You searched for gender identity - Everyday Feminism

Long hair, turquoise athletic shorts, shaved legs. I sound like a girl, right? I’m not. Why? Because I don’t identify as one. And although it really is as simple as that, I understand where some people have trouble: “If you express yourself in this way,” they wonder, “then doesn’t that imply that that is how you identify?” But the truth is, well, no.

Do you have any “concerns” about trans or gender non-conforming identities? In this comic, Justin Hubbell takes down myths about being a “bad influence,” “shoving it down your throat,” “crying for help,” and more.

Do you believe any of these myths about who “really” counts as trans? Here’s how unlearning them can be really liberating.

Professionalism is a funny term. It masquerades as neutral, despite being loaded with immense oppression. For years, professionalism has been my enemy because it requires that my gender identity is constantly and unrepentantly erased. But I finally realized something: As transgender, genderqueer, and gender non-conforming people, we deserve better.

“How can you be non-binary AND a woman?” These insights on gender helped this author find her truth about having more than one gender identity.

Person looking sad in a therapist's office

“You do not get to tell me who I am.” This therapist had good intentions – but they responded to this author’s gender identity with some damaging mistakes. Everyone should read this heartfelt feedback on giving more effective care.

Feeling like you missed the memo on all the “new” terms about transgender identities? This simple guide can help you catch up and learn what gender really means.

Only you have the answers to figuring out your gender identity – but it’s hard to feel like there’s no template to follow if your gender is non-binary. Here’s the next best thing: a fantastic guide to figuring out your gender.

A person holding a note pad with question mark on it while standing on a wooden floor.

What is gender? Society tries to reduce it to narrow norms, but the truth about gender identity, expression, roles is pretty complex. Here are the details – and why they matter for you.

Are they/them pronouns really “gender neutral” for someone who’s always been read as a fat, Black woman? These are important layers for the conversation on gender identity.

What does gender mean to you? This conversation with a group of young genderqueer folks offers refreshing perspectives on affirming identity beyond the gender binary.

The patriarchy harms all people, regardless of gender identity, sex, or sexual orientation, by perpetuating oppressive and limiting gender roles, the gender binary, transphobia and cissexism, sexual assault, and the political and economic subordination of women. Watch Marina Watanabe discuss the pervasive and intricate ways patriarchy violates us all.

When a moving video about a transgender child went viral, this author saw some common ideas in the unkind comments section. It’s time to put these myths to rest.

“How do I have ‘cisgender’ privilege? I’m just normal. How is that a privilege?” This common attitude is how privilege can exist without being questioned. So here’s a list of privilege for people who aren’t trans so we can work together to help our society become more inclusive.

We’re constantly learning more about ourselves. And as we do, many of us begin to realize that the identities we used to align with don’t have the same resonance anymore. So our identity shifts. And that’s perfectly normal! But sometimes it can feel like we’re doing something by beginning to identify differently. Check out this cartoon for a different perspective!

Pink "woman" symbol and blue "man" symbol drawn on a chalkboard with a question mark in the middle

Wow, when you think about this way, the way we’re taught to decode each other’s bodies and genders is actually kind of creepy…

Many people are initially confused or ashamed when they realize that they don’t fit into their prescribed gender box, and may also feel depressed as they struggle to be their true selves. Most likely, your family will share these difficult feelings as well. You and your loved ones are about to embark on a lifelong journey, and you must prepare them.

Jaden Smith sometimes wears so-called “women’s clothing” – and the people criticizing him for it have gender all wrong. Here’s Kat Blaque with an explanation that will help you get it right.

If you could ask one question about society’s biases around gender, what would it be? This comic gets straight to the point with one simple question.

Although they do a majority of their learning through observation of their peers in social situations, children’s groundwork for understanding gender is largely influenced by the adults they see in their family systems. If you don’t talk about gender, children will learn society’s gender model. Here are five ways to facilitate your child’s gender autonomy.