List of gender identities

What is Gender Identity?

When we talk about gender identity, we're delving into a profound aspect of who a person is: their internal, deeply felt sense of being a man, a woman, both, neither, or somewhere else along the spectrum. It's a fundamental part of self-perception that often develops early in life.

Crucially, gender identity is distinct from 'sex assigned at birth,' which refers to the biological characteristics — like chromosomes, hormones, and anatomy — typically used to label someone as male or female at birth. While these are often aligned, they are not always the same thing.

The Familiar and the Diverse

Many people identify with the gender corresponding to their sex assigned at birth; this is known as being cisgender. A cisgender woman, for instance, was assigned female at birth and identifies as a woman. Similarly, a cisgender man was assigned male at birth and identifies as a man.

For others, their gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth. These individuals are broadly described as transgender. A trans man, for example, was assigned female at birth but identifies as a man, while a trans woman was assigned male at birth but identifies as a woman. This umbrella term includes many unique experiences.

Beyond the Binary

The concept of a 'gender binary' suggests that there are only two genders: male and female. However, many people find that their identity doesn't fit neatly into either of these categories. These identities are often grouped under the umbrella term 'non-binary'.

Non-binary individuals don't subscribe to the traditional gender binary but may identify with neither, both, or beyond male and female. It's a rich and varied spectrum itself, encompassing a multitude of specific identities.

Fluid and Flexible Identities

Some identities are characterized by their dynamic nature. A genderfluid person, for example, experiences shifts in their gender identity over time, feeling more masculine or feminine, or more like a man or woman at different moments. Genderflux describes a similar experience, where the intensity of one's gender fluctuates.

Identities Without Gender

On the other end of the spectrum are identities that describe little to no gender. Agender individuals often identify as having no gender at all, feeling genderless or neutrois. Gendervoid and genderblank similarly capture a sense of emptiness or absence where gender might typically be.

Multiple or Partial Genders

Then there are those who experience multiple genders simultaneously or partially. Bigender individuals identify as two genders, while trigender, polygender, and pangender describe identifying with three, many, or all genders, respectively.

Demigender identities represent a partial connection to a gender. For instance, a demi-boy feels partially, but not fully, a boy or man, and a demi-girl feels partially a girl or woman. This nuance allows for specific and accurate self-description.

Metaphorical and Experiential Genders

Some identities draw on metaphor or deeply personal experience to describe themselves. Xenogenders, for example, are gender identities that reference ideas outside of conventional gender, often using concepts like textures, shapes, or even animals to convey a unique internal experience of gender.

Cultural Understandings of Gender

It's important to remember that understandings of gender are not universal. Across cultures, various societies have long recognized gender identities beyond a simple male/female binary. These culturally specific roles often hold unique spiritual, social, and ceremonial significance.

Examples include the Two-Spirit people among many Indigenous North American cultures, the Faʻafafine in Samoa, and the Muxe in Oaxaca, Mexico. These identities are deeply embedded within their cultural contexts and highlight the historical and global diversity of gender.

An Evolving Language

The language we use to discuss gender identity is constantly evolving as our understanding deepens. New terms emerge to precisely articulate internal experiences, and older terms gain new prominence or understanding. This dynamic reflects an ongoing journey of self-discovery and collective empathy.

Ultimately, a list of gender identities is more than just a dictionary; it's a testament to the boundless ways humans experience and express themselves. Recognizing and respecting this incredible diversity enriches us all and fosters a more inclusive world where everyone can thrive authentically.