Gender identities

Man A gender identity aligned with manhood/masculinity. A person who identifies as a man may be cisgender, transgender, or otherwise; the label describes identity, not anatomy or role. Gender

Woman A gender identity aligned with womanhood/femininity. A person who identifies as a woman may be cisgender, transgender, or otherwise; the label describes identity, not anatomy or role. Gender

Trans Man Someone who was assigned female at birth (AFAB) and identifies as a man. May or may not pursue medical transition; being a man is about identity. Gender

Trans Woman Someone who was assigned male at birth (AMAB) and identifies as a woman. May or may not pursue medical transition; being a woman is about identity. Gender

Genderfluid An identity where gender shifts over time—sometimes masculine, feminine, both, or neither. This fluidity can be daily, seasonal, or lifelong, reflecting gender as a dynamic, personal experience. Gender

Genderqueer Similar to 'Non-Binary' but often used with a political or activist edge. It challenges conventional gender norms and embraces queerness as a stance of resistance rather than a fixed identity. Gender

Agender A gender identity marked by the absence of gender. It reflects a sense that gender is irrelevant or inapplicable to one's life experience. Gender

Two-Spirit A sacred cultural identity specific to Indigenous North American peoples, embodying both masculine and feminine spirits. It holds cultural, spiritual, and community significance and is not interchangeable with 'trans' or 'non-binary.' Historical Terms

Questioning A valid stage in self-discovery where someone is exploring or uncertain about their gender identity or sexual orientation. It reflects openness and the process of identity formation. Concepts

Androgyne A gender identity or expression blending masculine and feminine traits in a way that feels internally coherent to the person. Gender

Androx A newer non-binary identity related to androgyny; blends or plays with masculine and feminine traits. Gender

Apagender Combines 'apathy' and 'gender' to describe indifference toward gender identity. It represents a stance of disengagement rather than rejection or absence. Gender

Bigender A multigender identity involving two genders, experienced simultaneously or fluidly. Gender

Butch Refers to masculine gender expression, especially in queer and lesbian communities. 'Butch' carries historical significance, while 'Masc' reflects a broader, more modern framing of masculinity. Gender

Crossdresser Someone who wears clothing typically associated with a different gender as a form of expression. Not a gender identity. Preferred modern term. General Slang

Demiboy Someone who is partially connected to boyhood or masculinity while also identifying with another aspect. Gender

Demifem An umbrella term for partially identifying with femininity; not limited to girl/woman labels. Gender

Demigender A partial connection to gender, often combined with other identities. The prefix 'demi' modifies other terms (e.g., demigirl, demiboy), highlighting partial but significant ties to a gender. Gender

Demigirl Someone who is partially connected to girlhood or femininity while also identifying with another aspect (e.g., agender or undefined). Gender

Demiman Someone who is partially connected to manhood/masculinity while also identifying with another aspect. Gender

Demimasc An umbrella term for partially identifying with masculinity; not limited to boy/man labels. Gender

Demivoid An identity blending 'demigender' and 'gendervoid.' It represents partial identification with the absence of gender, paired with other gender elements. Gender

Demiwomen Someone who is partially connected to womanhood/femininity while also identifying with another aspect. Gender

Femme Refers to queer identities embracing femininity as expression or stance. 'Femme' has deep historical roots in lesbian culture and can subvert traditional ideas of womanhood. Gender

Gender Expansive A term that describes gender expressions that exceed traditional masculine and feminine norms. Often used to create supportive space for children and youth. Gender

Gender Non-Conforming (GNC) Refers to gender expressions that differ from societal expectations of masculinity or femininity. This includes clothing, behavior, or presentation, independent of identity. Gender

Genderflux Related to 'Genderfluid,' but focused on intensity. A person may always feel connected to a gender, but the strength of that connection changes, similar to a dimmer switch. Gender

Genderless A gender identity marked by the absence of gender. It reflects a sense that gender is irrelevant or inapplicable to one's life experience. Gender

Gendervoid A specific type of agender experience describing the sense of emptiness or void where gender might otherwise exist. It emphasizes absence rather than neutrality. Gender

Girl A gender identity or expression aligned with girlhood. Often linked to youth, but also used by adults to signal a softer or playful relation to femininity. Gender

Gynx A neologism connected to non-binary or feminine-aligned identities without equating to 'woman.' It extends gender language while resisting binary categories. Gender

Masc Refers to masculine gender expression, especially in queer and lesbian communities. 'Butch' carries historical significance, while 'Masc' reflects a broader, more modern framing of masculinity. Gender

Multigender Describes experiences of having multiple gender identities without limiting them to a specific count. It emphasizes plurality and fluid co-existence. Gender

Pangender An expansive identity where someone identifies with all genders across the spectrum simultaneously. It conveys inclusivity and universality of gender experience. Gender

Plural Describes systems with multiple consciousnesses or identities (such as in DID/OSDD). Each member of a system may hold distinct genders. Included here for its intersection with gender identity. Concepts

Polygender An identity involving multiple genders (more than one), without fixing the exact count. Gender

Transfeminine An umbrella for people (often non-binary or gender-expansive) whose identity leans toward femininity without necessarily identifying strictly as a woman. Gender

Transmasculine An umbrella for people (often non-binary or gender-expansive) whose identity leans toward masculinity without necessarily identifying strictly as a man. Gender

Transvestite An older term for crossdressing. Considered outdated and potentially offensive in many contexts. General Slang

Trigender A multigender identity involving three genders, experienced simultaneously or fluidly. Gender

Unsure A valid stage in self-discovery where someone is exploring or uncertain about their gender identity or sexual orientation. It reflects openness and the process of identity formation. Concepts