This is a question that many scientists, among others, are also grappling with. What used to be clear ("There is only man and woman.") became more and more unstable in the course of time. Among other things, because the discussion around different gender identities is more and more extensive.
They are not about pushing a person into a certain category based on their innate gender characteristics, but rather about taking into account whether that person identifies as a man or a woman, for example. In addition to this, it should also be mentioned that there are also people who feel neither female nor male or both female and male.
Gender research: a sensitive topic (for many)
Anyone who talks about gender and gendering who does not represent the traditional approaches to opinion is met with rejection, especially in many homophobic circles. Yet this is an important topic whose insights can help many people identify themselves.
Those who cannot identify with any gender, for example, and are accordingly non-binary, often feel supported in a special way when they realize that they are not alone and that there are more people who feel the same way.
Accordingly, gender research makes an important contribution when it comes to supporting people in their self-identification and preventing discrimination at the same time.
Gender in everyday life
Based on the thesis that there are more than two genders, it is of course only understandable that many things must also change in everyday life. For example, people who do not identify as female or male can benefit from a so-called "gender toilet". And on many forms, it is now possible to tick not only "male" or "female", but also "diverse".
It was a particular milestone when it was decided that the "third gender" could also be recorded on identity documents.
Despite numerous changes of this kind, the question "How many genders are there?" cannot yet be answered definitively. Many people are now also in favor of generally no longer thinking in terms of genders, but rather accepting that the boundaries here have become increasingly fluid.
What pronouns do you use for the different genders?
It is especially important to respect each person's self-identification. For example, those who are non-binary often indicate via their email signature (or upon request) how they would like to be addressed.
For those who are unsure, it's best to just ask. Many queers who identify with a different gender appreciate this kind of openness. After all, it shows that the desire for self-identification is taken into account.
There is no clear rule, like "All non-binary people want to be addressed with "he"!". Such standards would also in no way do justice to the colorful scene.
Is the question "How many genders are there?" a trend?
"It wouldn't have happened in the old days!" - Numerous people who advocate the "more than 2 genders" theory have been confronted with this sentence.
However, it can be assumed that there have always been people who have felt, for example, not female and not male or both female and male. What is new, however, is that there are now terms for these types of self-identification.
And even if outsiders may find it a little difficult at first to understand what lies behind the individual designations, the rethinking within society is worthwhile for all those who cannot identify with the classic cis norms. Did the question: How many genders are there? help you?
I can't say, but I think there are many more than just man and woman.
This is really a very controversial topic at the moment. I think there are exactly two genders from a biological point of view. Man and woman! But how you identify yourself and what you like to project as an external representation in society is a different issue. In principle, however, the commandment of respect and decency should prevail. So if a trans woman stands in front of me where it is clear that this person does not want to be a man, I address the person as I see the situation. I think the topic has become very emotionalized, which is usually never good for a debate.