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Reflection About Gender Identity

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Introduction I have been, and hopefully will always be, very privileged. I grew up in an all white middle class home. I had a very supportive family and was very lucky to be gifted academically. I have identified as a straight, cisgender female for the entirety of my life. Although I was raised in a Christian household, I identify as agnostic, or believing that there is nothing known about any existing higher power. I believe that it is important for myself and others to be able to reflect on the ways that groups we belong to affect our growth as humans.
Gender
I have always identified as a cisgender female, meaning that my gender identity and my birth sex are both female. As I grew up, I was surrounded by many cisgender female friends and relatives. My cisgender female friends and I were often taught to be “proper” and “girly.” While growing up, I specifically remember being told by teachers, extended family members, and religious leaders to sit with my legs crossed as it was more “ladylike.” These same individuals would ensure that I always wore a skirt or dress as opposed to a pair of pants as these silhouettes made me look more “like a girl.” The individuals in my life that encouraged my female friends and me to act more feminine often encouraged our male counterparts to act more masculine. Male cousins and friends would often be encouraged to go outside and play sports while my female friends and I would stay inside and help cook a meal. My younger brother

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