The Transgender Dictionary

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Nonbinary

Table of Contents

Introduction

Nonbinary is an umbrella term used to refer to those who do not strictly adhere to the traditional gender binary. As implied by the nature of being an umbrella term, being "nonbinary" is a vast and varied experience. The nonbinary community is quite diverse and full of unique genders and experiences. The nonbinary community has a rich and varied history across the world and throughout indigenous cultures (see third gender for more).

Some nonbinary people use broad, vague labels to define their gender identities. Others seek out precise labels (known as microlabels) to explain their experiences in detail to others. There is a lot of overlap between certain nonbinary identities. Likewise, there are numerous identities which are completely different from one another. Due to the nature of humanity, gender is quite infinite, and humans are constantly inventing new words to describe unique (or thought to be unique) experiences. The internet has streamlined this process, making it easier for nonbinary people to find not only one another, but to discover or coin hyperspecific terms to describe their experiences.

Some nonbinary people present androgynously, while others prefer to lean into their masculinity or femininity. The styles of hair and clothes worn by nonbinary people will vary wildly from person to person, even among those who share the same gender identity. Everyone has their own journey to explore their own personal gender presentation; playing with aesthetics to best communicate their inner selves to the world. To be nonbinary is to find your own unique combination to satistfy the conditions of gender euphoria.

Some nonbinary people use gender neutral pronouns as a method of gender-affirmation, however some still use he or she. Others still use their own unique combinations. They/them pronouns are commonly associated with nonbinary people in the English language, but what pronouns someone uses is all down to personal preference. Not all nonbinary people who share the same gender identity will share the same pronouns. Some nonbinary people will keep the names that they were born with. Others will choose new names to better represent themselves, leaving their deadnames behind.

Finding your identity as a nonbinary person can be freeing. Like any gender journey, to discover that you are nonbinary is to defy gender roles. To defy the unwanted expectations placed upon yourself at birth, and to simply be as you are.

While there are some binary transgender people who try on the nonbinary experience as a stepping stone in their gender transitions; for countless people, to be nonbinary is the destination. The end result. The ideal result. The best case scenario. Most nonbinary people are typically read as either male or female to the general public (who make assumptions about anyone they come across and assume that they must be correct) but the assumptions of others don't have to define who a person is. To be gender diverse is to be yourself, even when things seem against you.

For discrimination against nonbinary people, see binarism. For variations of sexual characteristics that someone can be born with, see intersex. For additional information on terms that you may be unfamilliar with, please utlize the alphabet menu buttons at the top of this page, or click on the underlined words or phrases wherever relevant.

General Information

While the term "nonbinary" is included under the transgender umbrella, not all people who identify as nonbinary also identify as transgender. Many nonbinary people also identify as being transgender. Not all people who identify with a gender identity that may fall under the nonbinary umbrella identify as nonbinary.

Some people who identify as nonbinary will undergo hormonal transition such as taking estrogen or testosterone. Some do not. Some nonbinary people pursue gender affirming surgeries. Some nonbinary people identify with ideas such as nullification or salmacian, and obtain non-traditional gender affirming surgeries accordingly. Some nonbinary people identify under the labels of transfeminine or transmasculine to define their identities. What labels a nonbinary does or does not use is down to the individual person.

Anyone who feels as though they resonate with a nonbinary identity is free to identify as that nonbinary identity. Gender pride flags are used for those who identify as that gender to be able to quickly recognize one another, to find solidarity in one another, to unite communities, and to overall show a shared connection within the same identities.

Some Common Nonbinary Identities

Please note that there are no pronouns that are inherently linked to any particular gender identity. For diversity, various pronouns will be used throughout these different definitions, but the pronouns that are used in a particular section may not be the exact pronouns that every individual person with that gender identity may use. Please note that the experiences of gender dysphoria can vary from person to person. Not all nonbinary people experience it, but hopefully all nonbinary people can achieve the gender euphoria that they seek. Note that while some identities have references to surgery or other forms of transition, that this does not mean that those forms of transition are limited to those gender identities, nor do all people with those particular identities transition in those specific ways.

Abinary/AB/Apisgender/Aphorian

Abinary is an umbrella term for genders that are completely unrelated to the male/female gender binary. Abinary can also be used on its own as a term to describe one's own gender identity. The German word abinär has been used in a similar manner, and is often literally translated as abinary.

Examples of abinary genders include aporagender, maverique, and neutrois. Many xenogenders fall under the category of abinary. The terms "unaligned nonbinary" and "neutral aligned" nonbinary are sometimes used interchangably with the term abinary, reinforcing the idea that abinary gender identities are unrelated to the concepts of male and female.

The term "abinary" comes froms the prefix "a" when used to mean "not" and "binary" when referencing the gender binary. The term abinary was originally coined by tumblr user starmashine in October of 2016.

