Diversity without Division
People belong in families
and communities.
How sexuality is expressed and understood is variable across cultures. We live in increasingly pluralistic societies, which poses challenges for individuals, families, communities, clinicians, and policy-makers. This challenge is further compounded by the lack of a clear, evidence-based framework(s) to guide decision-making.
Unfortunately, most diversity models presented today are based on post-modern academic philosophies and political strategies which deny that material-reality matters, and is a constant linguistic game of moving goal posts. Concepts like "gender is a spectrum" and "there are 100 genders" are taught, which are not evidence-based and, when mandated, tend to frustrate and divide families and communities. The needs of sex-nonconforming people are not truly met by postmodern politics. Sex-based rights are being compromised in ways that are causing demonstrable harms to girls and women, in particular. The post-modern goal of division is counter to my goal for sustainable and meaningful relationship development - with respect to the cultures in which people are situated, and with respect to the safety and dignity of all members of society.
I do not use a postmodernist approach. In my work, I rely on scientific evidence about sexual orientation and sex non-conformity. It is my view that clinical, social and health policies regarding sexual orientation and sex non-conformity when well informed by material reality and scientific consensus, improves the wellbeing of both individuals and communities. Relationship building through improved understanding of diversity, and shared responsibilities to one another - rather than imposed coercive political positions - is a healthier, more sustainable approach.
Meet Aaron Kimberly, RN
I was born female with a rare ovotesticular disorder which wasn't discovered until age 19. Ovotesticular disorders of sex development (DSD) are characterized by both ovarian and testicular tissue occurring in the same individual - either an ovary on one side and a testicle on the other, or both tissues in the same gonad. The gonads are usually undescended and the other sex organs underdeveloped. This condition is thought to occur due to genetic variations and is more common among people of African descent. Sex assignment is typically based on the appearance of external sex organs, however, it's not uncommon for females with this condition to seek legal reassignment to male as adults, due to the high degree of masculinization. This was the case for me. Though, I also embrace the material fact that I am a gender non-conforming, same-sex attracted female.
Having lived with this condition, and within lesbian communities, I have an interest in the various reasons individuals are sex non-conforming, and the cultural contexts which inform our understanding of these experiences. Too often, gay, lesbian, and people with atypical bodies, live with shame and isolation, and are overly pathologized and medicalized.
My professional and educational background is in mental health nursing with experience in various hospital and community settings. I've held roles in clinical supervision and as a clinical instructor for the School of Psychiatric Nursing at Brandon University. I've been a subject matter expert on gender dysphoria since 2019 and have advised individuals, educators, clinicians, policymakers, law firms, and faith communities.
My Specializations
Understanding Gender Diversity
Creating an Inclusive Environment
Shaping Policy
Evidence-Based Clinical Practices
Thank you Aaron! It was so helpful to chat with you and I feel like I have some new ideas and a better concept of how to help my kid.
- Anonymous Parent
Thank you again Aaron, you are so warm and smart and accessible and doing such important work.People really loved the session and for me anyway, I’d love to work together at some time in the future and keep in touch.
- Anonymous group leader
Your presentation was a breath of fresh air and helped demystify the experience of gender non-conformity. I learned a lot. Thank-you!
- Anonymous presentation participant