a powerful force that fosters genuine connections, empowers individuals to live in alignment with their true selves, and promotes a sense of belonging and acceptance. When we prioritise authenticity over conformity, we create opportunities for personal growth, self-expression, and meaningful connections with others. In high school the most interesting person in the room was never the one who wanted to conform. It was always the one who lived their lives as their authentic self, didn’t care what others had to say. These are the ones who always inspired us to be a little braver.
Navigating Puberty Blockers and Personal Expression
Banning puberty blockers for children can be beneficial for authentic human expression as it allows individuals to explore the full range of their potential self in its authenticity until they reach adulthood. Just as childhood dreams of becoming an astronaut may evolve into adult realities shaped by different experiences and perspectives, the journey of self-discovery and identity exploration is a dynamic process that unfolds over time. By delaying interventions that may permanently alter physical development, individuals have the opportunity to fully understand and embrace their authentic selves before making any irreversible decisions.
Embracing authentic humanity is about moving beyond narrow definitions and labels to recognize the intrinsic value of each individual as a genuine, compassionate human being. By prioritizing authenticity, compassion, and inclusivity, we create a more empathetic and understanding world where everyone can thrive as their true selves. Explore your recommended reads here as you continue on this journey of self-discovery.