The abinary flag was originally created by tumblr user arco-pluris in April of 2018. The abinary flag has five horizontal stripes, and is symmetrical in color.

The two dark yellow stripes of the abinary flag represent neutral genders. These stripes also reference the yellow stripe in the nonbinary flag.

The two light yellow stripes of the abinary flag represent xenogenders which are not associated with masculinity or femininity.

The white stripe of the abinary flag represents intersex people who identify as abinary, or with genders that fall under the category of abinary.

Please note that this explanation of the meanings for the abinary flag are derived from my own interpretations of the flag. Originally, this flag had no known meanings outside of the yellow being used to represent non-binary genders.

Click to jump to external resources regarding the gender identity known as abinary.

Agender

To be agender is to not identify with experiencing or having a gender. Some people who are agender may describe their gender as the following; gender neutral, genderless, having an unknown or undidentifiable gender, neutrois, not knowing or caring about their gender, lacking gender, having a null gender, identifying as more of an individual than any gender at all, without gender, not aligning with any other gender, genderfree, having a gender that is outside of the gender binary, genderblank, or simply having no other words to accurately describe their gender identity.

For some people, to label themselves as having a gender is to label themself as having more of a gender than they even do, for identifying as agender can still constitute being labeled as having a gender. For others, the label of agender is simply a declaration of not having a gender. The presentation of agendered people can vary, though most prefer to dress in a way that is not gendered. Some agender people seek out nullification surgeries.

The term "agender" is derived from the prefix "a" meaning "not" and word "gender." Together, this word means "not gender" or "not having a gender." While the usage of the term "agender' has been documented for several decades, the original coining of the term is unknown.

The first known usage of the word agender on the internet to refer to a person was in June of 2005 on an internet forum known as UseNet in a chat room discussion entitled "alt.politics.democrats" by user man_in_black529 who wrote "But despite this near-universality of gender, cultures can have transgender, agender, and hypergender individuals."

The first known usage of the word "agender" on the internet was in the year 2000 on the afformentioned internet forum known as UseNet in a chat room discussion entitled "alt.messianic" when a user posted “God is amorphous, agender, [...] so image can’t be a physical or gender or sexual thing.”

The first known usage of a hyphenated version of the word (a-gender) was in 1996 in the British newspaper "The Independent" where it was written as "How the drinks industry labels young drinkers: Cyber Gen, the wired generation..A-gender, Tank girl meets new man—androgynous and proud."

The agender pride flag was designed in the year 2014 by Salem X and shared on the website known as tumblr. The flag features seven horizontal stripes, and the colors are symmetrical. May 19th is agender pride day.

The two black stripes in the agender flag represent a lack of or absence of gender. The black stripes also represent the resilience and strength of the agender community.

The two gray stripes in the agender flag represent semi-genderless identities and the fluidity of those who identify as both partially gendered & gender neutral.

The two white stripes in the agender flag represent a lack of gender, gender neutrality, and the experience of being neither female nor male.

The green stripe at the center of the agender flag represents nonbinary genders. The green stripe also represents the importance of acceptance and inclusivity within the LGBTQIA+ community.

Click to jump to external resources regarding the gender identity known as agender.

Androgyne

Androgyne is a gender which is a blend between the binary male and female genders. Some people who identify as androgyne may describe their experience as this gender as the following; identifying as neuter, man-woman, complex, boy-girl, as being between male and female, extremely personal, irrelevant, as being neither male nor female, in-between, as being neither masculine nor feminine, comfortably expressing either alternative gender role in a variety of socially acceptable environments, absent, or as leaning more towards being nonbinary than being masculine or feminine.

The term androgyne dates back to the 18th century, though it was not always used to describe a gender identity.

The earliest instance of the word androgyne being used to describe one's gender was by author Jennie June when he published "Autobiography of an Androgyne" in the year 1918. Prior to this, the term androgyne was used interchangeably with the term bisexual, though there are more recent times when the two words were used in this manner; such as in the 50th episode of the second season of Star Trek, "The Trouble with Tribbles", where Dr. McCoy refers to the tribbles (an alien species) as bisexual. The term androgyne has also been used historically (late 19th century/early 20th century) to refer to feminine gay men.

The character Switch from "The Matrix" (1999) was originally described by The Wachowski Sisters as a "beautiful androgyne" in the original script. The character was originally intended to be played by two different actors, however this idea was cut by Warner Brothers.

The word "androgyne" is a portmanteau derived from the Greek words "andró" meaning "man" and "gynḗ" meaning "woman". Together, the term roughly means "man woman." Someone who identifies as androgyne will typically dress in an androgynous manner. Some androgynes seek out nullification.

The term androgyne has also been used to refer to people who are intersex. This usage is not entirely obsolete, though it is not encouraged.

