Beyond male and female: Here are many other gender identities you don’t know about

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Recently, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order declaring that the United States will officially recognize only two genders—male and female. While this move aligns with traditional views, it has sparked intense debates, particularly among people who identify outside this binary system. For many, gender isn’t limited to just “male” or “female” but exists on a broad spectrum that includes a variety of identities.

Understanding gender beyond the binary

Gender identity is how someone personally understands and experiences their gender, which might not always align with the biological sex they were assigned at birth. While the male-female binary has long been the norm in many societies, there are other gender identities that millions of people across the world relate to.

Here’s a breakdown of some common gender identities:

• Non-Binary: People who don’t identify strictly as male or female fall under this category. They may see themselves as a mix of both or neither.
• Genderqueer: Similar to non-binary, this term refers to people who reject traditional gender norms and embrace a fluid understanding of gender.
• Agender: Some people feel no connection to any gender at all. They describe themselves as agender, meaning “without gender.”
• Genderfluid: For some, gender identity isn’t fixed. It can change over time or even depending on the situation. These individuals are called genderfluid.
• Demiboy and Demigirl: These terms describe people who partially, but not fully, identify as male (demiboy) or female (demigirl).
• Two-Spirit: This is a term used by some Indigenous North American communities to describe a spiritual identity that encompasses both masculine and feminine traits. It is deeply rooted in their culture and traditions.
• Androgynous: People who identify as androgynous often feel equally connected to both male and female traits or present themselves in a way that blends both genders.
• Pangender: Imagine identifying with all genders. That’s what pangender means—it’s an expansive and inclusive identity.
• Xenogender: This term refers to individuals whose understanding of gender goes beyond human concepts. Their gender might be tied to ideas, emotions, or even abstract concepts.
• Maverique: This is a non-binary gender that is independent of male, female, or anything in between. It’s unique and stands on its own.
• Intergender: Some people feel their identity exists somewhere in between male and female, blending aspects of both genders.

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Why this matters

For people who identify outside the binary, recognition is about more than just words—it’s about dignity, respect, and the ability to live authentically. Policies like Trump’s executive order can feel like a step backward for those who have worked hard to have their identities acknowledged.

Understanding gender diversity isn’t about agreeing with everyone’s perspective. It’s about realizing that gender is deeply personal and varies from person to person. By learning about these identities, we can foster a more inclusive and respectful society.

The bigger picture

The debate over recognizing genders beyond male and female is not just a cultural or political issue—it’s about people’s lives. While some may feel overwhelmed by the growing list of gender identities, it’s important to remember that this diversity reflects the wide range of human experiences.

As society continues to evolve, the hope is that conversations about gender will move beyond fear or resistance and toward understanding. Because at the end of the day, everyone deserves to be seen for who they are.