The discussion Monday night at the Holmes Student Center Capitol Room was based on the work of Kate Bornstein, author of “My Gender Workbook.” Margie Cook, director of the LGBT Resource Center, and Jay Wartenberg, a senior English major, led the workshop.

Participants filled out and discussed a questionnaire and provided information about their self-image and a definition of societal view points of gender-based roles.

According to Bornstein, “sex” is defined as “the act,” whereas “gender” is defined as “anything that categorizes and separates people, such as appearance, mannerisms, biology, psychology, hormones, roles, genitals, etc.”

Cook said society is eager to cast gender roles.

“Most people never stop to think about [gender roles],” Cook said. “From the moment a child is born, the pink and blue thing happens. The first question is asked, ‘Is it a boy or a girl?’ It’s just assumed.”

Jeff Basile, a senior art major and one of about 25 participants in the discussion, said it was interesting to see how broad and open the terminology was.

Another participant, Katherine Breitenbach, a freshman undecided LA&S major, said she was interested in attending because of her strong background in the subject matter.

“I was happy to see this sort of discussion because the only way to break through stereotypes and discrimination is through education and awareness,” Breitenbach said.