The androgyne flag has three vertical stripes. This flag was created by Tumblr user saveferris in March of 2011.

The left pink stripe in the androgyne flag represents the spectrum of femininity and womanhood. It acknowledges the spectrum of female-identified and feminine-presenting individuals.

The center purple stripe in the androgyne flag represents androgyny. It represents a mix of masculininity and feminininty.

The right blue stripe in the androgyne flag represents the spectrum of masculinity and manhood. It acknowledges the spectrum of male-identified and masculine-presenting individuals.

Click to jump to external resources regarding the gender identity known as androgyne.

Aporagender

A gender wherein the one who posesses it knows that the gender is separate from masculinity and femininity. Aporagender can be used either on its own, or as an umbrella term to describe identities that are not male, female, agender, or between male and female. Someone who identifies as aporagender may describe their experience as having a strong and specific gendered feeling.

The word "aporagender" is derived from the Greek prefix "apo-" meaning "separate" and "gender" meaning, well, gender. Together, the term means "separate from gender." The term aporagender was coined in 2014 by the now deleted tumblr user aporagender.

The aporagender flag consists of five horizontal stripes. This flag was posted to DeviantArt in August of 2015, and created by a person known as Lex, who ran the afformentioned aporagender tumblr blog.

The top pink stripe in the aporagender flag represents femininity. It is placed at the top to represent this gender being "away" from femininity.

The two purple stripes in the aporagender flag represent feeling between male and female.

The center yellow stripe in the aporagender flag represents nonbinary gender and being nonbinary. The yellow represents how this gender is nothing like being male, female, or both. The yellow being placed close to the other colors shows how it is still connected to some sort of specific gender.

The bottom blue stripe in the aporagender flag represents masculinity. It is placed at the bottom to represent this gender being "away" from masculinity.

Click to jump to external resources regarding the gender identity known as aporagender.

Bigender/Dual-Gender

Identifying as two genders, either alternating/varying between the two or simultaneously. These two genders may be experienced with different intensitites. Traditionally, this refers to someone who identifies as both male and female. However, this may refer to anyone who identifies as any two genders. Someone who is bigender is “a person who can comfortably express either alternative gender role in a variety of socially acceptable environments”. Bigender is under the multigender umbrella.

Bigender people may express themselves in various ways. These ways can differ dramatically due to the nature of this gender identity. Some bigender people may undergo salmacian type surgeries in an effort to pursue gender euphoria.

In the early 20th century, "bigender" was a biological term used to refer to plants with both male and female reproductive organs. In the 1970s, the meaning of the word "bigender" shifted to meaning something that was intended for both men and women (similar to the word that took its place in terms of usage "coed").

The earliest known usage of this gender identity is in a pamphlet from "Human Outreach and Achievement Institute" in 1984. In this pamphlet, the word "bigenderist" was used under the category of androgyne. From the 1990s onward, the modern-day meaning of bigender emerged and has steadily gained popularity. In 2014, bigender was made avaliable as a selectable gender on Facebook.

The word "bigender" is derived from the prefix "bi-" meaning "two" and the word gender. Together, the word means "two genders" or "double gender". June 17th is bigender pride day.

seven striped bigender flag

The top blue stripe of the bigender flag represents the spectrum of manhood.

The light blue stripe of the bigender flag represents the spectrum of masculinity.

The upper white stripe of the bigender flag represents positive relationships. It represents shifting from one gender to the other.

The center purple stripe of the bigender flag represents androgyny.

The lower white stripe of the bigender flag represents self respect, pride and being true to yourself. The white stripe is also representative neutral genders (such as agender) and of intersex people who identify as being bigender.

The light pink stripe of the bigender flag represents the spectrum of femininity.

The bottom pink stripe of the bigender flag represents the spectrum of womanhood.

five striped bigender flag

The top pink stripe in of the bigender flag represents femininity, womanhood, and female gender expression.

The yellow stripe in the bigender flag represents gender outside of the binary of just man and woman.

The middle white stripe in the bigender flag represents embracing more than one gender.

The purple stripe in the bigender flag represents fluidity between genders.

The bottom blue stripe in the bigender flag masculinity, manhood, and male gender expression.

Click to jump to external resources regarding the gender identity known as bigender.

Demiboy/Demiman/Demiguy/Demibloke/Demidude/Demimale

Identifying partially, but not entirely, as a boy/man. Someone who identifies as a demiboy may describe themself as only having a partial connection to being a boy. He may also describe themself as both male and agender or genderless.

While it is most common for demiboys to use the pronoun he alongside a gender neutral pronoun, this is not always the case.

The earliest known usage of the term "demiguy" originates from a comment written by user Bad Patient on August 12, 2010 on the website asexuality.org in the forum "TransWhatevers of AVEN". This user discussed simply putting the prefix "demi-" in front of masculine words to define gender. This is also the earliest known usage of any demigender as inspired by the term demisexual.

