What are Binary and Spectrum? Why are they so important?

I been here since December and hear these terms thrown around a lot. From what I understand Binary means your either female or male and Spectrum there is many points in between. If you're a transsexual you suppose to be binary. Is there a reason why? and with Androgyne they would have to be spectrum right? I need a little help with these terms.



Thanks,
Anna

Ummm, the arguments are generally whether or not there are two sexes or a shading of say, black and white through gray and maybe even some colors between them.

Gender spectrum is a bit more complex. Plus there are arguments about whether or not gender is a totally socially-constructed matter or whether there are essential elements of gender built into our heredity and biology. To what degree are those elements combined, etc.

Many TSes and many TGs (includes TSes along with other people identified as TV, CD, DQ, Androgyne, Neutrois, etc) find their beliefs to be spectrum. Others are inclined to binary, one of two.

The arguments often become attached to political or individual identity concerns as well. To tell the truth, some of the best writing, that remains pretty even-handed throughout and always reasonable, I have found in Julia Serano's essays collected in her recent book, Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity. It's available through Amazon at less than $11 and would be well-worth your expense.

N~  

http://www.amazon.com/Evolutions-Rainbow-Diversity-Gender-Sexuality/dp/0520240731

This is by far the best book I have ever read regarding gender, biology, and the differences in humans and why.


If every LGBT were to take the time to read this....there would be about 1% of the questions asked that come up daily. Everybody should read this book whether they are labeled or not. It would do wonders for society education.

Hi Anna,

     You expressed pretty much what the terms mean.  Binary being or believing in Female or Male only with no in between.
     Spectrum meaning many variations between male and female with a broad acceptance of what may be there in between.

     It's not important beyond understanding what someone is referring to in a post.  At least, it is no more important than what you decide it is.


Rebis

Well, that would just about be "enough" for copyright laws, especially as if you follow this link http://www.amacad.org/publications/daedalus/coverSpring07.pdf you'll find what the Daedalus website will give you without buying the issue.

I'd say the Academy won't mind the plugging of an article from their journal, but wouldn't want it reprinted here.

Anne Fausto-Sterling's published books are available through Amazon and her publications can be found at Wikipedia under her name. She is a wonderful addition to Roughgarden and Serano.

The cover of the Daedalus may give some names that others will also be interested in reading.

Nichole

Quote from: redfish the mad on March 29, 2008, 03:52:42 PM
I actually might publish an academic article about fitting dynamic systems theory into gender this year or something similar along those lines in transgender theory, so keep your eyes out 

If we keep our eyes out, how are we supposed to read your article...    unless....  you don't want us to read it in the first place.  Hmmmmmmmm?


By the way, I didn't understand anything in that blurb you posted.       

Quote from: Nichole on March 29, 2008, 11:07:40 AM
The arguments often become attached to political or individual identity concerns as well. To tell the truth, some of the best writing, that remains pretty even-handed throughout and always reasonable, I have found in Julia Serano's essays collected in her recent book, Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity.

I have the Whipping Girl I haven't had time to read it yet, because of college.

Lori I will look into the Evolution's Rainbow.

As for the dynamic systems theory I might check it out on JSTOR Tuesday but it sounds a bit over my head like string theory.

I was just wondering if I had the gist of these terms.  Another question do they refer to mental state only and/or physical attributes too?

Thanks,
Anna

I second the recommendation for Whipping Girl, it's excellent. I'll check out Evolution's Rainbow, that looks good too.

Z