Individuals learn the values, habits, and attitudes of a community through socialization,which begins in childhood. As an Asian female at Baruch college, I was aware of my expectedrole in society. When I visit overseas, I am often forced into a more permissive and quiet female-gendered role.I was most aware of this around my grandparents. Girls and women are expectedto dress in traditional feminine fashions and to be courteous, accommodating, and caring. Menare typically seen to be powerful, aggressive, and courageous. Further, it was often felt that Ishould be more of a homemaker or useful to the family. This includes going to college to furthermy family's livelihood. Not necessarily to pursue my passions. Gender role expectationsinfluence the assignment of occupations, duties, and responsibilities, as well as the conduct ofperceivers and target women and men. As a result, these three gender role expectations outcomestend to corroborate the initial gender role expectations, generating an automated, self-reinforcingimpact. Part of my socialization process started at home. While my parents did try to get us tomove past gender roles, cultural influences were still present. This shows the intersectionalitypresent even in small social institutions such as families.I consider myself heterosexual. This is the expected norm. I do have some childhoodfriends in my community who are LGBTQ. I remember, when my friend Caroline came out. Itwas a big shock in the community since she was the first one. As time has progressed and morechildren have come out, it is considered less shocking. This is a sign of our community
