For consideration

• What is the purpose of the claim that gender is a social construct? What is the claim supposed to accomplish?
• Should we trust the strength of our arguments to stand on truth, or are we sometimes tempted to twist the facts to win societal approval? What are the long-term consequences of doing so?
• Can we truly find self-respect if we rely on arguments that deny biological realities, or is embracing both biology and identity the path to genuine self-acceptance?
• Is it possible that both biology and society shape our understanding of gender, and what does that mean for our current conversations on identity?

It’s A Free Country

There’s a lot of noise today about the idea that “gender is a social construct.” It’s become quite a popular notion, often thrown around in discussions about identity, society, and politics. But here’s the question: How helpful is this idea? Does it serve its purpose, or is it just complicating things? Well, I’m not sure it’s entirely necessary, especially for the trans community.

Let me make this clear: You don’t need the notion of gender as a social construct to justify being trans. This is a free country. You’re free to live your life as you see fit. There’s no need to rationalize it, no need to overcomplicate the issue. You don’t need any societal justification for wanting to be trans. It’s not about creating elaborate theoretical frameworks to make your identity legitimate. You want to be trans? Be trans. That’s your choice, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation.

Dignity and Respect – No Strings Attached

And this brings us to the next point—dignity and respect. You don’t need any extra justification to demand that people treat you with respect. Why? Because everyone should be treated with dignity and respect, period. This isn’t up for debate. You’re a human being. That’s the only justification you’ll ever need.

Trying to latch onto the notion of gender as a social construct to secure that respect is unnecessary. You deserve respect simply because you exist, just like everyone else. To make it about something more, to argue that you need a societal reason, is to miss the point entirely.

The Social Construct Argument: Is It Even Necessary?

Now, if you want to dive into whether or not gender is truly a social construct, well, that’s a much messier discussion. It’s a tough issue, mainly because the word “gender” is loaded with layers of meaning. We’re not just talking about biological sex anymore. There’s a whole lot more being thrown into the mix, and that’s where things get complicated.

Let’s break it down from a more scientific angle—say, an evolutionary biology perspective. If you’re a materialist, or someone who believes everything boils down to physical processes, then you might see human behavior as being predetermined. You might argue that our behavior, our roles, and yes, even our societal structures are just an extension of our biological makeup.

From this viewpoint, social constructs like gender emerge from human behavior, and that behavior is deeply rooted in biology. Men and women act differently because evolution has shaped us to pursue different goals. These differences trickle up into society, forming customs, traditions, and yes, what we now call “social constructs.”

Biology and Society: Two Sides of the Same Coin

So, when people say gender is a social construct, they’re not wrong. But they’re also not entirely right. You can’t talk about social constructs without talking about the biology that informs them. It’s not a clean break between society and biology. They’re intertwined. And that’s where this popular notion of gender as purely a social construct runs into problems—it tries to separate the inseparable.

Whether you believe we were created by a divine being, or if you’re convinced that life is just a cosmic accident, the outcome is the same. We’re biological creatures, and that biology plays a massive role in how we behave, how we structure society, and yes, how we perceive gender.

The Danger of Oversimplifying Complex Truths

And here’s the real issue: When people cling to the idea that gender is solely a social construct, they’re oversimplifying a very complex truth. They’re trying to divorce gender from biology in a way that just isn’t honest. Why? Because it feels politically expedient. Because it makes people feel better about their position. But feelings don’t change reality.

You want people to say gender is a social construct? Fine. But I can’t do that in good conscience. It’s not the full truth. It misrepresents the complexity of the issue, and I’m not going to lie to make anyone feel better about themselves. That’s not what truth is for.

The Claim That “Gender is a Social Construct” Can Backfire

Another argument floating around these days that makes the claims trans people are victims based on the “gender is a social construct” concept and runs with it in a direction that can be both divisive and counterproductive. The notion goes something like this: if gender is purely a social construct, then biology has nothing to do with it. And if biology is irrelevant, then trans people aren’t facing internal struggles related to their identity; instead, they’re victims of society’s oppressive norms.

This line of thinking, however, is not only unnecessary—it’s dangerous. It paints a picture where trans people are oppressed simply because society refuses to fully embrace and affirm their identities without question. Now, don’t get me wrong—there are people out there who may not treat trans individuals with the respect they deserve, and that’s a problem. But to frame the entire discussion in a way that says, “You’re either fully onboard or you’re part of the oppressive system,” only creates unnecessary conflict. It breeds hostility, and more importantly, it creates enemies where there were none.

This kind of narrative implies that anyone who has a question, concern, or even a genuine curiosity about the complexities of gender and biology is automatically the bad guy. It sets up an “us versus them” scenario that alienates people who may very well be open to understanding and supporting the trans community if given the chance. But when the conversation becomes, “If you don’t accept that gender is purely a social construct, then you’re part of the problem,” it shuts down dialogue, which is crucial for understanding.

The False Dichotomy: Acceptance or Oppression

By focusing on this idea of victimhood, the narrative reduces the discussion to a simplistic and polarizing dichotomy: you either fully accept that biology is irrelevant, or you’re contributing to the oppression of trans people. It becomes less about respecting individuals for who they are and more about enforcing a rigid ideological stance that demands total adherence. And here’s the problem with that—it’s simply not true.

There are plenty of people who may question the idea that biology plays no role in gender, but who are still fully supportive of trans individuals living their lives with dignity and respect. To brand those people as enemies does nothing but close doors and burn bridges. Worse, it fuels resentment and creates a deeper divide between groups that, in reality, have far more common ground than either side might realize.

