As we celebrate LGBTQ Pride Day on June 28th, it’s crucial to recognize and honour the diverse spectrum of gender identities that make up our vibrant community. The concept of gender has certainly evolved far beyond the traditional binary understanding, embracing a more inclusive and nuanced view. This journey through the myriad of gender identities is not just about labels—it’s also about understanding and respecting the unique experiences of each individual.

A Spectrum of Identities: Beyond the Binary

The traditional view of gender as solely male or female is increasingly being seen as restrictive and outdated. The reality is far more complex, with numerous identities existing beyond the binary framework. Here’s a look at some of the many gender identities recognized today:

A

• ▪ Abinary: Not identifying with the binary genders of male or female.
• ▪ Agender: Lacking a gender or identifying as having no gender.
• ▪ Ambigender: Possessing two genders simultaneously.
• ▪ Androgyne/Androgynous: A mix of both male and female characteristics.
• ▪ Aporagender: A distinct non-binary gender that is separate from male, female, and anything in between.
• ▪ Autigender: A gender identity that is deeply linked to one’s experience with autism.

B

• ▪ Bakla: A Tagalog term for a person assigned male at birth who assumes a female gender role.
• ▪ Bigender: Identifying as two genders, either simultaneously or varying between them.
• ▪ Binary: Identifying strictly as male or female.

C

• ▪ Cisgender: Identifying with the gender assigned at birth.

D

• ▪ Demi-boy/Demi-girl: Partially, but not wholly, identifying as a boy or girl.
• ▪ Demiflux/Demigender: Having a gender that is partially one gender and partially another.
• ▪ Dual gender: Identifying with two genders.

E

• ▪ Endosex: A person whose biological sex characteristics fit typical definitions of male or female.
• ▪ Eunuch: A castrated man, often with a distinct gender identity.

F

• ▪ Female: Identifying as a woman or girl.
• ▪ Female to male (FTM): A person assigned female at birth who identifies as male.
• ▪ Femme: Identifying with femininity, regardless of the gender assigned at birth.

G

• ▪ Gender bender: Someone who disrupts or “bends” traditional gender roles.
• ▪ Gender diverse: A broad term encompassing many gender identities.
• ▪ Genderfluid: Moving between genders.
• ▪ Genderflux: A fluctuating gender identity.
• ▪ Genderqueer: A non-normative or queer gender identity.
• ▪ Gendervague: A gender identity that is blurred due to neurodivergence.

H

• ▪ Heterosexual: Typically refers to being attracted to the opposite gender, but can intersect with various gender identities.
• ▪ Hijra: A South Asian term for transgender or intersex individuals.

I

• ▪ Intergender: Existing between genders.
• ▪ Intersex: Born with sex characteristics that don’t fit typical definitions of male or female.

K

• ▪ Kathoey: A Thai term for transgender women or effeminate gay men.

M

• ▪ Male: Identifying as a man or boy.
• ▪ Male to female (MTF): A person assigned male at birth who identifies as female.
• ▪ Maverique: A non-binary gender identity characterized by autonomy and independence.
• ▪ Multigender: Identifying with multiple genders.

N

• ▪ Neurogender: A gender identity that is linked to one’s neurodivergence.
• ▪ Neutrois: A neutral or null gender.
• ▪ Non-binary: An umbrella term for gender identities outside the binary of male and female.

O

• ▪ Omnigender: Identifying with all genders.

P

• ▪ Pangender: Identifying with a wide range of genders.
• ▪ Polygender: Identifying with multiple genders simultaneously.

Q

• ▪ Queer: A broad term that encompasses a variety of gender and sexual identities that are not heterosexual or cisgender.

S

• ▪ Sekhet: An Egyptian term for gender fluidity.
• ▪ Straight: Typically refers to being attracted to the opposite sex, though some straight individuals can have varied gender identities.

T

• ▪ Third gender: Identifying as a gender outside of male and female.
• ▪ Trans: A broad term for individuals whose gender identity differs from the sex they were assigned at birth.
• ▪ Transfeminine/Transmasculine: Transgender individuals who identify more closely with feminine/masculine gender roles.

W

• ▪ Winkte: A Lakota term for people who are two-spirit.

X

• ▪ X-gender: A Japanese term for gender identities outside the binary.
• ▪ Xenogender: A gender identity that cannot be contained within the typical understandings of gender and is often linked to metaphysical concepts.

Embracing the Rainbow: The Importance of Recognition

Recognizing and respecting these diverse identities is crucial for fostering an inclusive society. Each identity represents a unique experience and perspective, contributing to the rich tapestry of human diversity. Finally, on LGBTQ Pride Day and every day, let’s celebrate and honour all gender identities, ensuring everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.

In this journey of understanding, remember that gender identity is deeply personal and varies greatly from one individual to another. Respecting each person’s self-identified gender is a fundamental part of supporting and validating their lived experience.