Bi can mean so much more than just a sexual orientation, it is a whole world of terms in existence to label society into a binary box. This is just one concept being challenged in one of many talks held during Trans Awareness Week.

An intimate audience gathered to hear Orion Block, CSUN Pride Center student assistant explain everything ‘Bi’ in an informative presentation “Breaking Bi” in the University Student Union (USU) Grand Salon Tuesday.

Block opened with a light discussion about the difference between gender and sex and how misinformed people can be. Block discussed the issues of public space for non binary or third gender people (Trans, Gender, Queer, etc) and the dangers it may pose for some who are forced to use public accommodations which may not fit their third gender or even just transgender identities.

Block then touched upon the argument of social conforming with ideas such as gender roles, titles and gender marketing.  Questions discussed about why pink is for girls, blue is for boys, can girls enjoy playing in mud, or if boys could enjoy cooking. All these are questions that reinforce gender roles or conformity based on a binary gender system.

Block ended the discussion with a synopsis of different cultural perspectives throughout history such as two-spirit Native Americans, which are held almost sacred among their people, and various other non-European cultures that not only accepted a non binary or third gender system but embraced such ideas.

Trans Awareness Week will continue through Thursday with a series of presentations in the Thousand Oaks room at the USU, beginning with the Red Circle Project: Two Spirit presentation from 11 a.m. to noon. Trans 101 will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., and Trans Awareness Week will conclude with the Trans* Remembrance Ceremony from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.