The prefix "demi-" means half or partially, and comes from the old French word "demi" meaning "half." This prefix combined with the word "boy" or "man" means "half boy" or "half man." June 22nd is demiboy pride day.

The demiboy flag was created in 2014 by tumblr user transrants. The flag has seven stripes and is symmetrical in color.

The blue stripes in the demiboy flag represent the spectrum of manhood and masculinity.

The white stripe in the demiboy flag represents nonbinary and agender identities.

The grey stripes in the demiboy flag represent partial connections with genders apart from male, or a lack of gender.

Click to jump to external resources regarding the gender identity known as demiboy/demiman.

Demigender/Deminonbinary

Identifying partially, but not entirely, as having a gender. While demigender is an umbrella term (including genders such as demiboy and demigirl) it can also be used on its own as a gender identity. Someone who identifies as demigender may describe themself as only having a partial connection to having a gender. The undefined portion of a deminonbinary person's gender identity may be genderless, or another gender.

Some additional subgenders of demigender include those such as demiagender (identifiying partially as agender), demifluid (identifying partially as genderfluid), demineutrois (identifying partially as neutrois), demiandrogyne (identifying partially as androgyne), etc. Any nonbinary identity can have a "demi" variant.

The prefix "demi-" means half or partially, and comes from the old French word "demi" meaning "half." This prefix combined with the word "gender" or "nonbinary" means "half a gender" or "half nonbinary."

The demigender flag was created in 2014 by tumblr user druxydiety. The flag has seven stripes and is symmetrical in color. June 15th is demigender pride day.

The grey stripes in the demigender flag represent the experience of partial identification with a specific gender.

The yellow stripes in the demigender flag represent the spectrum of nonbinary and genderqueer identities and individuals.

The white stripe in the demigender flag represents the absence of gender, and the spectrum of agender identities. The white stripe also represents the diversity among those who identify as demigender.

Click to jump to external resources regarding the gender identity known as demigender.

Demigirl/Demiwoman/Demigal/Demilady/Demifemale

Identifying partially, but not entirely, as a girl/woman. Someone who identifies as a demigirl may describe themself as only having a partial connection to being a girl. She may also describe themself as both female and agender or genderless.

While it is most common for demigirls to use the pronoun she alongside a gender neutral pronoun, this is not always the case.

The earliest known usage of the term "demigirl" originates from a comment written by user bristrek87 in December of 2010 on the website asexuality.org in the forum "TransWhatevers of AVEN". This user was looking for additional explanations of the word. The original usage that bristrek87 was referencing has been lost to time.

The prefix "demi-" means half or partially, and comes from the old French word "demi" meaning "half." This prefix combined with the word "girl" or "woman" means "half girl" or "half woman." June 21st is demigirl pride day.

The demigirl flag was created in 2014 by tumblr user transrants. The flag has seven stripes and is symmetrical in color.

The pink stripes in the demigirl flag represent the spectrum of womanhood and femininity.

The white stripe in the demigirl flag represents nonbinary and agender identities.

The grey stripes in the demigirl flag represent partial connections with genders apart from female, or a lack of gender.

Click to jump to external resources regarding the gender identity known as demigirl/demiwoman.

Genderfae/Genderdoe/Genderthil

Genderfae is a variant of genderfluid where one's gender never encompasses masculine or man-aligned genders. The gender of someone who is genderfae can fluctuate between any feminine genders, neutral genders, woman-aligned genders, or neutral-aligned genders.

The term genderfae was coined at some point in 2014 on a now defunct tumblr blog known as mogai-archive by an anonymous user. The opposite of genderfae is genderfaun.

In mid-2020, there were claims made on TikTok regarding the term "genderfae" being considered offensive to Celtics. The primary argument being presented is that describing oneself as a "fae" is cultural appropriation. These claims are muddied by the term "fae" being of old French origin, those identifying as "genderfae" not literally identifying as mythical fae, and the term "genderfae" itself being largely unrelated to paganism. I have been unable to find any substantial evidence that the term "genderfae" is genuinely offensive to Celtics, and even the original TikToks claiming that it is appear to have been deleted.

Regardless, the terms "genderdoe" and "genderthil" have been presented as "less offensive" alternatives to the term "genderfae." The idea that using the term "fae" to describe one's gender is offensive has also resulted in decreased popularity of the nounself pronouns fae/faer.

The original seven-stripe genderfae flag was created anonymously. No official meaning was provided other than the mention that the flag deliberately does not contain the color blue (as blue is often used to represent masculinity). The original flag was posted on the social media platform known as DeviantArt in January of 2017. In the comments of this post, the user known as "SEGASister" proposed meanings for these stripes, which will be utilized here.

The light green stripe represents nature and growth.

