10 Gender Identities Beyond Male And Female
Published -
- December 10, 2016
- 6:00 pm
10 genders you didn’t know existed.
It’s a common assumption that there are just two genders, but there are actually plenty more genders beyond male and female. Outside of the typical gender binary – of man or woman, male or female, masculine or feminine – there are identities that are non-binary. The phrase genderqueer is an umbrella term that is a catchall for individuals who identify with having two or more genders (bigender), or are third gender (which can include transgender), or shift between genders (gender fluid), or have no gender (agender). We explore all of these and more in our video.
What is meant by non-binary gender identity and how do non-binary individuals express their gender identity in society?
Gender is a complex and multifaceted concept that goes beyond the traditional binary of male and female. While traditional societies have often adhered to the fixed binary of male and female, modern society is gradually embracing a wider spectrum of gender identities. Gender identity is not necessarily based on physical traits like genitals or chromosomes. Rather, it is a complex interplay of biological, social, and cultural factors. In this article, we explore ten gender identities beyond male and female.
1. Non-Binary
Non-binary is a term that refers to individuals who do not identify exclusively as male or female. Non-binary individuals may identify as both genders or neither gender, and may use pronouns such as they/them in place of he/him or she/her.
2. Agender
Agender is a term used to describe individuals who do not experience or identify with any gender identity. Agender individuals may not feel any particular connection to masculinity or femininity, nor do they necessarily associate with other genders.
3. Bigender
Bigender is a term used to describe individuals who identify as both male and female, or as a combination of the two. Bigender individuals may feel a more fluid sense of gender identity, and may fluctuate between male and female identities.
4. Androgynous
Androgynous refers to individuals who do not conform to traditional gender roles and norms associated with either masculinity or femininity. Androgynous individuals may present themselves in a way that transcends gender, such as with neutral clothing or hairstyles.
5. Genderqueer
Genderqueer is a term used to describe individuals who do not identify with traditional binary gender norms. Genderqueer individuals may identify as a mix of genders, or as neither male nor female.
6. Demigender
Demigender is a term used to describe individuals who partially identify with a gender identity. For example, a demigirl may identify as partially female, while also identifying as another gender.
7. Two Spirit
Two Spirit is a term used by Indigenous communities to describe individuals who embody both male and female spirits. Two Spirit people hold a spiritual and cultural significance in many Indigenous cultures.
8. Genderfluid
Genderfluid is a term used to describe individuals who experience a fluctuating sense of gender identity. Genderfluid individuals may feel different degrees of masculinity, femininity, or other gender expressions on a day-to-day basis.
9. Transgender
Transgender is an umbrella term that describes individuals who identify as a gender different from the sex they were assigned at birth. Transgender individuals can identify as male, female, non-binary, or any other gender identity.
10. Intersex
Intersex is a term used to describe individuals who are born with sex characteristics (such as chromosomes, genitalia, or hormones) that do not conform to traditional definitions of male or female. Intersex individuals may identify with the gender they were assigned at birth, or a different gender identity altogether.
In conclusion, gender identity is a complex and multifaceted concept that extends well beyond the traditional binary of male and female. With greater awareness and acceptance of these diverse gender identities, society can become more inclusive and understanding for all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.
