Welcome once again to Fandango’s Provocative Question. Each week I will pose what I think is a provocative question for your consideration.

By provocative, I don’t mean a question that will cause annoyance or anger. Nor do I mean a question intended to arouse sexual desire or interest.

What I do mean is a question that is likely to get you to think, to be creative, and to provoke a response. Hopefully a positive response.

Lately it seems that many Americans have become confused about how to understand and discuss issues around sex, gender, and gender identity. As a result many are reluctant to publicly voice opinions on that topic. Sadly, trans activists and right-wing culture warriors have turned into a battle of dogmatic extremes.

In Republican-controlled states, for example, legislatures are criminalizing drag performances and parent-approved hormone treatments for children with gender dysphoria. Questions arise about whether trans women should be allowed to participate in women’s sports or if it should be limited to biological females. Extremists on both sides insist there is only one valid view on gender — and that all others must be silenced, punished, and even made into crimes.

This is a complex issue, that is for sure. And that leads me to today’s provocative question.

How do you feel about this topic? Do you believe that gender has a biological basis defined exclusively by chromosomes, genitalia, and internal plumbing? Or do you believe that “male” and “female” are merely socially conditioned behaviors and that gender is purely a subjective experience of identity? What are your thoughts?

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