The chartreuse stripe represents curiosity and playfulness.

The yellow stripe represents androgyny and gender non-conformity.

The white stripe represents having a unique relationship with gender and womanhood.

The pink stripe represents femininity and intuition.

The lilac stripe represents love and beauty.

The lavender stripe represents magic and spirit.

Click to jump to external resources regarding the gender identity known as genderfae.

Genderfaun/Genderfawn/Gendermars

Genderfaun is a variant of genderfluid where one's gender never encompasses feminine or woman-aligned genders. The gender of someone who is genderfaun can fluctuate between any masculine genders, neutral genders, man-aligned genders, or neutral-aligned genders.

The term "genderfaun" was coined by the DeviantArt user "Shadowofthedude" in 2017 as a counterpart to the label genderfae. It was also created as an alternative to the label "gendermars" - a term with similar meaning, but does not include neutral genders in its definition. Little is known about the term "gendermars" as it was not widly used, and most definitions from the time that it was created have since been deleted. The earliest definition that I could find for gendermars was posted to tumblr in Feburary of 2016 on a now-deleted blog known as "mogai-lexicon" though the original coining is still unknown.

"Genderfawn" is a proposed alternative spelling to "genderfaun" though it is unknown who originally came up with this alternate spelling.

The genderfaun flag was designed in 2017. The flag has seven horizontal stripes. There is no official meaning for the genderfaun flag, only that the flag deliberately does not contain the colors pink and red, as these are colors often associated with femininity.

Genderflor/Genderdae/Wyvegender

Genderflor is a variant of genderfluid where one's gender never encompasses masculine or feminine genders. The gender of someone who identifies as genderflor can alternate between any range of nonbinary genders, unaligned genders, or genderlessness. Someone who identifies as genderflor never identifies as a binary man or binary woman.

The term genderflor was coined by a tumblr anon and posted to the blog "beyond-mogai-pride-flags" in March of 2018. The term genderdae was coined and posted to the site uncommongenders in April of 2018. These terms were created close in time to one another, most likely in response to the rising popularity of the similar terms genderfae and genderfaun and a need for a similar identity dedicated to neutral genders.

The term wyvegender, while having a nearly identical meaning to genderflor, was coined as a subgender to genderflor with an emphasis on having no connection to masculinity or femininity whatsoever. Regardless of the intended distinction, this is often listed as a synonym of genderflor. Wyvegender was coined on May 5, 2021 by Fandom user "Stormqi."

The original genderflor flag was created was created by the now deleted tumblr user "obscure-dare" in July 2018. The flag has nine stripes and is asymmetrical in color.

The top purple stripe of the genderflor flag represents being feminine, but not female.

The two bold black lines in the genderflor flag are inspired by the genderfluid flag.

The two thin black lines in the genderflor flag represent a mysterious/other/”unplaceable” gender.

The thick white line in the center of the genderflor flag represents the absence of gender.

The bottom green stripe of the genderflor flag represents being masculine, but not male.

Click to jump to external resources regarding the gender identity known as genderflor.

Click to jump to external resources regarding the gender identity known as genderfaun.

Genderfluid

A gender identity wherein the gender changes over time. It is a gender that is not fixed. The frequency of the changes in one's gender may vary from person to person. These changes may occur occasionally, weekly, hourly, monthly, or daily. These variations in gender identity may not be consistent in either frequency, nor the genders involved. Genderfluid is a term which falls under the multigender umbrella. Genders which fall under the genderfluid umbrella include but are not limited to genderfae, genderfaun, genderflux, and genderflor.

The earliest known mention of genderfluidity is in the book "Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women and the Rest of Us" written in 1994 by author Kate Bornstein.

Genderfluidity is mentioned in the 1996 anthology titled "The Second Coming: A Leatherdyke Reader" in the section titled "Boundaries: Gender and Transgenderism" written by Michael M. Hernandez. Michael wrote "Gender-fluid means that their gender identity and/or expression encompass both masculine and feminine. Gender fluidity is becoming commonly known as transgenderism: the ability to transcend gender, whether biological, emotional, political, or otherwise; truly mixing male and female."

The genderfluid flag consists of 5 horizontal stripes. This flag was designed and submitted for use by tumblr user "lostinthoughtsandspacefantasies" in August of 2012. This flag is used to represent the diversity among those who are genderfluid, and to unite the genderfluid community.

The pink stripe in the genderfluid flag represents femininity.

The white stripe in the genderfluid flag represents a lack of gender.

The purple stripe in the genderfluid flag represents a combination of femininity and masculinity.

The black stripe in the genderfluid flag represents all other genders, including third genders.

The blue stripe in the genderfluid flag represents masculinity.

Click to jump to external resources regarding the gender identity known as genderfluid.

