The Transgender Dictionary
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Genderqueer

Table of Contents

Introduction

Genderqueer visibility day is observed annually on April 25th. International genderqueer pride day is the 14 of July.

General Information

Genderqueer can be used as either an umbrella term for anyone with a non-normative relationship with gender, or as a gender identity on its own. Many people use the term "nonbinary" interchangably with the term "genderqueer" though not everyone who identifies as one identifies as both, and there is debate over the distinctions between the two terms. Some (but not all) genderqueer people identify as transgender. Some people may identify as genderqueer for political reasons, deliberately playing with gender in a provocative way. The term may also be used by those who do not wish to disclose the specifics of their gender identity.

Someone who identifies as genderqueer may use other labels, or simply identify as genderqueer. Someone who identifies as genderqueer may describe their identity as any of the following; having an overlap or blurred lines between gender identity, being a male woman, having a gender identity that is neither male nor female, a combination of two binary genders, on a continuum between those two genders, identifying as many genders, being a female man, not placing a name on their gender, preferring to dress androgynously or as the opposite gender, or being neither woman nor man.

While the presentation of genderqueer individuals can vary, most genderqueer people present in ways that contradict what is traditionally expected of transgender people. The pronouns used by those who identify as genderqueer varies from person to person.

History

The history of the word "genderqueer" is a tricky one. Some articles regarding the term genderqueer credit the term as originating in obscure zines from the 1970s, however the issue with things originating from obscure zines is that they are therefore difficult to find and share. An associate of mine, however, was able to find an old pin with the word "genderqueer" featured on it. The speculated date for this pin is anywhere from between 1977 to 2010. It is entirely possible that the button is from the 70s, but cannot be confirmed.

The earliest confirmed written usage of gender queer (as two separate words) can be found on page 120 of the second edition of "The Welcoming Congregation" written by Scott W. Alexander and Keith Kron in 1990. This book defines gender queer as "A person whose understanding of her/hir/his gender identification transcends society's polarized gender system."

The earliest known written usage of genderqueer being written as a single word can be found in the spring 1995 issue of the newsletter known as "In Your Face: Political Activism Against Gender Oppression" which was written by Riki Anne Wilchins. The term picked up steam throughout the 90s, and is still used by various people today (including the creator of The Transgender Dictionary).

Genderqueer Flag

The most widely used genderqueer flag was designed by Marilyn Roxie in June of 2012. This is the color corrected version of the one that she originally designed in 2011.

The top lavender stripe in the genderqueer flag represents androgynes & androgyny. The mixture of pink and blue (colors found on the transgender flag) also represents a combination of both masculine and feminine characteristics. The lavender also represents the "queer" in "genderqueer" as lavender has historically been a color used to represent being queer.

The center white stripe in the genderqueer flag represents being agender, genderless, having no gender, or having a neutral gender. The stripe also reflects the center white stripe of the transgender flag.

The bottom dark chartreuse green stripe is the inverse of lavender. Symbolizing growth and renewal, the green stripe in the genderqueer flag represents those who identify as nonbinary or outside the gender binary.