The concept of fourth gender refers to gender identities that fall outside the traditional male-female binary. Some cultures recognize third, fourth, or even fifth genders that exist beyond just “man” and “woman.” The fourth gender encompasses a wide spectrum of identities that do not conform to the Western gender binary.
What does fourth gender mean?
Fourth gender is an umbrella term used to describe gender identities that are not exclusively male or female. Some examples of fourth gender identities include:
- Agender – having no gender identity or neutral gender
- Bigender – having two distinct gender identities that may be male/female, male/neutral, or female/neutral
- Genderfluid – having a gender that fluctuates between different identities
- Genderqueer – Having a gender that falls somewhere between male and female or outside the binary
People who identify as fourth gender may use a variety of pronouns like they/them, ze/hir, xe/xem, or ey/em. Fourth gender individuals do not identify within the traditional gender norms of masculine or feminine presentation. Their gender expression can be fluid and does not align with social expectations.
Is fourth gender a new concept?
While the term “fourth gender” may seem modern, the existence of more than two genders actually has historical precedent in many cultures worldwide. Some examples include:
- Hijras – Recognized third gender in Indian subcontinent dating back thousands of years
- Two-spirit – Gender identity in many Native American tribes for individuals embodying both masculine and feminine spirits
- Fa’afafine – Third gender identity in Samoan culture, translating to “the way of the woman”
- Sworn virgins – Albanian women who take vows of celibacy and enjoy male social privileges
The recognition of more than two genders can be traced back to ancient Sumerian, Babylonian, and Egyptian cultures. The Abrahamic religions contributed to the rejection of gender fluidity in Western society. But many cultures retained more open conceptions of gender into modern times.
What cultures recognize a fourth gender?
Here are some examples of cultures that traditionally recognize fourth gender roles:
South Asia
- Hijra – India, Pakistan, Bangladesh
- Khwaja sira – Pakistan
- Meti – Nepal
Southeast Asia
- Waria – Indonesia
- Mak nyah – Malaysia
- Kathoey – Thailand
- Asog/Bayugin – Philippines
Pacific Islands
- Fa’afafine – Samoa
- Fakaleiti or leiti – Tonga
- Māhū – Hawaii, Tahiti
- Vaka sa lewa lewa – Fiji
Additionally, many Native American tribes recognized third, fourth, and sometimes even fifth gender roles historically. While specific terms varied between tribes, some common identities were Two-Spirit, Berdache, and Winkte.
What pronouns do fourth gender individuals use?
People who identify as fourth gender or outside the gender binary may use a variety of pronouns, including:
- They/them
- Xe/xem
- Ze/hir
- Ey/em
- Thon
Some fourth gender individuals mix pronouns or use he/him, she/her, or no pronouns interchangeably. Most prefer gender-neutral descriptors like person, individual, or human rather than gendered terms like man/woman. It is always respectful to ask someone’s pronouns rather than assume based on appearance.
Is fourth gender related to sexual orientation?
Gender identity and sexual orientation are separate concepts. Fourth gender refers specifically to one’s internal sense of self as male, female, both, or neither. It does not indicate anything about who a person is sexually or romantically attracted to.
Fourth gender people may identify as straight, gay/lesbian, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, or queer. Because fourth gender individuals do not conform to the gender binary, some prefer to use orientation labels like skoliosexual, ceterosexual, or enbian that describe attraction to nonbinary genders.
What is gender dysphoria?
Gender dysphoria is the medical diagnosis for when someone experiences significant distress due to the mismatch between their assigned sex at birth and their actual gender identity. Gender dysphoria is sometimes used to describe the anxiety, depression, and discomfort transgender and fourth gender individuals experience when their outward presentation does not align with their internal sense of self.
Not all transgender or fourth gender people experience gender dysphoria. But for those who do, transitioning socially and/or medically is often the treatment to alleviate dysphoria. Steps may include:
- Adopting gender-affirming hairstyles, clothing, name, pronouns
- Hormone therapy like testosterone or estrogen
- Gender confirmation surgeries – top surgery, bottom surgery
By taking steps to outwardly affirm their inner selves, individuals with gender dysphoria can find happiness, health, and wholeness.
