What do we mean by “Biological Sex”? about biological sex, gender, and the way society tries to fit human beings into rigid boxes.
Most of us grow up believing sex is simple. A baby is born, a doctor looks at the genitals, and they’re labelled male or female. But what many people don’t realise is that this one moment often shapes an entire lifetime of expectations about identity, behaviour, relationships, appearance, and even safety.
Recently, conversations around “biological sex” have become increasingly politicised, especially following debates around toilets, gender identity, and legal definitions of sex. But when people use the phrase biological sex, what do they actually mean?
Because biology itself is far more complex than many people realise.
Sex can involve chromosomes, hormones, reproductive anatomy, secondary sex characteristics, and more. Intersex people exist too, and many have historically experienced pressure, shame, or even non consensual medical interventions simply because their bodies didn’t fit neatly into society’s expectations.
For many LGBTQ+ and gender diverse people, these conversations aren’t abstract political debates. They affect real lives, mental health, identity, safety, belonging, and the ability to move through the world without fear or scrutiny.
In this video, I want to explore some of that complexity, and reflect on what happens when human beings are reduced to simplistic categories that don’t fully reflect lived reality.
If any of this resonates with you and you’d like support exploring it further, I offer LGBTQ+ affirming therapy both online and in person from my practice in Manchester city centre. You’re welcome to get in touch to arrange a free 15 minute introductory call.
For more iinformation about how I support trans, non binary and gender diverse clients, you can read my Trans and Non Binary page.
