Genderqueer is an umbrella term for gender identities that are not exclusively male or female – that is, identities outside of the gender binary. People who identify as genderqueer may:
Identify as both male and female.
Identify as neither male nor female.
Identify somewhere in between male and female.
Identify as a third gender or multiple genders.
Have a gender identity that changes over time.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Outside the Binary: The core of being genderqueer is a gender identity that exists outside the traditional binary of man and woman. This is the defining characteristic.
Umbrella Term: Genderqueer encompasses a wide range of non-binary gender identities. Individuals may use genderqueer as their primary identity, or they may identify with a more specific gender identity that falls under the genderqueer umbrella, such as agender, bigender, genderfluid, etc.
Personal and Unique: Like all gender identities, being genderqueer is a deeply personal experience. There is no single way to "be" genderqueer.
Not Necessarily Related to Sexual Orientation: A person's gender identity is separate from their sexual orientation. A genderqueer person can be attracted to men, women, both, neither, or any other gender.
Not Necessarily Related to Gender Expression: Gender identity (one's internal sense of self as male, female, both, neither, or somewhere else) is distinct from gender expression (how one outwardly presents their gender through clothing, behavior, etc.). A genderqueer person's gender expression can vary widely and may or may not align with societal expectations of masculinity or femininity.
Historical and Political Significance: The term "genderqueer" has a history within LGBTQ+ activism and can carry political significance, representing a challenge to traditional gender norms and the gender binary.
Related Terms:
You might also encounter these terms, which are often related to or fall under the genderqueer umbrella:
Non-binary: This is another common umbrella term for gender identities that are not exclusively male or female. Many people use "non-binary" and "genderqueer" interchangeably, although some individuals may see distinctions between the terms.
Agender: Identifying as having no gender.
Bigender: Identifying as having two genders.
Genderfluid: Having a gender identity that changes over time.
Gender Non-conforming (GNC): This term refers to people whose gender expression differs from societal expectations associated with their assigned sex at birth. While a genderqueer person may be gender non-conforming, not all gender non-conforming people identify as genderqueer.
In essence, genderqueer is a broad and inclusive term for individuals who understand their gender identity to be outside of the traditional male/female binary. It highlights the diversity and fluidity of gender identity.
