You searched for gender identity - Page 2 of 98 - Everyday Feminism

Gender identity is a deeply personal issue that many people still have trouble understanding and respecting. Unlearning restrictive binary genders is a process, but one that is well worth the effort. This comic highlights the importance of looking past restrictive ideas of gender and embracing the idea that every identity is ‘real’ and deserves to…

Illustration of a person with a lot of thoughts coming out of their head

So you think that the gender you were told to have your entire life is not, in fact, who you are. Now what? This is a huge moment in your life, and it can be hard to start navigating this world designed for cis people as someone who’s trans or questioning your a/gender identity. Here are some tools to help your process of affirming yourself and others.

Have you made any of these assumptions about what it means to be butch? They’re way too common – and you might not realize how much they recreate patriarchal thinking. It’s time for a reality check.

Person looking thoughtfully into the camera

“Are you a boy or a girl?” For many of us, there’s no simple way to explain our gender – and that can be a difficult and lonely place to be. Read this author’s moving coming out story to see how anyone is capable of making assumptions about gender that are limiting and invalidating. Have you made those assumptions? Read on to expand your thinking.

Is there a “right” way to be non-binary? That’s what these comments might make you think – but here’s why these ideas about gender are missing the mark.

It’s true that gender is a complex idea that means something different to every person. But this doesn’t give us much of an idea about how queer genders are experienced by people. It’s in every feminist’s best interest to listen and pay attention to trans people, so let’s explore some common ways gender is experienced by people in the trans community.

At one point during this year’s Oscars ceremony, it dawned on me: Many people don’t know the difference between trans women and drag queens! There seems to be an assumption that all people assigned male at birth who grow up to wear clothing from the women’s section identify the same way. That couldn’t be further from the truth. So let’s talk about this difference.

Misinformation is the enemy of progressive change and social improvement. And unfortunately, there is a LOT of misinformation about gender confirmation surgery. “They need therapy, not surgery!” “I don’t want to pay for that.” “It’s not like it’s life or death.” These ideas aren’t helping anyone. In fact, they’re harmful to many. So let’s clear up a few misconceptions.

A person is covering their face as they stand beside a window covered in raindrops.

Do you know the factors that increase the risk of suicide in trans communities? This info shows that there’s nothing wrong with being trans, but there’s something horribly wrong with the way our culture treats trans people.

Once you know how it actually feels for someone when you get their pronouns right, you’ll realize there’s no one “right” way to respond. Check it out.

The way languages incorporate gender can have a powerful impact on the expression of identity.

Almost all of these myths stem from the assumption that trans women are really men, and considering us through a male frame of reference. So if there is one myth to debunk from which all others would perish, it’s the notion that our gender is not legitimate. We are women. But if you need further explanation, let me break it down for you with these 13 myths.

Trans flag

Is there a “proper” way to be transgender? You know the answer is no, but is it possible that you’ve bought into some of the social stigmas pressuring trans people to stick to a script? Many parts of our lives, gender identities, and sexuality are left out of socially accepted trans stories. Here they are, out in the open, saying “hell no” to acceptability politics.

Many people grew up being told that all people were either male or female. So there’s widespread misinformation about being non-binary. Let’s clear up some things about non-binary people.

Person looking confused

Society tells boys it’s not okay to explore gender fluidity – but what if you don’t fit the “norm” of masculinity?

A person is standing in front of a maple colored background with only half of their face showing on the right side of the image. They have a tear falling down their cheek.

Think a gender-less approach to IPV work is best? Think again. That actually hurts survivors. Here’s how.

Pansexual? Asexual? Cisgender? What do all these terms mean – and what do they have to do with you? These definitions can help build your understanding of identity.

Person looking out toward the sun, contemplative

Two Spirit is an identity that resonates with a lot of Native LGBTQIA+ folks – but it doesn’t work for everyone. If you’re thinking about identifying as Two Spirit, this can help point you in the direction that’s right for you.

A lot of people don’t understand what it means to have a non-binary gender identity. That’s understandable. After all, society does a great job enforcing a gender binary. But just because you don’t understand non-binary identities doesn’t mean you get to dehumanize or invade the privacy of non-binary folks! Check out this video for a crash course in what not to say to gender non-conforming people.

So you know someone who has felt comfortable enough to ask you to refer to them by different gender pronouns. This is a big step for them, and the way you proceed is very important. Some of the most common reactions and behaviors can have damaging effects on the person. Check out this comic for a simple introduction to the DOs and DON’Ts of pronoun etiquette!