Genderflux

Genderflux (and related identities) refer to when the intensity of one's own perception of their gender identity varies over time. The rate at which the connection that a genderflux person has to their gender may strengthen or weaken can be random, gradual, or rapid. These changes are usually consistent, but not always. The changes in a genderflux identity are similar to that of someone who is genderfluid. Genderflux can be used on its own as a gender identity, or it can be used as a modifier for other identities.

Genderflux (and related identities) operate similar to a dial, thermometer, or sliding scale of gender intensity; typically between gendered and non-gendered. The following example is regarding the identity boyflux, however the same principle can be applied to other "-flux" identities. For someone who is boyflux, on a low-intensity or 0% gender day, they may identity as agender. On a medium intensity or 50% gender day, they may identify as a demiboy. On a full intensity or 100% gender day, they may identify as a man.

The word "flux" can be used to mean "continuous change, passage, or movement." When used as a suffix to the word gender, together the meaning becomes "a gender that is continuously changing."

The first proposed origin of the word genderflux comes from page 4, volume 12 of a 1994 newsletter titled "Queer Pagans" where author Treitner, Richard J. allegedly mentions the word in question with similar meaning to how it is used today. While I have found multiple sources referencing this, I have been unable to find the actual original newsletter in question. Most sources referencing this cite Dictionary.com - which does not provide any sort of link to or copy of the original newsletter. The Dictionary.com explanation of "genderflux" also references a clothing brand knows as "Gender Flux" which appears to have been announced, but never actually launched.

I have, however, been able to find a copy of volume 15 of "Queer Pagans" (click that underlined bit to read it), which was released in October of 1994. The final paragraph of page 3 reads as follows "A final note: aplogizes to many of you for the poor quality of reproduction in last month's QP. The printer really goofed up, and hopefully this issue is much cleaner and neater." The issue which alledgedly contains mention of the word "genderflux" may very well have also been subject to technical difficulties. Page 3 of volume 15 also references the previous gathering of members to have consisted of about 25 people. This was a very small newsletter for a very small organization, and it is possible that I may never find volume 12.

The second proposed origin of the word genderflux comes from a tumblr blog that was at one point known as "deergoths" at another point known as "bigendeer" and at another point deleted entirely. Numerous sources attribute the coining the word "genderflux" with its modern usage to this blog and the year 2014. I theorize that both of these origins are true with the 2014 coining developing independantly of the original 1994 version; and the now-deleted tumblr user taking inspiration from the more popular label genderfluid. Until I am able to get ahold of a copy of either of these versions, I am unable to confirm for sure.

The genderflux flag was posted on Deviant Art in July of 2015 by the user known as "Pride-Flags" who skeptically credits the original creation of the flag to tumblr user "pride-flags-for-us" which at some point rebranded to a psy fan blog and has deleted all mentions of topics related to gender. The flag has six stripes. The meanings that I will be providing regarding these stripes were proposed (or at least mentioned) by tumblr user "genderfluxthings" in May of 2016.

The pink stripe in the genderflux flag represents being female-aligned.

The light pink stripe in the genderflux flag represents being a demigirl.

The gray stripe in the genderflux flag represents being agender.

The light blue stripe in the genderflux flag represents being a demiboy.

The blue stripe in the genderflux flag represents being male-aligned.

The yellow stripe in the genderflux flag represents being nonbinary.

Click to jump to external resources regarding the gender identity known as genderflux.

Genderqueer

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.

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).

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

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.

Click to jump to external resources regarding the gender identity known as genderqueer.

Gendervoid/Voidgender

Being gendervoid is when one has an absence or void where a gender would be. Someone who is gendervoid lacks the experience of having a gender. The experience of being gendervoid is often accompanied by a feeling of detatchment or emptiness from the concept of gender. Being gendervoid is less of a rejection of gender, and more like an inability to connect with or experience it. The feeling of this void can vary from person to person.

Gendervoid is similar to agender, however the experience of being agender is often accompanied by gender neutrality. There is no gender neutrality when it comes to being gendervoid, only a genderless experience. Gendervoid is sometimes considered to be a xenogender, due to the connection to the void.

For those who may be struggling to conceptualize this, allow me to provide a metaphor. Gender is like soup. Someone who has a gender would therefore have a bowl full of soup. The contents of the soup make up that person's gender. Someone who is genderless has a bowl without any soup.

In July of 2014, the tumblr user known as "mogai-archive-deactivated201503" posted a list of gender identity terms and definitions derived from posts made by tumblr user "baaphomett" (who has since changed username and appears to have deleted most of these older coining posts).

In July of 2015, the DeviantArt user "Pride-Flags" posted the original gendervoid flag. There is no official meaning for this flag, and there is no credited creator, so it can be assumed to have been created by the user who posted it.

Click to jump to external resources regarding the gender identity known as gendervoid.

