Sex, gender, and sexual orientation are other dimensions for gauging diversity in a group or profession. Although women and LGBTQ+ groups do have a significant and visible presence in the fields of interior design and architecture, some may question if these groups are still facing inequality in both professions nowadays. (Dorris)
While sex tends to refer to the anatomical and physiological characteristics associated with the male and female forms ("Sex"), but the concepts of gender or gender identify are much more fluid. The latter is often "defined as an individual's sense of being a male or a female" (Beauchamp). For many, their gender identities are often aligned with their physical sex characteristics; however, for some, their gender identities may not match their biological traits. When exploring or investigating gender diversity issues in a group, researchers will need to be sensitive and mindful about the differences between the two terms and concepts, e.g., a transgender person may not agree with his/her biological sexual identity nor reveal his/her transgender status. Sexual orientation and racial/ethnic background add further layers of complexity in gauging and examining diversity issues in a group, e.g., transgender women of color in the interior design profession. To understand and acknowledge the differences among individuals is the first step to embrace diversity in a group, a community, and a society.
Finally, gender diversity in design and architecture can also be interpreted as the aesthetics associated with a particular gender group, e.g., queer aesthetics.
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