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Gender Terminology 
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Gender Related Terminology
It’s important to understand the terms used when we are talking about gender variance. It may seem that learning the terms is half the battle. By understanding the language, we are not so confused about how it applies to our own child, and we are better able to find the support and resources we need. Biological Sex: Biological sex refers to our physical anatomy. Biological sex is used to assign gender at birth. Although most people think that there are only two options—male and female—this is not true. Scientific data and research show that biological sex is far more varied. Many variables factor into biological sex; for example, a person’s anatomy and chromosomes. These and other factors combine to make biological sex much more complex than two distinct categories. Sexual Orientation: Sexual orientation is a term that refers to being romantically or sexually attracted to people of a specific gender. Our sexual orientation and our gender identity are separate, distinct parts of our overall identity. Although a child may not yet be aware of their sexual orientation, they usually have a strong sense of their gender identity. Gender Identity: Unlike biological sex—which is assigned by others based on physical characteristics—gender identity refers to our internalized, deeply felt sense of being male, female, both, or neither. It can be different from the biological sex we were assigned at birth. Society is beginning to recognize that there are more than two categories of gender identity and is creating newly defined terms to reflect these normal variations of gender. Because gender identity is internal and personally defined, it is not visible to others—it is determined by the individual alone. Most of us have an early sense of our gender identity, and we may begin voicing this between the ages of two and four. This is not the only time a child’s sense of gender identity deepens or solidifies; it may occur at other developmental stages, such as early adolescence or young adulthood. It may remain stable over time, or it may change. Gender Expression: In contrast to gender identity, gender expression is external and is what society perceives. It encompasses everything that communicates our gender to others: clothing, hair styles, body language, mannerisms, how we speak, how we play, and our social interactions and roles. Most people have some blend of masculine and feminine qualities that comprise their gender expression, and this expression can also vary depending on the social context. Gender Variance/Gender Non-Conformity: Gender variance refers to behaviors and interests that fit outside of what we consider ‘normal’ for a child’s assigned biological sex. We think of these children as having interests that are more typical of the “opposite” sex; for example, a girl who insists on having short hair and prefers to play football with the boys, or a boy who wears dresses and wishes to be a princess. These are considered gender-variant or gender non-conforming behaviors and interests. It should be noted that gender variance does not typically apply to children who have only a brief, passing curiosity in trying out these behaviors or interests. Transgender/Crossgender: These terms, which are used interchangeably, refer to an individual whose gender identity does not match their assigned birth gender. For example, a transgender child may self-identify as a girl but was born biologically male. Being crossgender or transgender does not imply any specific sexual orientation (attraction to people of a specific gender.) Therefore, transgender and crossgender people may additionally identify as straight, gay, lesbian, or bisexual. In its broadest sense, the term transgender encompasses anyone whose identity or behavior falls outside of stereotypical gender norms. Gender Fluidity: Gender fluidity conveys a wider, more flexible range of gender expression, with interests and behaviors that may even change from day to day. Gender fluid children do not feel confined by restrictive boundaries of stereotypical expectations of girls or boys. For some children, gender fluidity extends beyond behavior and interests, and actually serves to specifically define their gender identity. In other words, a child may feel they are a girl some days and a boy on others, or possibly feel that neither term describes them accurately. Their identity is seen as being gender fluid. Genderqueer: Genderqueer is a term that is growing in usage, representing a blurring of the lines surrounding society’s rigid views of both gender identity and sexual orientation. Genderqueer people embrace a fluidity of gender expression that is not limiting. They may not identify as male or female, but as both, neither, or as a blend. Similarly, genderqueer is a more inclusive term with respect to sexual orientation. It does not limit a person to identifying strictly as heterosexual or homosexual. (Note: This term is NOT typically used in connection with gender identity in pre-adolescent children) |
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