Maverique

This gender identity is defined by having a strong feeling of gender that is separate from that of being male, female, or neutral. Existing on its own plane of gender, maverique is characterized by autonomy and having a strong inner conviction regarding a sense of self that is entirely independent.

Maverique is similar to aporagender and aliagender. Maverique is not an umbrella term, the absence of gender, or apathy towards feelings of gender.

The term maverique is derived from the word "maverick" and the French suffix "-ique."

The term maverique was coined by Vesper H in June of 2014. Vesper H also created the maverique flag around the same time. Vesper H has posted explanations regarding the term maverique on tumblr, YouTube, and their blog under the screen name "QueerAsCat." Relevant links are provided below.

The yellow stripe in the maverique flag was chosen due to being a primary color that is unattainable through combining other primary colors. This represents the fact that being maverique is unattainable through combining male or female. The color yellow is also often associated with nonbinary genders.

The white stripe in the maverique flag represents the figurative blank gender slate (upon which maverique is based), as well as symbolizing being autonomous and independent (of the gender binary).

The orange stripe in the maverique flag represents the burning inner conviction of maveriques and their unorthodox nature.

Click to jump to external resources regarding the gender identity known as maverique.

Multigender

Multigender umbrella term for someone who experiences more than one gender, though it can be used on its own as a gender identity. As there are infinite possible genders, the term multigender covers the infinite possible combinations of genders any person can potentially identify as. Terms such as genderfluid, genderflux, omnigender, pangender, polygender, and trigender fit under the label of multigender when used as an umbrella term. These genders all cover the experience of being more than one gender, and can be categorized as mutigender (though not everyone who identifies as one of these other labels will also identify as multigender).

The prefix "multi" means many. Combined with the word "gender" you get a word meaning "multiple genders."

The multigender flag has five horizontal stripes. The original creator of the multigender flag is unfortunately unknown as the account of whoever created it was deactivated. However, the flag featured here was posted to Deviant Art by the user "Pride-Flags" in January of 2016.

The two purple stripes at the top and bottom of the multigender flag represent being partially feminine and masculine at the same time.

The two blue stripes in the multigender flag represent partially identifying as masculine genders.

The center orange stripe in the multigender flag represents being partially a gender that is outside of the masculine-feminine spectrum.

Click to jump to external resources regarding the gender identity known as multigender.

Neutrois

When one's gender is neutral or null. Neutrois is also associated with genderlessness, though it is not a complete lack of gender. The experience of being neutrois may also be described as being gender neutral, null-gender, neither male nor female, or agender (note that while being neutrois is not the same thing as being agender, there is little agreement about the distinction).

Most people who identify as neutrois seek to get rid of any indicators of gender, such as body hair or bulges. Some people who identify as neutrois may seek out nullification surgery. The physical transition of someone who is neutrois is that of subtraction; not replacement or additions. Not everyone who is neutrois seeks out medical transition. The aesthetic of someone who is neutrois is associated with minimalism.

The term neutrois is derived from the Latin root neuter and French trois, meaning “three”. The plural form of neutrois is the same as the singular.

While the term netrois didn't quite pick up steam until the early 2000s, the term dates a bit further back. Holly A. Burnham coined the word neutrois in 1995. Holly was active on now-defunct Usenet groups at the time. Due to the nature of these forums, tracking down the exact original usage of the word neutrois is next to impossible. The earliest accessible usage is from 1996 (linked below).

The white stripe in the neutrois flag represents being unidentified, gender neutral, or undecided.

The dark chartreuse green stripe was chosen for the neutrois flag as it is the opposite of lavender (a color typically representing a mix of masculinity and femininity) to represent being neither masculine nor feminine.

The black stripe in the neutrois flag represents being agender or genderless.

Click to jump to external resources regarding the gender identity known as neutrois.

Pangender

Pangender is a gender identity where someone experiences all genders, either simultaneously or shifting/changing/fluxtuating over time. Someone who is pangender may describe the experience of being pangender as any of the following; being an infinite spectrum, being very expansive and unspecific, having countless genders with no maximum limit, identifying as every gender possible, identifying as both polygender and more genders within their own culture and life experience, identifying as the entire gender spectrum, identifying as both binary genders and all known and unknown genders, identifying as all genders available, having an immense or uncountable number of genders, or having a gender experience that goes beyond all known genders.

The prefix "pan-" comes from the Greek root meaning all or everything. Combined with the word "gender" you get a word meaning "all genders". Note that someone who is pangender cannot claim to identify as genders that belong to cultures that they are not a part of (see [third genders] page for more information on culturally specific genders).

The earliest known mention of the term "pangender" comes from the book "The Flock". More specifically, from the preface written by Lynn Wilson, which says "Some gender-nonconforming individuals call themselves androgynes, pan-gender, or nonbinary.” This is clearly not the genuine origin of the word as it is referenced as a pre-existing word even in this text. Several sources reference the term pangender as being used in various Usenet groups back in the early 90s, though these forums are difficult to access these days. The term pangender likely originates from either the late 80s, based on the nature of how long it takes for something like that to end up in a published novel.

