Comprehensive List of Genders

An extensive guide to understanding diverse gender identities

Key Takeaways

Gender is a spectrum: Gender identities are diverse and extend beyond the traditional binary of male and female.
Cultural contexts matter: Many cultures recognize unique gender identities that may not align with Western classifications.
Respect and recognition are essential: Acknowledging and respecting each individual's chosen gender identity fosters inclusivity and understanding.

1. Traditional Binary Genders

These genders align with the conventional understanding based on biological sex.

Male (Man/Boy): Identifies as male, adhering to societal norms associated with masculinity.
Female (Woman/Girl): Identifies as female, adhering to societal norms associated with femininity.

2. Non-Binary and Gender Expansive Identities

Non-binary genders exist outside or beyond the binary classification of male and female.

2.1 Agender

A person who identifies as having no gender or a gender-neutral identity.

2.2 Androgyne/Androgynous

A person whose gender identity or expression is androgynous or a blend of masculine and feminine elements.

2.3 Bigender

A person who identifies as two genders, either simultaneously or switching between them.

2.4 Demiboy

Someone whose gender identity is partially male and partially another gender.

2.5 Demigirl

Someone whose gender identity is partially female and partially another gender.

2.6 Genderfluid

A person whose gender identity fluctuates and may change over time.

2.7 Genderqueer

A gender identity that does not conform to traditional binary notions of gender.

2.8 Neutrois

A gender identity that is neutral or null.

2.9 Polygender (Multigender)

A person who identifies with multiple genders at once, either in a fixed or fluid way.

2.10 Maverique

A unique gender identity that exists outside the frameworks of masculinity and femininity.

2.11 Intergender

A person whose gender identity is between or a mix of male and female.

2.12 Pangender

A person who identifies with multiple genders.

2.13 Third Gender

A category referring to genders that do not fit into male or female classifications, varying across societies.

2.14 Others

Graygender: Identifies mostly outside the gender binary but with a slight connection to it.
Aliagender: A gender identity unrelated to the traditional gender binary.
Demifluid: A partially fluid gender identity, with some aspects remaining constant.
Trigender: Identifies with three genders, either simultaneously or shifting between them.

3. Culturally-Specific Genders

Many cultures recognize unique gender identities that may not align with Western classifications.

3.1 South Asian Genders

Hijra: A traditional third-gender identity in South Asia, often associated with spiritual and cultural roles.
Travesti: In Latin American cultures, describes a person assigned male at birth who identifies as female.

3.2 Indigenous North American Genders

Two-Spirit: A term used by some Indigenous peoples to describe a person who embodies both masculine and feminine spirits.

3.3 Pacific Islander Genders

Fa’afafine: In Samoan culture, describes a person assigned male at birth who embodies feminine traits.
Mahuwahine/Mahu: Traditional gender roles in Hawaiian and Tahitian cultures encompassing both feminine and masculine traits.

3.4 Southeast Asian Genders

Kathoey: In Thai culture, often associated with transgender women or effeminate gay men.
Bakla: In Filipino culture, often associated with effeminate men or transgender women.
Waria: In Indonesian culture, describes a person assigned male at birth who identifies as female.

3.5 Other Cultural Genders

Muxe: In Zapotec cultures in Oaxaca, Mexico, describes a person assigned male at birth who assumes female roles.
Takatāpui: A Māori term for LGBTQ+ individuals, including those with nonbinary or fluid gender identities.
Sworn Virgin: In Balkan cultures, a person assigned female at birth takes on a male social role.
Calabai and Calalai: In Bugis culture (Indonesia), describing genders that take on feminine and masculine roles respectively.
Bissu: In Bugis culture, embodying all genders and serving as a spiritual leader.
Femminiello: In Neapolitan culture, describes a person assigned male at birth who embodies feminine traits.
Khanith: In Omani culture, describes a person assigned male at birth who takes on a feminine role.

4. Xenogenders

Xenogenders are gender identities that reference concepts outside traditional human experiences, often metaphorical or symbolic.

Aesthetigender: A gender identity tied to an aesthetic experience or sensory association.
Catgender: A gender identity that feels closely aligned with the characteristics of cats.
Voidgender: A gender identity that feels empty or absent.
Stargender/Celestigender: Linked to celestial or outer space themes.
Naturegender: Tied to elements of nature such as forests, oceans, or weather.

5. Fluid or Flux Genders

These identities acknowledge variability and change in one’s gender over time.

Genderfluid: A person whose gender identity changes over time, shifting between two or more genders.
Genderflux: The intensity of one’s gender identity changes, becoming stronger or weaker over time.
Librafluid: Mostly agender identity that shifts between other genders over time.
Multifluid: A gender identity that shifts between multiple genders.

6. Identities Related to Gender Dysphoria or Euphoria

These identities are shaped by personal experiences of gender dysphoria or gender euphoria.

Transgender: Individuals whose gender identity does not align with their sex assigned at birth.
- Trans Man: Assigned female at birth but identifies as male.
- Trans Woman: Assigned male at birth but identifies as female.
Gender Nonconforming: Individuals whose gender expression or identity does not conform to societal norms associated with their sex assigned at birth.

7. Other/Novel Genders

These genders may challenge or transcend established concepts of gender entirely.

Autigender (Neurogender): A gender identity influenced by one’s neurodivergence, such as autism or ADHD.
Epicene: Having characteristics of both sexes, or being neither distinctly male nor female.
Intergender: A mix of male, female, or other genders.
Novigender: A complex or unique gender identity that cannot be described using existing terms.

8. Gender Expression Related Identities

These terms focus on outward expression rather than intrinsic identity.

Tomboy: A person assigned female at birth who expresses themselves in traditionally masculine ways, though not necessarily implying gender nonconformity.
Femme: A person who expresses themselves in ways associated with femininity, regardless of their gender identity.
Butch: A person who expresses themselves in ways associated with masculinity, regardless of their gender identity.

Conclusion

Gender is a multifaceted and deeply personal aspect of identity that extends beyond traditional binaries. Understanding the vast array of gender identities fosters inclusivity and respect for individual experiences. As society continues to evolve, so too does the language and recognition surrounding gender, highlighting the importance of listening to and honoring each person’s self-identified gender.