Creating Conflict Where None Was Needed

This approach to the conversation isn’t just unproductive; it’s harmful. It transforms a conversation about human dignity into a battleground of ideological purity tests. People who might have been allies are pushed away, not because they oppose trans rights, but because they can’t get on board with an argument that denies the complexity of human biology. And here’s the kicker—it’s not even necessary.

Trans people don’t need to lean on the idea that gender is entirely a social construct to demand the respect they deserve. As I’ve said before, every human being is entitled to dignity and respect. That’s the baseline. You don’t need to justify your existence by invoking an ideological claim that denies biology or sets up society as the villain.

When the trans movement frames itself as the perpetual victim of a cruel, oppressive society, it risks alienating those who were never enemies to begin with. It casts doubt on the sincerity of the conversation, turning it from a plea for understanding into a weaponized ideology. That’s not helpful to anyone—least of all to trans people themselves, who deserve better than to have their lives used as pawns in an ideological struggle.

Trusting the Strength of Your Argument

Do you really believe your case is so weak that you need to resort to deceit or avoid open and honest dialogue? If you find yourself having to twist the facts or engage in mental gymnastics just to make your point, it’s worth asking: am I trying to deceive others, or am I really just trying to convince myself? If you need to stoop so low to win an argument, maybe it’s time to reconsider your position.

When we have to manipulate the truth or take shortcuts to make a case, it reveals more about our own doubts than anything else. A strong argument—one rooted in truth and justice—doesn’t need to be propped up with trickery. If the foundation of your stance is solid, then it will withstand scrutiny. It might take effort, patience, and time, but in the end, the truth will prevail.

On the other hand, when an argument is built on shaky ground, no amount of clever rhetoric or intellectual sleight of hand will make it any stronger. If you believe in what you’re saying, stand by it honestly. Trust that a just and truthful case doesn’t need to be won by force or manipulation. Let the truth speak for itself, and it will endure.

The Danger of Self-Deception: Seeking Justification vs. Self-Respect

In some cases, the idea that “gender is a social construct” is being used not primarily for society’s benefit, but as a form of self-justification for trans individuals. Now, here’s the thing—if you find yourself relying on weak or poor arguments to convince yourself of your identity or your choices, that’s a red flag. It’s time to pause and reconsider. Especially if those arguments are all you have.

Self-deception is a dangerous road to walk down. It’s not just a fleeting mistake; it’s something that can take hold of you, like a demon slowly possessing your mind and dragging you into a darker place. Self-deception will consume you, leading to confusion, dissatisfaction, and ultimately, a kind of personal hell.

You don’t need justification to respect yourself. You don’t need to create shaky arguments to feel valid or whole. Just as you deserve dignity and respect from society for simply being who you are, you owe it to yourself to treat yourself with that same respect—without the need for artificial reasoning or ideological crutches.

True self-respect is rooted in accepting yourself as you are, not in constructing arguments to convince yourself. You are worthy of respect simply because you are human. Embrace that, and let go of the need to justify your existence with arguments that are bound to crumble under scrutiny. When you respect yourself without relying on weak foundations, you stand stronger, both in your relationship with yourself and with the world around you.

A Call for Honest Dialogue

Here’s what’s frustrating: In trying to make their case, the trans community—or rather, some of the more vocal advocates—seems to have done themselves a disservice. Instead of standing firm on the basic, undeniable truth—that you have the right to be trans because this is a free country—they’re trying to bolster their argument with shaky reasoning. It’s unnecessary. You don’t need to justify your identity with dubious claims about gender being purely a social construct. You should be able to say, “I deserve respect.” And that should be the end of it.

This reminds me of the same-sex marriage debate years ago. People argued that if you were gay, you were born that way—it was in your DNA. But as science has progressed, it’s become clear that there isn’t any definitive proof of a “gay gene.” What happened? The argument shifted. Would it have changed the outcome? Probably not. However, truth was sacrificed for political expediency. And even today, we still don’t have true marriage “equality,” especially not for polyamorous families.

The Truth Stands on Its Own

So, to say that gender is purely a social construct? It’s an oversimplification, a distraction from the real issue. Gender is influenced by both biology and society. Further, society is influenced by biology.  Biology is the foundation and there is no escaping it. But we shouldn’t rely on flawed arguments just because they’re convenient or politically expedient.

You want to be trans? Be trans. Live your life. Demand respect. That’s all you need to do. Because at the end of the day, the truth is strong enough to stand on its own, without the need for political expediency or philosophical gymnastics.

You Are Loved, and You Deserve Dignity and Respect

From a Christian perspective, every human being is loved by their Creator and made in the image of God. This truth forms the foundation of our inherent worth, regardless of who we are or where we come from. Because you are created in God’s image, you are deserving of dignity and respect—this is not conditional, and it is not something you have to earn.

Christians are called to a higher standard of love and compassion. We are commanded to love God and to love our neighbors as ourselves. In fact, the command to love extends even to our enemies. There is no loophole in these commands. That love doesn’t depend on someone’s background, their gender identity, their race, or their past. It’s an unconditional calling rooted in the understanding that each person reflects the divine nature in some way.

For those who follow Christ, this call to love means that we must approach every individual with the respect and care that flows from recognizing them as God’s creation. Regardless of any differences, we are all bound together by this shared humanity and the fact that we are loved by the Creator. This is why, especially for Christians, there can be no excuse for withholding dignity or respect from anyone, including those with whom we might not agree or fully understand. Our duty is to love as Christ loves—with compassion, patience, and humility.

Excerpt

Is gender just a social construct? If so, why seek biological changes like hormone treatments or surgery? The truth is, gender can’t be simply reduced to a social concept—it’s deeply connected to biology. You don’t need to manipulate arguments for validation; dignity and respect are your birthright.