These 20 Psychologists Weigh In on Gender Identity

Even among cis individuals, communication can be complicated and misunderstood, and research has proven differences between genders are very real. Dr. Aubrey Nelson talks about how males and females could be separated into their own subcultures, with their own beliefs, rules, and languages. According to Dr. Nelson, “Gender…is learned communication behaviors,” and as such, these constructs are treated as expectations to be met by everyone. These “ideals” start as soon as children are born, beginning with parents deciding the color of the nursery and buying gendered clothing, and it only grows from there. Research has shown that by as early as age two or three, children learn their sex and the accompanying expectations, giving them only a brief window to “play around” with their gender. However, Dr. Nelson has noted a greater acceptance of gender fluidity in girls than in boys; people tend to take less issue with girls who are “tomboys” than boys who act like a “sissy.” 

"One could argue that because there seems to be a broader range of acceptance for girls to be able to explore and assume boy behaviors, they have an advantage. She can cross over and he cannot." Audrey Nelson Ph.D.