Gender identity and expression are complex topics that are continuing to be explored and understood in our society. While the binary gender model of male/female is common, there are actually many more gender identities that people may identify with. This article will provide an overview of 7 different gender types.
Gender Identity vs Gender Expression
Before diving into the different gender identities, it’s important to understand the difference between gender identity and gender expression. Gender identity refers to one’s internal sense of self as male, female, both, or neither. It is a deeply held feeling that typically develops in early childhood. Gender expression refers to how one presents their gender through clothing, appearance, mannerisms, speech patterns, and more. Gender identity and gender expression do not always align for all people.
Binary Genders – Male and Female
The most commonly known gender identities are male and female. These binary genders of male/man/boy and female/woman/girl are assigned at birth based on biological sex characteristics. Many cultures reinforce strict gender roles and expectations that are associated with being male or female. However, not everyone fits neatly into these binary gender boxes.
Male
Someone who identifies as a male, man, or boy feels their internal gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. They feel comfortable expressing their gender through masculine clothing, behaviors, names, and pronouns (he/him/his).
Female
Someone who identifies as a female, woman, or girl feels their internal gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. They feel comfortable expressing their gender through feminine clothing, behaviors, names, and pronouns (she/her/hers).
Non-Binary Genders
Non-binary is an umbrella term for any gender identity that falls outside of the male-female binary. Instead of strictly being a man or woman, non-binary individuals experience their gender in a more fluid way. There are many different non-binary identities that people may connect with. Here are 5 of the most common types.
Genderfluid
Genderfluid refers to someone whose gender identity shifts or fluctuates over time. A genderfluid person may feel more feminine some days and more masculine on other days. Their gender expression and pronouns may also vary. The shifts can happen daily, weekly, monthly, or at other intervals. Genderfluid people do not feel confined by binary gender norms.
Agender
Agender refers to having no gender identity or a neutral gender. Agender people typically use they/them pronouns, avoid gendered language to describe themselves, and express themselves in a gender neutral way. They feel their internal sense of self and how they wish to be perceived does not fit with any gender.
Genderqueer
Genderqueer is a broad identity that conveys a non-normative or queer/questioning experience with gender. Genderqueer people have fluid, conditional, or otherwise non-binary gender identities. They challenge the idea that gender must be confined to just two options. Genderqueer people may combine both masculine and feminine expressions.
Gender Non-Conforming
Gender non-conforming refers to people who do not adhere to society’s expectations of gender expression based on the sex they were assigned at birth. They may express themselves androgynously, engage freely in both feminine and masculine behaviors, or appear gender ambiguous in a way that questions the male vs female binary.
Non-Binary
Non-binary can also be used as a specific identity label similar to genderqueer. Non-binary people feel that neither male or female describes their gender accurately. They may fluctuate between genders, reject the gender binary entirely, or feel genderless.
Culturally Specific Non-Binary Genders
Throughout history and across cultures, identities outside of Western male and female binaries have been recognized. Here are 2 examples of culturally-rooted non-binary gender identities.
Two-Spirit
In some Indigenous American and First Nations communities, a two-spirit person is someone who houses both masculine and feminine spirits. They are considered to have a gift that allows them to see the world through multiple perspectives. Two-spirit people hold revered spiritual roles in their communities.
Hijra
In south Asian cultures including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, hijra refers to someone who is assigned male at birth but identifies and expresses in feminine gender roles. They are legally recognized as a third gender with distinct rights. Hijra people have long held important social and cultural roles on the Indian subcontinent.
Moving Toward Acceptance
While non-binary and gender non-conforming identities are gaining more attention today, historical records show that diverse gender expression is not new.
As society gains more understanding about the complexity of gender, acceptance and support for all gender identities continues to grow. There is still more work to be done to ensure equal rights and protections for transgender and non-binary individuals. But the progress made reminds us that prescribed social roles can expand when people embrace diversity.
Conclusion
Gender is complex and personal. While many people identify with the common male and female binary genders, others find that their gender identity or expression falls outside of those norms. Non-binary gender identities like genderfluid, agender, genderqueer, gender non-conforming, and more offer limitless ways for people to authentically see themselves.
Respecting each person’s right to self-identify is key. There is incredible diversity in how people experience and present their gender. Being open-minded to learning about the many manifestations of gender leads to greater equity, inclusion, and understanding in society.