Am i gender fluid
Other Terms, Pronouns, and More
Being gender-fluid means that the gender a person identifies as changes over time.
Some people identify as one gender their whole life. For others, it’s a lot more dynamic, and their gender identity shifts over time.
These people might refer to themselves as “gender-fluid,” which means their gender can change.
Some, but not all, gender-fluid people are transgender.
Gender-fluid people are people whose gender changes over time. A gender-fluid person might identify as a woman one day and a man the next.
They might also identify as agender, bigender, or another nonbinary identity.
Some gender-fluid people feel that the changes in their identity are extreme, while others might feel that they’re arbitrary.
Their gender might change quickly — in a matter of hours — or slowly, over months or even years.
When they realize their gender identity has changed, they might or might not change their gender expression — how they dress and present themselves, for example — and their pronouns.
For many gender-fluid people, it’s an internal shift they might not want to express outwardly.
Not exactly.
While a gender-fluid person’s gender changes over time, a genderqueer person’s gender might not.
There’s a little controversy when it comes to the definition of genderqueer. Generally, genderqueer people don’t identify exclusively as male or female, or their experiences of gender are “queer” — that is, not conforming to the mainstream.
That said, you can be both genderqueer and gender-fluid.
No. Most people do classify gender-fluid people as being nonbinary, and many gender-fluid people feel that they fall under the banner of “nonbinary.”
However, many nonbinary people don’t feel like their gender changes over time, and thus, those people aren’t gender-fluid.
Along with gender-fluid, nonbinary people might be one or more of the following:
- agender
- bigender
- pangender
- androgynous
- neutrois
- demigender
Bear in mind that this isn’t a complete list. There are hundreds of words out there that people can use to describe their gender. Those are just some of the most commonly used terms.
If you want something more comprehensive, take a look at our list of 64 terms that describe gender expression and identity.
The sex assigned at birth may not be a choice — but the labels you choose to describe yourself are totally up to you.
You get to decide which terms describe you the best. And, if you’d like, you don’t have to put a label on it at all!
One hard thing about figuring out your gender is that gender means different things to different people.
On the one hand, this is great: It means you get to define how you express your gender. On the other hand, it’s hard to know exactly whether one term will suit you.
Every gender-fluid person is different, and every gender-fluid person’s experience of gender is different.
If you’re interested in figuring out whether you’re gender-fluid, you can explore it in a few different ways. Here are some ideas:
- Think deeply about your gender. Ideally, how would you identify if you were free of social pressure? If you could choose any gender and gender presentation, which would it be? Do your feelings change? Journaling about this might help.
- Dig into the available resources. Read articles and books about gender identity, watch relevant YouTube videos, and follow accounts of people and organizations that discuss gender identity. Learning about other people’s experiences can help you articulate your own.
- Connect with other nonbinary, gender-fluid, genderqueer, or gender-questioning people. There are many online forums for this purpose. Talking about your identity, and listening to others’ experiences, may help you figure it out for yourself.
Remember, you can always change your mind about the label you use. If you use “gender-fluid” to start and later feel that “nonbinary” or “genderqueer” feels better for you, that’s totally OK!
Yes! If you feel that more than one term explains your gender, you’re welcome to use as many as you want.
Definitely. This is the exact sentiment that’s captured by the term “gender-fluid” — that gender identity can change over time. The terms you use to describe your gender can also change over time.
That’s OK, too!
You don’t have to choose a description if you don’t want to. Ideally, you shouldn’t feel pressured to identify as anything unless you want to.
However, it can be helpful to find a description that suits you. It can help you feel less alone and more validated. It could also help you find a community and express your gender to others.
If you’d like to find a descriptor, read up online. There are many different terms for gender out there. One or more of these might fit you.
Gender-fluid people can use whatever pronouns they’d like. Some gender-fluid people use they, them, and their pronouns.
Others might use she/her/hers, he/him/his, or neopronouns, like xe/xem/xyr.
Some gender-fluid people’s pronouns change along with their gender. On one day, they might prefer they, them, and their, and on another day, they might use she, her, and hers.
If you want to learn more about being gender-fluid or nonbinary, there are many places where you can find more resources:
- Nonbinary Wiki is a wiki-type site that includes a lot of information relating to gender identities.
- Neutrois is a great resource for people who think they may be neutrois (also referred to as agender or genderless).
- Genderqueer.me has a thorough list of resources for trans and nonbinary people, as well as people who are genderqueer, gender-fluid, or questioning their gender.
- Take a look at Book Riot’s list of books about gender identity, which includes both fiction and nonfiction books.
