Van Way noted that social conventions and institutions now increasingly recognize the validity of individuals selecting their own form of expression, whether male, female, both or neither, as the culturally defined expression of gender. These distinctions are not necessarily defined by the presence of male or female physical sex attributes. Gender, therefore, is a form of free expression, a social construct that is taught to, and accepted by, individuals, while sex is a biological, genetic fact.

Our society now acknowledges that everyone is on a spectrum of gender expression, with growing acceptance of all positions on that spectrum, freely chosen for themselves.

As a result, individuals now commonly state their preferred pronouns as he/him, she/her, or they/them. It is also considered polite, if unsure, to ask a person by which pronouns they would prefer to be known.

The term “transgender” is applied to individuals whose gender experience does not match their sex as identified at birth. A person who is “transitioning” from male to female or from female to male might choose only to wear traditional apparel for the gender they prefer. On the other hand, others seek more advanced transition by means of surgery and medicine. A person’s sex is made to conform to their chosen gender. For others, the more typical gender role matches the sex as determined biologically at birth.

Van Way acknowledged that some of these changes have been controversial. But in general, she said, modern society is coming to accept these changes. Some changes are challenging simply because of custom, but a gradual accommodation is happening in which people are becoming more comfortable.

President John Healy acknowledged Emily Van Way’s presentation by announcing that the club would make a donation to the Rotary Foundation in her name. Those funds support the international drive to finally remove polio from the planet. Her contribution would vaccinate four more children who would never have to experience polio.