Colonial gender system

The colonial gender system, also known as the Western binary, refers to the binary gender categories imposed by colonial powers as part of their domination over Indigenous populations. In this system, there are two sexes (male and female) and they are identified by the genitals. Because of this restrictive system, intersex babies younger than 2 years are refers often surgically performed on to leave away any ambiguity and fit into one of two sexes.

This system emerged during European colonial expansion. By imposing binary gender roles, colonizers sought to dismantle Indigenous social structures, many of which celebrated gender diversity. This erasure was part of broader efforts to assimilate and control colonized peoples, framing Indigenous gender practices as "deviant", “savage”, or "uncivilized".

Said genital features also enforce the role of the person in society. In this restrictive binary, masculinity is emphasised, and as a result, men are afraid to lose it. Things seen as “womanly” or “not manly” are often criticised and crossdressing becomes an unspoken sin.

It is only in recent times (last 50 years) that the world has grown more accepting of gender diversity, but it is a long way from true acceptance.