- If you’d like to learn more about gender, view our list of 64 different terms to describe gender identity and expression.
Sian Ferguson is a freelance health and cannabis writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. She’s passionate about empowering readers to take care of their mental and physical health through science-based, empathetically delivered information.
Other Terms, Pronouns, and More
Being gender-fluid means that the gender a person identifies as changes over time.
Some people identify as one gender their whole life. For others, it’s a lot more dynamic, and their gender identity shifts over time.
These people might refer to themselves as “gender-fluid,” which means their gender can change.
Some, but not all, gender-fluid people are transgender.
Gender-fluid people are people whose gender changes over time. A gender-fluid person might identify as a woman one day and a man the next.
They might also identify as agender, bigender, or another nonbinary identity.
Some gender-fluid people feel that the changes in their identity are extreme, while others might feel that they’re arbitrary.
Their gender might change quickly — in a matter of hours — or slowly, over months or even years.
When they realize their gender identity has changed, they might or might not change their gender expression — how they dress and present themselves, for example — and their pronouns.
For many gender-fluid people, it’s an internal shift they might not want to express outwardly.
Not exactly.
While a gender-fluid person’s gender changes over time, a genderqueer person’s gender might not.
There’s a little controversy when it comes to the definition of genderqueer. Generally, genderqueer people don’t identify exclusively as male or female, or their experiences of gender are “queer” — that is, not conforming to the mainstream.
That said, you can be both genderqueer and gender-fluid.
No. Most people do classify gender-fluid people as being nonbinary, and many gender-fluid people feel that they fall under the banner of “nonbinary.”
However, many nonbinary people don’t feel like their gender changes over time, and thus, those people aren’t gender-fluid.
Along with gender-fluid, nonbinary people might be one or more of the following:
- agender
- bigender
- pangender
- androgynous
- neutrois
- demigender
Bear in mind that this isn’t a complete list. There are hundreds of words out there that people can use to describe their gender. Those are just some of the most commonly used terms.
If you want something more comprehensive, take a look at our list of 64 terms that describe gender expression and identity.
The sex assigned at birth may not be a choice — but the labels you choose to describe yourself are totally up to you.
You get to decide which terms describe you the best. And, if you’d like, you don’t have to put a label on it at all!
One hard thing about figuring out your gender is that gender means different things to different people.
On the one hand, this is great: It means you get to define how you express your gender. On the other hand, it’s hard to know exactly whether one term will suit you.
Every gender-fluid person is different, and every gender-fluid person’s experience of gender is different.
If you’re interested in figuring out whether you’re gender-fluid, you can explore it in a few different ways. Here are some ideas:
- Think deeply about your gender. Ideally, how would you identify if you were free of social pressure? If you could choose any gender and gender presentation, which would it be? Do your feelings change? Journaling about this might help.
- Dig into the available resources. Read articles and books about gender identity, watch relevant YouTube videos, and follow accounts of people and organizations that discuss gender identity. Learning about other people’s experiences can help you articulate your own.
- Connect with other nonbinary, gender-fluid, genderqueer, or gender-questioning people. There are many online forums for this purpose. Talking about your identity, and listening to others’ experiences, may help you figure it out for yourself.
Remember, you can always change your mind about the label you use. If you use “gender-fluid” to start and later feel that “nonbinary” or “genderqueer” feels better for you, that’s totally OK!
Yes! If you feel that more than one term explains your gender, you’re welcome to use as many as you want.
Definitely. This is the exact sentiment that’s captured by the term “gender-fluid” — that gender identity can change over time. The terms you use to describe your gender can also change over time.
That’s OK, too!
You don’t have to choose a description if you don’t want to. Ideally, you shouldn’t feel pressured to identify as anything unless you want to.
However, it can be helpful to find a description that suits you. It can help you feel less alone and more validated. It could also help you find a community and express your gender to others.
If you’d like to find a descriptor, read up online. There are many different terms for gender out there. One or more of these might fit you.
Gender-fluid people can use whatever pronouns they’d like. Some gender-fluid people use they, them, and their pronouns.
Others might use she/her/hers, he/him/his, or neopronouns, like xe/xem/xyr.
Some gender-fluid people’s pronouns change along with their gender. On one day, they might prefer they, them, and their, and on another day, they might use she, her, and hers.
If you want to learn more about being gender-fluid or nonbinary, there are many places where you can find more resources:
- Nonbinary Wiki is a wiki-type site that includes a lot of information relating to gender identities.
- Neutrois is a great resource for people who think they may be neutrois (also referred to as agender or genderless).
