When I first heard the term “gender spectrum,” my immediate reaction was that it seemed clinical. I thought it sounded like something similar to the autism spectrum. The fact is that the term “gender spectrum” has nothing to do with a clinical diagnosis. In this post I aim to answer the question, “what is the gender spectrum?”
In today’s world, we now know there are many different versions of gender presentations. We can see a lot of progress in recent years around the topic of gender identity. The appearance of actor Laverne Cox on the cover of TIME Magazine in June 2014 and in Caitlyn Jenner’s Vanity Fair interview in July 2015 are two examples. Up until that moment, we had already made a lot of progress. What was different, however, was that there was a higher level of visibility of the transgender experience. It was like a huge jolt to social consciousness that had not happened before. That said, these two examples are only the beginning of the conversation around the gender identity spectrum. Prior to this cultural event, ideas about gender were not so clearly in the public eye.
My experience with gender
I identify as a cisgender gay male of trans experience. When I was growing up in the 60’s and 70’s, gender norms were fairly simple. As a result, I have a unique perspective on the evolving views of gender identity. Not too many people can claim the shared experience of transitioning – not once – but twice. I’m eternally grateful for that perspective.
Experiences like mine are becoming more commonplace amongst young people. If you Google “detransition” on Youtube, it may surprise you how many folks struggle with this dilemma. In fact, detransitions like mine have added yet another category in preferred terms of gender. That said, that isn’t what I want to share here.
Instead, I’d like to highlight the great strides we have made and also recognize the work that still needs to be done. When I was a young person grappling with gender confusion, I did not have this experience modeled for me. Other than the highly publicized gender switch by Christine Jorgensen, most people knew very little about gender and all the many different forms we are familiar with today. We had little knowledge or understanding of what we know today as the gender spectrum.
Certainly this existed back then, but we used different terms. Many of them are considered politically incorrect to use today. Back then, if you were a gay male who presented a more masculine identity, people might consider you a “butch queen.” If you were lesbian with masculine tendencies, people might see you as a “dyke” or “butch.” Some of these terms have been reclaimed over the years. The one that most comes to mind is “queer.” When I was a child, “queer” was a hurtful and vile anti gay slur. It still makes me uncomfortable today, but I see how it has been used for empowerment not punishment.
What is the gender spectrum?
Most people — including most transgender people — are either male or female. But some people don’t neatly fit into the categories of “man” or “woman,” or “male” or “female.” For example, some people have a gender that combines elements of being a man or a woman. Other people identify with a gender that is different from both male and female. Some people don’t identify with any gender. Some people’s gender changes over time.
People whose gender is not male or female use many different terms to describe themselves, with “non-binary” being one of the most common. In fact, a recent survey on Facebook found over fifty terms related to expression of gender.
Facebook will now allow users to choose between three pronouns: “him,” “her” or “their.” Although, none of these terms are similar in meaning, all of them do possess the common denominator that their experience of gender is not female or male. Here’s a list of the wondrous expressions of gender identity that comprise the broad spectrum of gender presentation. How many do you recognize or identify with?
Agenda, Androgyn, Androgynous, Bigender, Cis, Cisgender, Cis Female, Cis Male, Cis Man, Cis Woman, Cisgender Female, Cisgender Male, Cisgender Man, Cisgender Woman, Female to Male, FTM, Gender Fluid, Gender Nonconforming, Gender Questioning, Gender Variant, Genderqueer, Intersex, Male to Female, MTF, Neither, Neutrois, Non-binary, Other, Pangender, Trans, Trans Female, Trans Male, Trans Man, Trans Person, Trans, Trans Woman, Transfeminine, Transgender, Transgender Female, Transgender Male, Transgender Man, Transgender Person, Transgender Woman, Transmasculine, Transsexual, Transsexual Female, Transsexual Male, Transsexual Man, Transsexual Person, Transsexual Woman, Two Spirit.
Read more about understanding gender identity
Embracing and affirming
How do we navigate what can seem at first an overwhelming task? First and foremost, when in doubt about someone’s gender presentation, it’s always best practice to ask, “Which pronouns do you prefer to use?” This way you avoid guessing and the risk of making the person you are interacting with uncomfortable.
Whether I am working with clients in my current profession or meeting individuals socially, I remain mindful that it’s respectful to not know until you do. For example, in a therapy session, I always declare my pronouns in work settings, it has become common practice to introduce your preferred pronouns as well. This can include electronic communications, such as emails, texts, and other social media. In doing so, you are also inviting the other person to introduce how they would like to be addressed. For those of us who are not concerned about our gender, this may seem like no big deal. But to those folks who are, it matters immensely.
For gender nonconforming folks, trans folks, and other queer folks, there has been much progress. But, as with any marginalized group who attains a level of visibility, there is bound to be a backlash. There are those who use fear and hatred as a weapon against them. I’m of an age where I’ve lived through the landmark historic events and witnessed the changes in the gay community. I remain optimistic we will continue to grow in our awareness and acceptance of others.
Just as we have come so far in LGBT rights, there is still a long, long way to go for those who identify in ways that depart from the gender norms of days gone by. For me, the way forward has always been through love and acceptance. Whatever we prefer to call ourselves or wherever we fall on the gender spectrum, it’s important to remember we are all having a human experience. What a better world it would be if we can start from there.
Are you in the process of exploring your gender identity? The LGBTQ+ affirming therapists at myTherapyNYC can support you in this journey. Read out to us today!
How do you explore and affirm your gender identity? Join the conversation in the comments below!
- What is the Gender Spectrum: Embracing the Evolving World of Gender Identity - November 11, 2021
1 comment
With all of the possible gender variations, why can’t we just all be people? Why do we need to have a label?