Identity 3.2 78 Sex is the biological state of being male or female. Gender is the fact of being male or female when considered with reference to social and cultural differences, rather than differences in biology. Have you ever been told you were behaving like a tomboy or a wimpy ? Can you think of practical examples of traditional gender roles? A transgender person is someone whose gender identity differs from that typically associated with the sex they were assigned at birth. assertiveness: sicurezza di s concern: preoccupazione gender: genere homemaker: casalinga tomboy: ragazza mascolina wimpy: femminuccia, uomo debole PSYCHOLOGICAL ISSUES Orientation Expression BODY ACCEPTANCE AND GENDER IDENTITY In addition to physical changes, teenagers may experience a series of psychological issues which may cause a lot of distress and sometimes lead to different types of addictions. Body image Body image is one of the main concerns for young people, and it is not surprising given that our society tends to focus on appearance and beauty ideals. A positive body image is related to body satisfaction and acceptance; a negative body image is related to dissatisfaction and wanting one s body to be different. A large part of teenagers is, unfortunately, dissatisfied with their body. Gender identity Things become even more difficult when children and teens begin to discover their gender identity. A teen s sex is determined by genetics, but gender identity is determined by a combination of factors, including the gender roles they adopt and their sexual orientation. Gender roles Gender roles determine how masculine or feminine a teen seems. Teens are exposed to gender roles from birth through their parents, the media, and society, but, during their teens, they begin to question and choose them . Traditionally, women are seen as caregivers, homemakers, and Sex helpers. On the other hand, men s gender roles revolve around characteristics such as assertiveness and strength . Both sexes often experiment with their appearance and try styles beyond traditional gender roles, but adopting a masculine or feminine gender role does not determine or indicate a teen s sexual orientation. Sexual orientation Sexual orientation is determined by various genetic, environmental, and emotional factors, not by appearance or activities. The three main sexual orientations generally recognised by science are: heterosexual (attracted to the opposite sex), homosexual (attracted to the same sex), and bisexual (attracted to both sexes). Some people, however, find these labels too restrictive or confusing. The language around sexuality and gender is constantly changing, with new definitions evolving, and existing words being reclaimed by new generations. The role of family and friends Teens with a sexual orientation that is not considered standard (usually heterosexual) by society need to consider how and when to tell family and friends about it, and may be at greater risk of depression, especially if they face strong prejudice from the people they care most about. The support of parents and peers is fundamental in making a teen feel well in their body and happy with their choices.