…gender is not sane. It's not sane to call a rainbow black and white.
Interpretation
This quote suggests that gender is a complex spectrum rather than a binary classification.
Kate Bornstein's quote emphasizes the idea that gender cannot be simplistically categorized into just two types, akin to the way a rainbow embodies a variety of colors. By comparing gender to a rainbow, the quote illustrates that the complexity and diversity of gender expressions deviate from traditional black-and-white classifications, inviting a broader understanding of identity beyond societal norms.
In practice
During a panel discussion on gender identity, this quote could be used to challenge rigid categorizations.
I know I'm not a man-about that much I'm very clear, and I've come to the conclusion that I'm probably not a woman either, at least not according to a lot of people's rules on this sort of thing. The trouble is, we're living in a world that insists we be one or the other-a world that doesn't bother to tell us exactly what one or the other is.
Let's stop 'tolerating' or 'accepting' difference, as if we're so much better for not being different in the first place. Instead, let's celebrate difference, because in this world it takes a lot of guts to be different.
There's a simple way to look at gender: Once upon a time, someone drew a line in the sans of culture and proclaimed with great self-importance, 'On this site, you are a man; on the other side, you are a woman.' It's time for the winds of change to blow that line away. Simple.
Every lie is a poison; there are no harmless lies. Only the truth is safe. Only the truth gives me consolation - it is the one unbreakable diamond.
The Gods give with one hand and take with the other.
Tall, aren't you?" she said. "I didn't mean to be." Her eyes rounded. She was puzzled. She was thinking. I could see, even on that short acquaintance, that thinking was always going to be a bother to her.
You want to be paid as well, you virtuous! You want reward for virtue, and heaven for earth, and eternity for your today?
And yet," said Poirot, "suppose an accident-" "Ah, no, my friend-" "From your point of view it would be regrettable, I agree. But nevertheless let us just for one moment suppose it. Then, perhaps, all these here are linked together - by death.
If the awareness of our limitations begins to limit or to dim our value consciousness as well—as happens, for instance, in old age with regard to the values of youth—then we have already started the movement of devaluation which will end with the defamation of the world and all its values. Only a timely act of resignation can deliver us from this tendency toward self-delusion.
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