Breimian Gender and Sexuality

## Gender

Gender among the Breim (Both Umare and Kawaru) is traditionally viewed as more fluid, with the concept of one’s gender being more tied to specific jobs within the herd, rather than to one’s genitals. Some jobs are considered "feminine", some "masculine", some neutral, while other jobs are perceived as quite fluid. As such, one's gender is perceived as being that of whatever job or role they are filling at a specific time, and can change drastically throughout the day depending on the roles one fills. For example, should anyone choose a role that is perceived as feminine,  that equine would be considered feminine while working within that role. Should that same horse go home and fill a role that is considered masculine, they will be considered masculine while working in the context of that role. The same goes for roles without a perceived gender as well.

* Jobs/roles associated with logic and protection are typically considered feminine while those associated with emotion and caretaking or nurturing are considered masculine. Jobs that have hints of both are perceived as fluid, and those that have none of those things firmly attached to them are seen as being more neutral. That said, there is no inherent stigma attached to any one of those notions, and being masculine, feminine, both, or none is not seen in any particularly negative or positive light - and any equine's identity does not in any way limit what or who they can be. (ex. Priests and healers are viewed as masculine, the Watch and Alchemists are viewed as feminine, King's Guides and Arisen are seen as fluid, while simple labor jobs such as providers and growers are viewed as neutral. Children are often looked at as blank slates and are referred to neutrally as well.)
* An equine's social gender is always perceived as the gender attached to their role, and the pronouns used for them will reflect as such.
* An equine's personal gender is the one they see themself as outside of any jobs/roles. As such, this information is considered quite personal, and only shared with those closest to them and the pronouns attached are typically used in private.
* Any and all personal genders are accepted in the herd without discrimination, though they are rarely talked about or discussed as it’s considered personal information and has little impact on an individuals day to day life within the herd.
* Individuals who experience body dysphoria often use easily accessible shapeshifting amulets to alleviate their distress.
* Shapeshifting amulets are also freely used by partners who wish to have their own children regardless of their reproductive organs or fertility.
* Gender and it's expression therein is firmly attached to one's roles, and not one's physical form or genitals. Masculinity and femininity are indicators of one's role or job, not of binary gender.
* While Breimian language is relatively gendered, it possesses the same fluidity as their perception of gender and as such many terms are used interchangeably.
* Things such as objects, colors, and accessories (like toys, make up, clothing, hairstyles, etc..) have absolutely no relation to gender and gender expression within the herd, and are freely used by any who desire to do so.
* The pronouns used by strangers of an individual will often be tied to the role said individual is filling. Individuals uncomfortable with this may state otherwise, in which case, that individual's personal pronouns will be respected and deferred to instead without stigma or concern of repercussion.

## Sexuality and Relationships

Because of the herd’s strict views on respect, many in Breim have come to adapt a ridged view on how relationships are upheld within the community. Many have come to prefer associating with only those in their age group, often times making friends of very similar ages and/or social status to avoid the awkward insistence on respect and formality. This is not to say it is not done, but in the sight of the public eyes, for one to not address a superior with formality would attract unwanted stares and attention. This often leads to romantic partners showing little to no affection outside their own home - indeed, public displays of affection are considered almost obscene in the public eye. While outsiders may find this rather cold, Breim has adapted the belief that love loses its special qualities when shared or flaunted in front of others. Keeping acts of love within the home ensures the love is a special thing only shared with those closest to you.

* Sexuality is considered a personal and private matter that is rarely talked about. That said, there is no discrimination or stigma attached to one's sexual orientation. Relationships between partners of any gender, both monogamous and polyamorous, are accepted and respected throughout the herd.

* Acceptable displays of affection, most often seen between young lovers or newly married partners, are brief moments of contact. A quick touch on the neck or cheek is acceptable but anything past or below the withers would be deemed inappropriate and may garner and exasperated glare or a whispered comment.
* Sex and intimate affection are considered deeply important for ones health and well being - they are just viewed as personal and private.
* Behind the privacy of closed doors, physical affection is greatly encouraged.
* Sexual relations outside of wedlock are assumed but should not be spoken about - being publicly brazen about sex is a cultural taboo.
* Sex work is not uncommon among the Breim though sex workers don’t publicly advertise, with clients often finding them through word of mouth as it’s considered a private affair and impolite to speak of openly in public. While the job itself is not frowned or looked down upon, speaking publicly about it is due to the intimate nature of the profession. Sex workers themselves are treated respectfully and do not experience discrimination.