Gender
Gender is more than just boy or girl. Learn about gender identity and expression, and how gender is evolving around the world.
Dee
Who is Dee?
Hi! I’m here to help you learn more about gender. This topic involves the core elements of gender identity (our sense of self) and gender expression (how we show up in the world). For some of us, it’s as easy as male or female, man or woman. But for many others, it’s far more complex. Our gender can involve a mix of masculine and feminine, or be something altogether different — what people refer to as non-binary. Let’s explore…
The Basics
Learn about the broad spectrum of gender identities and expressions.
Gender expression
Gender expression is a big part of how we show up to the world.
Gender identity
Gender identity is distinct from biological sex even though for most people the two correspond.
Beyond masculine and feminine
There are countless ways for people to identify through gender.
Understanding pronouns
Not everyone is a ‘he’ or a ‘she’. Now our language is catching up.
The spectrum goes mainstream
Gender used to be thought of as an either/or proposition: male or female. But a growing number of people do not identify with those two choices, and America has noticed.
A third option
Non-binary identities are transforming how we fill in the blanks.
Real people
There’s a lot of diversity in gender identities. But life isn’t easy for people who identify “beyond he or she.”
The space between
Not everyone identifies as a man or woman. Watch this CBS News video to hear from people who identify "beyond he or she."
"I remember these awkward silences"
Listen as Kiyan Williams, who identifies as gender non-conforming, talks about what it was like coming of age feeling different from everyone else.
"You taught me how to love"
Listen as Sissy and Vickie talk about their life together and what it has been like for Sissy, a cross-dressing man.
Meet Elijah/Esther
Read how Elijah/Esther feels and identifies as a woman some days, a man other days, and some days as neither.
The social construction of gender
Learn about gender as a social construction and how it changes over time.
Lessons in gender
Learn about the different ways we teach and reinforce gender in our world today.
Change over time
Our approach to gender has changed over time and is still changing with our culture.
The battle over gender in youth organizations
Growing legions of girls are joining Scouts BSA, formerly known as Boy Scouts of America. Find out what's happening on the fast-changing landscape of scouting in the U.S.
Around the world
Worldwide, the variety of gender identity and expression is nearly boundless. Unlike the U.S. and other western societies, many cultures have long recognized not just two genders, but 3, 4, 5, or even more.
Gender-diverse cultures
Check out some of the gender-diverse cultures that have existed throughout the world.
Across time and place
There's nothing new about gender identities beyond male and female--they've been around since ancient times.
A Culture of Acceptance
Learn about a culture of acceptance between masculine and feminine.
India's third gender
How did India accept a third gender? It was there all along.
The Stats
Population studies show that around the world, more people identify as non-binary than you might think.
Non-traditional Gender Teenager Estimates
Learn about recent findings on gender identities of U.S. teenagers.
Glossary
Cross-dressing
(Verb) To wear clothes typically associated with people of a different gender for fun, self-expression, relaxation, etc. Cross-dressing is a form of gender expression and is not indicative of being transgender; persons who are cross-dressers are usually comfortable with their anatomy and do not wish to change it. Cross-dressing is not necessarily tied to erotic activity, and is not a reflection of sexual orientation. Learn More
Drag / Drag King / Drag Queen
(Noun) The theatrical performance of one or multiple genders via dressing in the clothing of a different gender, or in a manner different form how one would usually dress. For instance, drag queens perform in highly feminine attire. Drag kings perform in highly masculine attire. Drag often presents a stereotyped image. Individuals who dress in “drag” may or may not consider themselves to be transgender. They may also identify as heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual, straight or some other sexual orientation. Learn More
Gender expression
(Noun) The ways that a person communicates a gender identity to others such as dress, behavior, hairstyle, voice, and/or mannerisms. Learn More
Gender non-conforming
(Adj.) Describes a person who does not behave in a way that conforms to traditional expectations for their gender, or whose gender expression does not fit neatly into a category. Also known as gender variant. Learn More
Gender variant
(Adj.) Describes a person who does not behave in a way that conforms to traditional expectations for their gender, or whose gender expression does not fit neatly into a category. Also known as gender non-conforming. Learn More
Explore More Topics
Citations & Sources
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