Chapter 1: The Hypothetical Journey

Have you ever pondered how your life might have unfolded if you were born as the opposite gender? I certainly have. This isn't merely a passing trend for me; I've been contemplating this notion for nearly two decades. While some may have wished for a different gender, it's intriguing to consider how such a change could alter our lives—both positively and negatively.

Photo by Samuel Regan-Asante on Unsplash

Here are a few noteworthy facts that highlight the differences:

• Wage Disparities: On average, women earn less than men for similar roles.
• Domestic Violence: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 1 in 3 women worldwide faces physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner.
• Longevity: Women generally outlive men, influenced by biological, lifestyle, and behavioral factors.
• Educational Attainment: In various nations, women often achieve higher education levels compared to men, including college and advanced degrees.

These realities demonstrate that gender significantly influences life experiences. Yet, let's set aside these statistics for a moment.

If you had been born the opposite gender, would you envision yourself having the same ambitions and interests? Likely not. Our goals and passions stem from our unique experiences. If you had lived as the other gender, your life path would have been completely different. Even if you were to retain the same gender, the person you would be today could be vastly altered.

Let’s indulge in a bit of imagination and explore the question: What if you were born the other gender?

I entered the world as a boy in the early '90s in Switzerland, raised by my single mother. My upbringing was filled with joy, nature, and love. As a child, I aspired to join Cirque du Soleil, and despite my natural athletic talent, I never pursued that dream. I also missed the chance to become a filmmaker or a documentary photographer. However, it's never too late to chase dreams.

Instead, I ventured into engineering—admittedly influenced by my feelings for a remarkable girl—and explored martial arts and sailing. I earned a second-place finish in the Spanish Taekwondo championship twice, acted for various theater companies, and enjoyed a lively life as a male.

But how might my life have diverged if I had been born female? It’s challenging to speculate, but I like to imagine I would still be involved in sports—perhaps martial arts or gymnastics. Who knows, I might have even joined a circus troupe! The possibilities are endless.

If my journey mirrored that of my male self, I could envision myself today as a female expedition leader, a captain of a sailboat, a CEO, or a public speaker. However, I wonder how society and my peers would perceive my leadership. Would I have to earn respect and recognition in a way that men often do? It's hard to say, but probably yes.

The only certainty I have is that my parents would have named me "Lara" had I been born a girl.

Have you ever contemplated how your life might shift if you were born the opposite gender? What career paths could have been yours? How would your interests and goals transform?

Engaging in this imaginative exercise may offer valuable insights into how gender influences our life experiences and aspirations.

I'm a fan of the "what-if" scenario, and sometimes delving into these questions can deepen our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Take care,

A&L

Chapter 2: Perspectives on Gender

In the video "Our Children Want To Live As The Opposite Gender | This Morning," discussions revolve around children's experiences and feelings about gender identity, shedding light on the complexities and realities they face.

The second video, "I WISH I WAS BORN FEMALE | Q&A," features personal reflections from individuals expressing their thoughts and experiences regarding gender identity, further illustrating the diverse perspectives on this topic.