- Genderqueer.me has a thorough list of resources for trans and nonbinary people, as well as people who are genderqueer, gender-fluid, or questioning their gender.
- Take a look at Book Riot’s list of books about gender identity, which includes both fiction and nonfiction books.
- If you’d like to learn more about gender, view our list of 64 different terms to describe gender identity and expression.
Sian Ferguson is a freelance health and cannabis writer based in Cape Town, South Africa. She’s passionate about empowering readers to take care of their mental and physical health through science-based, empathetically delivered information.
Gender fluidity in fashion: what is it
The trend that finally erased the boundaries between the sexes.
If you've been browsing photos of the new collections of famous fashion houses recently, you've probably noticed that designers dress women in shouldered jackets and brutal coats, and men in lace blouses and floral dresses. Or in general they offer both to wear the same thing. Let's figure out what it is!
What is gender fluidity?The term "genderfluid" became popular thanks to social networks, where in interest groups people shared and continue to share their thoughts and feelings about unstable gender identity. On Facebook, by the way, when registering, you can choose one of 56 types of genders, including “genderfluid”.
Famous gender fluids: Ruby Rose, Miley Cyrus, Cara Delevingne and Gerard Way.
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Post by Cara Delevingne (@caradelevingne)
Gender fluidity in fashion
Designers began to play all sorts of “dressing rooms” 40 years ago. Rock stars in high heels with long hair and fiery makeup inspired people of creative professions, despite the efforts of conservatives. In the 80s, shoulders became wider, shadows became brighter, and pantsuits became an integral part of the women's wardrobe.
The actor, singer and drag queen Rupaul caused a new round of popularity of gender fluidity - he became the first drag queen artist to gain wide public fame. Jean-Paul Gaultier, designers Prada, Gucci and Givenchy began to study the topic. What did it all lead to?
Besides, today no one will be surprised if a guy suddenly decides to try on his girlfriend's clothes. Moreover, hardened fashionistas are not alien to the joy of acquiring pearl beads, blouses with bows, bras made of crystals and tights (men's tights).
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Posted by Gucci Official (@gucci)
Don't confuse gender fluidity with unisex style, which has always been based on men's suits. Today, men's clothing borrows textures, patterns, fabrics, colors and cuts from the women's wardrobe.
How do you feel about this fashion: do you think it's just a way to attract attention or really the dictates of the heart?
Read also: 5 most fashionable prints that will be at the peak of popularity in the summer.
Tags Cloth Psychology
Small Dictionary of Gender Terms - Gay Alliance Ukraine
Recent CBSN documentary Gender | The Space Between ”(Gender | Interspace) made the viewer plunge into the complexities of gender identity and gender expression.
In recent years, transgender people have become more visible and appear more and more in the press and on television. And that is great. However, the gender spectrum is generally seen as something limited. Society continues to focus on the fact that there are only two "poles" in the world: a man and a woman. Many do not want to understand that in fact the gender scale is much wider, and different gender terms and gradations are not available to them.
Gender identity is a very personal part of who we are, who we feel, how we perceive ourselves and how we express ourselves. This has little to do with sex, body structure or sexual orientation: of course, there are intersections, but our “biological make-up” or the people who attract us are a separate subject of conversation.
Due to the fact that gender issues began to talk much more often, a large number of new terms have appeared that people use to describe themselves depending on their gender identity. This area of linguistics is developing dynamically. We want to offer something like a small educational program. Of course, it will not be possible to cover the entire gender vocabulary in one publication, however, these definitions will help to understand how multi-layered the very concept of gender is.
Agender
This term refers to people whose gender identity is neither male, nor female, nor any other. In other words, agenders don't see themselves on the gender scale at all. The term "gender-neutral" is sometimes used as a synonym.
See also: Man from Oregon officially recognized as an agender by court order
Androgynous (androgynous)
From a gender point of view, this is a person who presents and / or identifies himself as a person who is not distinguished by either pronounced female or pronounced male features. Often, androgynous people are called people who have an appearance, with a visual assessment of which it is difficult or impossible to determine their gender. However, do not forget that appearance and gender are concepts that belong to completely different categories.
bigender
Self-determination of a person who identifies himself as a person who has both feminine and masculine features. Some bigenders believe that female manifestations in them are stronger than male ones, or vice versa. Others say that both are equally present in them. But it is definitely present.
Bryn Solomon, NYU student who identifies as agender
Gender dysphoria
their gender status as male or female according to the sex assigned at birth.
