In recent years, we observe the expansion of the concept of gender to include the range of identities that do not conform to the traditional notions of masculinity and femininity. The original formulation of masculinity and femininity as being socially constructed had taken into consideration the fact that there need not be a direct co-relation between the biological body of any human being and her or his expressions of sex/gender identity. Although the articulation and manifestation of these identities vary greatly according to cultures and contexts, there is a common thread that runs through history that provides examples and evidence of discrimination and violence against groups of people, including women, who are perceived to express their sexual and gender identities in ways which are seen as transgressing dominant social and cultural norms. These norms, which constitute heteronormativity, are in turn rooted in traditions and customs that are based on ideas and ideologies of male superiority and male control of political and economic power, and are often discriminatory of women and other marginalized communities. It is this dominant discourse that is being challenged today by those who espouse an inclusive vision of rights and development that treat all human beings as equals.