In her influential work "Gender Trouble," Judith Butler argues against the traditional binary understanding of gender, which restricts it to only male and female categories. She suggests that this binary framework perpetuates the idea that gender should conform to biological sex, implying that gender is merely a reflection of one's anatomy. This view is problematic as it limits the potential for self-identification and ignores the complexities of gender identity.

Butler challenges readers to rethink the relationship between gender and sex, asserting that they do not have to align neatly. She advocates for a broader interpretation of gender that recognizes its diverse expressions beyond the conventional male-female dichotomy. By doing so, she encourages a more fluid and inclusive understanding of identity that acknowledges the realities of those who live outside traditional gender norms.