In the International Classification of Diseases (WHO regulation) of the 11th revision, which should come into force next year, the entire block "Gender identity disorders (transgender)" has been replaced by "Gender incongruence" (gender inconsistency). In addition, in this document, gender dysphoria is no longer listed in the Mental and Behavioral Disorders section and will be moved to the Sexology section. People suffering from gender dysphoria are prescribed gender reassignment procedures.
See also: Transgender musician Jamie Wilson: "Don't judge a book by its cover"
Gender expression their gender identity. Gender expression may or may not conform to social norms and characteristics of male or female behaviour.
Gender fluid
"Fluid" in English - liquid, therefore, we are talking about "fluidity", variability.
The gender fluid does not identify with the same gender all the time: its gender sensations shift or change depending on the social context. Unlike bigenders, in which the characteristics inherent in men and women are always present to varying degrees, gender fluids can feel that they are either men, or women, or possessing traits of both sexes.
Drag queen Jinx Monsun (Jeric Hoffer), winner of the fifth season of RuPaul's Drag Race, does not recognize himself as a gender binary
Gender identity (gender identity) etc. How people perceive themselves is how they call themselves. Gender identity can coincide with physical gender, or it can differ from it, sometimes exactly the opposite.
Gender non-conforming
A term commonly used to refer to people who do not "live up" with traditional gender expectations or who do not fit into accepted categories of gender expression.
Gender questioning, doubting (gender questioning)
A person who is in the process of gender self-identification and has not fully decided on his gender feelings.
Genderqueer
This term refers to people who reject ideas of static gender categories, who accept the "fluidity" of gender identity and often, although not always, sexual orientation.
Laura Jane Grace
Genderqueers may view themselves as male, female, or not. At the same time, the physical gender of a person - congenital or acquired as a result of correction - does not matter. For example, the soloist of the punk band Against Me calls herself genderqueer! Laura Jane Grace, born and lived most of her life as a male, came out as a transgender a few years ago and went through a process of gender transformation.
Queer
An umbrella term increasingly used in a broad sense to refer to people belonging to the LGBT+ community. At the same time, we recall once again that gender identity cannot be rigidly tied to sexual orientation.
From English, the word "queer" is translated as "weird", until recently it was considered an insult to gays, lesbians and anyone who did not conform to heteronormative and gender binary settings. Over time, the word almost lost its negative connotation and began to be used to describe all members of the community.
"Dead name" (dead name)
There is no exact analogue of this term in Russian. In English, the words "birth name" characterize the name received at birth. However, many transgender people who were born, as they say, "in a strange body", for obvious reasons, do not like their "birth name", as it often does not correspond to their gender identity. That is why they call it "dead name".
misgender
Description of the situation when a person is called by pronouns that do not correspond to his gender identity or the gender with which he identifies himself. In some languages, these are third-person pronouns (“he”, “she”), in others the matter is not limited to them. For example, in Hebrew, the analogues of the pronoun "you" are both feminine and masculine.
Non-binary
Any gender identity that does not fit into the male/female binary coordinate system.
Transition
In English, the word "transition" has many meanings, including "rebirth". This term is used in relation to transgender people and refers to the process of gender transformation: roughly speaking, the change of the sex received at birth to the one with which the person identifies himself. However, the “transition” is not only medical procedures, but also social adaptation in the desired gender role, as well as legal paperwork.
Gender (sex)
In this case, we are talking about the physical gender assigned at birth. In infants, it is determined by the appearance of the genitals and the anatomical structure.
Transgender
Another umbrella term used for people whose gender identity and/or expression differs from cultural and social expectations associated with gender. A narrower term, transgender, is used to refer to those whose gender, which was recorded on the birth certificate, does not correspond to the psychological one, regardless of whether this person has made the transition or not.
Many do not like this word, believing that the concept of “transsexuality” has a pronounced clinical connotation and is associated with times when people suffering from gender dysphoria were considered mentally ill.
Two-spirit
Literally "two-spirit" is translated as "possessor of two spirits" or souls. Often used in relation to genderqueers - representatives of the indigenous population of America, as well as other nations and tribes where such people were revered and considered special.
This practice was widespread among Indian tribes. People with characteristics of both sexes were called berdash. "Two Spirits" were sometimes considered gays and lesbians, but most often those who today we call transgender. Such people were treated as full members of the community, and their gender identity was treated with respect.
cisgender
A term used for people whose gender identity matches the physical sex assigned at birth. Simply put, cisgender is the antonym of transgender. A cisgender person (like a transgender person) can be heterosexual, bi- or homosexual, the main thing is that he fully identifies himself with his "innate" gender.