Exploring Gender Mapping

What if everything you thought about gender… was just one version of the story? In this episode, Rae explores the concept of gender mapping — how different cultures, histories, and systems have understood gender across time — and why the modern Western binary is only one small piece of a much bigger picture. Drawing from Dr. Eli Erlick’s work and the development of the Gender Unicorn, Rae unpacks: What gender mapping actually is How cultures around the world have recognized gender diversity for centuries Why modern understandings of gender are shaped by colonial and religious frameworks The evolution of gender models from early medical theories to today How tools like the Gender Unicorn can make gender more understandable and accessible But this isn’t just theory. Rae also walks through real-life examples, including her own personal gender map, showing how identity, expression, biology, and attraction don’t always align in the ways we’ve been taught to expect. At its core, this episode is about introspection, understanding, and expanding the way we see each other. Because gender isn’t something new. It’s something we’re finally learning how to see. 🔗 Follow Rae Instagram: @firefromheat TikTok: @heatfromfire YouTube: RubyRaeD