Genderqueer

Everything you ever needed to know about the genderqueer identity, what it means and how to full embrace your genderqueerness.

Genderqueer is a term used to describe people whose gender identity falls outside the traditional binary of male and female. It is an umbrella term that can encompass a wide range of gender experiences and expressions that do not conform to societal expectations of gender roles. Genderqueer individuals may feel that their gender identity is fluid, a blend of multiple genders, or neither male nor female.

What does it mean to be Genderqueer?

  1. Non-binary: Genderqueer people may identify as being neither exclusively male nor female. They might see themselves as somewhere in between, as a mix of both, or outside of the binary altogether.
  2. Gender Fluidity: Some genderqueer people experience their gender identity as fluid, meaning it may change over time or depending on circumstances.
  3. Rejection of Gender Norms: Genderqueer individuals often reject traditional gender norms and may express their gender in ways that challenge societal expectations.
  4. Individual Experience: Genderqueer identity can mean different things for different people. Some might identify with terms like agender (without gender), bigender (having two genders), or genderfluid (changing gender), while others may simply use genderqueer as an all-encompassing label.

The term is often used in a broader sense within the LGBTQ+ community to assert that gender is a spectrum and not something that can be neatly categorized. People who identify as genderqueer may also use other terms like non-binary, gender non-conforming, genderfluid, or gender-expansive, depending on their specific experience and understanding of their gender.

In addition to being a gender identity, genderqueer can also describe a way of expressing gender that does not fit into societal expectations of masculinity and femininity. This might include things like clothing choices, behavior, or pronouns.

What is the Genderqueer flag?

The genderqueer flag was created in 2011 by Marilyn Roxie to represent the genderqueer community. The flag consists of three horizontal stripes:

  • Lavender (top): A mix of blue and pink, representing androgyny and a blending of genders.
  • White (middle): Represents those who are outside the binary or those who identify as non-binary.
  • Green (bottom): Represents those whose gender is on the opposite side of the gender spectrum from the traditional male/female binary.

The flag’s design symbolizes the diversity and fluidity of gender and highlights the spectrum of gender experiences that are not strictly male or female.