The pangender flag consists of seven horizontal stripes that are symmetrical in color. The pangender pride flag was created in January of 2015 by tumblr user "pangendering" who helped popularize this nonbinary gender identity. The colors of the flag are very light due to white being the combination of all the colors. Pangender pride day is June 19.

The two light yellow stripes at the top and bottom of the pangender flag represent genders that are without reference to the gender binary.

The two light red stripes in the pangender flag represent transition to genders that are related to female and male.

The two light violet/pink stripes in the pangender flag represent a combination of female and male.

The center white stripe in the pangender flag represents a blend of all genders.

Click to jump to external resources regarding the gender identity known as pangender.

Polygender

Polygender is a gender identity wherin the person in question expriences more than one gender, either simultaneously or alternating between them. The genders experienced by someone who is polygender vary, and can cover any possible gender combination. The number of genders experienced by someone who is polygender can vary, someone who is polygender typically experiences 3 or more different genders.

The prefix "poly" means many. Similar to how a polygon refers to a shape with many sides, polygender refers to a person with many genders. While polygender is often considered interchangable with multigender, polygender is technically under the multigender umbrella. In some cases, polygender has been used as an umbrella term for those who exist outside of the gender binary.

The term polygender dates back to at least May 1995 when it was posted in "A Dictionary of Words for Masculine Women" written by Gary Bowen. In this list of words, polygender (written then as "polygendered") was listed as a synonym for pangender (written then as "pangendered"). The definition provided was "exhibiting characteristics of multiple genders, deliberately refuting the concept of only two genders." The original coiner for these words is unknown.

The polygender flag has five horizontal stripes. The creator of the polygender flag is unknown. Polygender pride day is June 20.

The black stripe at the top of the polygender flag represents being partially agender.

The grey stripe in the polygender flag represents fluctuating between genders.

The center pink stripe in the polygender flag represents femininity (including partial femininity).

The yellow stripe in the polygender flag represents genders outside the gender binary.

The blue stripe at the bottom of the polygender flag represents masculinity (including partial masculinity).

Click to jump to external resources regarding the gender identity known as polygender.

Xenogender

Xenogender(s) is umbrella term used to refer to when someone uses a concept other than male or female; such as plants, planets, or animals; to describe their gender identity. On its own, xenogender can also be used as gender identity. Many people who identify as xenogenders use personal metaphors to explain their experience to others, as genders not based on masculinity, femininity, or neutrality can be difficult to explain.

The concept of a xenogender is frequently misunderstood as the individual literally identifying as an animal or an object, rather than simply using the aesthetic to define a gender. It is rare that anyone who identifies as a xenogender literally believes themself to be that object/animal/whatever is being used to define the person's gender. The presentation of those who identify as xenogenders vary wildly.

The prefix "xen" can be defined as the following meanings; a guest, strange, or foreign. When combined with the word "gender" you get "strange gender". Xenogenders are heavily associated with those who are neurodivergent, however not everyone who identifies as a xenogender is neurodivergent.

The word xenogender was coined in June of 2014 by tumblr user "lamb777" who defined the term as "a gender that cannot be contained by human understandings of gender; more concerned with crafting other methods of gender categorization and hierarchy such as those relating to animals, plants, or other creatures/things".

The original xenogender flag was originally posted on Deviant Art in January of 2017. The flag was designed by Deviant Art user "pastelmemer". The flag contains seven horizontal stripes with the astronomical sign for the asteroid Iris at the center. The meaning of this xenogender flag is unconventional, so I will be quoting directly from the original explanation provided on Deviant Art.

"Central symbol is the astronomical sign for the asteroid Iris, named after the deity with the same name, who is associated with rainbows. Colors chosen are various common shades present in iris flowers. The central stripe is yellow, as yellow is a common nonbinary color- and, as opposed to purple, which usually stands for androgynous nonbinary genders with some combination of male and female identities (hence red/blue mixed), yellow is often used to symbolize genders which have nothing to do with the binary in any way- including xenogenders."

Click to jump to external resources regarding the term xenogender.

The Nonbinary Flag

The non-binary flag has four stripes in four colors.

The top yellow stripe represents individuals whose genders do not exist within the traditional gender binary.

The second stripe is white, representing individuals who identify with multiple genders.

The third stripe is purple, representing individuals who identify as a blend of male and female.

The fourth and final stripe is black, represending agender individuals.

The resources below have been provided for education, information sourcing, and entertainment purposes. The views expressed in these videos, websites, etc, do not inherently reflect those of The Transgender Dictionary. These resources are not sponsored, nor endorsed.

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