Is fourth gender the same as non-binary?
Fourth gender identities fall under the larger non-binary umbrella, but the two terms are not synonymous. Non-binary refers to any gender identity that exists outside of the male-female gender binary. The most common non-binary identities include:
- Agender
- Bigender
- Genderfluid
- Genderqueer
So while fourth gender describes more specific identities, non-binary is the broader, more inclusive descriptor for anything that is not exclusively male or female. All fourth genders are non-binary, but not all non-binary people identify as fourth gender.
Is gender a social construct?
There are differing views on whether gender identity is innate or socially constructed. Some of the key perspectives include:
- Innate gender: Gender identity arises from biological factors like genetics, hormones, and brain structure. Under this view, gender exists on a biological spectrum and is inherent from birth.
- Social constructionism: Gender is a product of socialization, not biology. Societal norms, expectations, and roles shape gender identity. This perspective sees gender as highly malleable.
- Interactionist theory: Gender involves an interplay between biological traits and socialization. Biological factors may predispose certain gender identities that are then influenced by cultural roles and stereotypes.
Overall, the diversity of gender expression across history and cultures suggests gender is partially socially constructed. But biology may contribute by predisposing individuals toward identities along the gender spectrum.
How common are fourth gender identities?
Estimates vary, but a 2016 study found that 0.6% of U.S adults identify as fourth gender or transgender. A higher percentage identified more broadly as LGBTQ. Rates are higher among younger generations, with about 1.8% of Gen Z youth in one survey identifying as fourth gender or trans.
However, social stigma means gender diverse populations are likely undercounted. As awareness and acceptance grows, more fourth gender and transgender people may openly express their identities.
Percentage of U.S. Adults Identifying as Fourth Gender or Transgender
| Generation | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Gen Z | 1.8% |
| Millennials | 0.7% |
| Gen X | 0.6% |
| Baby Boomers | 0.5% |
| Overall | 0.6% |
Rates also vary substantially worldwide based on cultural beliefs around gender. Fourth gender roles remain highly prevalent in cultures like the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and some Pacific Islands.
What is gender confirmation surgery?
Gender confirmation surgery (GCS) refers to any surgical procedures that help align someone’s physical body with their gender identity. Types of GCS include:
- Top surgery – Breast augmentation or removal to create a masculine or feminine chest
- Bottom surgery – Genital reconstruction to create male or female anatomy
- Facial feminization – Reshaping facial bone structure to appear more feminine
- Vocal surgery – Altering vocal cord tissue or Adam’s apple to change speech patterns
GCS procedures are highly personalized to each patient’s individual needs and desires. Not all fourth gender people choose to undergo GCS. But for those with severe dysphoria, it can greatly improve mental health, quality of life, and self-image.
Are there biological causes of fourth gender identities?
Research into biological factors that may contribute to fourth gender identities is ongoing. Some potential influences include:
- Genetics – Studies of twins suggest possible hereditary genetic components of gender dysphoria.
- Prenatal hormones – Hormone levels in the womb may impact brain development and gender identity later on.
- Brain structure – Transgender individuals have shown brain structure and activity patterns more typical of their gender identity than their assigned sex at birth.
However, human gender involves complex interactions between genes, hormones, neural networks, environment, and experience. Our understanding of the biological basis for gender diversity remains limited.
What discrimination do fourth gender people face?
Like others in the LGBTQ community, fourth gender individuals face pervasive prejudice and discrimination in many societies. Some of the key issues include:
- Bullying and harassment for gender nonconformity
- Lack of legal protections from discrimination in employment, housing, healthcare
- Bathroom restrictions targeting transgender people
- Violence and hate crimes
- Stigma and rejection from family or religious communities
This discrimination contributes to disproportionately high rates of mental illness, homelessness, and suicide risk among fourth gender populations. Advocacy to combat transphobia and provide legal protections is crucial.
Conclusion
The concept of fourth gender challenges the limitations of the Western male-female binary. Fourth gender identities have existed in various cultural forms for thousands of years. While frequently misunderstood, fourth gender individuals simply seek to express their authentic selves and live freely as human beings. Greater awareness and acceptance is needed to ensure equality, dignity, and safety for fourth gender people in society.