The document discusses sex and gender preferences in non-Western cultures. It begins by noting that every infant is biologically classified as male or female based on sex chromosomes, but some are intersex. The essay then states that most cultures recognize biological sex differences and the roles associated with each, but that some cultures traditionally recognize third gender or fluid gender identities. It provides examples of cultures with traditional third genders and discusses how Western views have sometimes conflicted with and repressed non-binary identities in other cultures.