This is an issue with pronouns. In my experience, being specifically referred to by my gender is, if anything, a point of pride. I’m defined by the judgements of others as a good man, or a bad man. I don’t mind that. I accept the social judgement of others as part of the way we all learn to get along better, and I don’t mind that when people do so, they refer to me as what I am — a man.

I’m not ashamed of my gender. I take pride in it. Neither do I expect women to be ashamed of their gender. In fact, I celebrate their identificational difference as part of an acceptance of the value of diversity.