Like many gender-related terms, the concept of gender fluidity can get confusing for some. After all, if your gender identity or expression can change over time, what does that make you?
How you identify and express yourself can be daunting, especially if you are unfamiliar with gender terms such as “genderfluid”. If you’re exploring how you present yourself to the world, this quick guide will tell you what you need to know about gender fluidity.
Related: Genderfluid Added to the Oxford English Dictionary
Genderfluid Meaning
In simple terms, the genderfluid definition is a person who is flexible in how they identify. They might consider themselves non-binary or not adhere to traditional male and female gender identifiers.
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A genderfluid person’s gender identity might vary from day to day. How they experience gender can change according to specific circumstances, such as romantic relationships, how they dress, and how they converse with others.
How Gender Develops & Changes
Gender fluidity isn’t permanently fixed. In some cases, a genderfluid person might decide they identify as one gender more than another.
Most people begin to develop their gender identities in early childhood, around the ages of 2 and 3. These self-identifications might change according to how people interact with their families and peers. Sometimes, the shift from one gender identity to another takes time, while the change can also be immediate.
Genderfluid & Other Gender Identities
Because genderfluid people don’t always adhere to one gender at any given time, it can be easy to confuse them with other identities. Here are a few gender identities that often get mixed up with gender fluidity.
Genderfluid vs Transgender
Because transgender people might identify with one gender at a given time and another, later on, some consider them genderfluid. However, most transgender people tend to identify with a gender other than their assigned sex for the rest of their lives.
Gender fluidity more often refers to someone whose gender identity changes frequently. Still, keep in mind that gender fluidity can look different for everyone.
Genderfluid vs Gender Neutral
Compared to gender fluidity, gender neutrality describes people of any gender. Instead of undergoing frequent change, gender-neutral people have sexual orientations and gender identities that are not concretely defined.
Genderfluid vs Non-Binary
Non-binary is an umbrella term that describes people of nonconforming identities, one of which can be genderfluid. Some genderfluid people also identify as non-binary – it’s all up to their personal preference.
How Do You Know You’re Genderfluid?
Discovering you’re genderfluid can be challenging because of societal expectations. Engaging in healthy interpersonal relationships can be difficult, especially when roles aren’t clearly defined. However, there are many ways to navigate this confusion and gain more clarity on your gender fluidity journey,
- Consider how you feel about your biological sex. Perhaps you identify more strongly with the opposite sex or another sex altogether.
- Think about how it makes you feel when someone assumes your gender identity. Do you get offended? Do you mind being called male, female, or otherwise?
- Think about what pronouns you are most comfortable with – this might help put your confusion into perspective.
- While your journey towards self-discovery is often introspective, there are many online resources and you can even seek outside help – whether that’s from friends, family, the community, or a professional.
How To Be A Better Ally To Genderfluid People
If you know someone who is genderfluid, you might be walking on eggshells if you don’t know how to act around them. Remember, they are not any different from you! Keep these tips in mind to help you strengthen your allyship.
- Don’t assume it’s a phase: Being genderfluid means someone often changes how they identify. If they identify with one sex more than another for an extended period, don’t assume they are no longer genderfluid.
- Ask for their pronouns: One of the easiest ways to get to know a genderfluid person is to ask for their pronouns and use them correctly.
- Take their lead: It’s okay not to understand gender fluidity, given that you are open to being educated. Always take a genderfluid person’s lead regarding how they want to be treated.
The Bottom Line
Discussing your gender identity with family and friends can be daunting, especially if you consider yourself genderfluid. If you or someone you know is exploring their gender fluidity, keep an open mind.
For more about the spectrum of gender identities, explore the rest of what LGBTQ+ Nation has to offer!
Related: Trans and Gender Non-Conforming People on Wanting a Genderfluid World
