A person’s conduct, attire, haircuts, voice, and physical characteristics are all examples of how they express their gender identity to others.
The external manifestation of a person’s gender identity is referred to as gender expression. Physical and social expressions include things like name and pronoun choice, haircut, makeup, and clothing. Gender expression can be classified as androgynous, feminine, or masculine.
Gender Identity vs. Gender Expression
Many people consider gender to be a three-dimensional concept. The first dimension, known as the biological or physical dimension, deals with a person’s sex and physique at birth. The second aspect of an individual’s identity is their internal gender perception. Lastly, an expression is a person’s public persona and how that persona interacts with and exhibits gender stereotypes in society and culture.
Although they are not interchangeable, a person’s gender identity might influence their gender expression.
Gender identification refers to an individual’s impression of their gender. Although it’s not usually the case, (cisgender) persons may identify as the same gender as their biological sex. If a person’s natal sex does not correspond with their strongly held gender identity, they may be transgender.
It is impossible to deduce a person’s gender identity from their appearance or anatomy. Sex and gender are not interchangeable. While sex refers to a person’s biological traits, gender refers to the social and cultural attributes associated with aspects of masculinity, femininity, and nonbinary identities.
Gender Expression Types
The phrase “gender expression” refers to a person’s feelings and manifestations of the male and female gender binary. Gender expression can also include traits such as:
- Male
- Androgynous
- feminine
- gender-neutral
- gender-conforming
- gender-nonconforming
It’s also important to note that these displays are influenced by cultural norms and societal roles, so they may change over time and are not always constant.
While some people have contradictory feelings or are indifferent, others strongly identify with a particular gender. Additionally, a person’s external gender expression may not match their internal gender identity. Despite identifying as male, a person who was born with a female gender identity may nonetheless exhibit stereotypically feminine duties, behaviors, and characteristics.
Advice for Managing Gender Expression
If you’re struggling with issues related to gender expression, there are a few things you may do to help.
- Speak with a professional: By consulting with a gender-affirming mental health specialist, you can discuss many facets of your gender expression and identity.
- Take care of yourself: Maintaining your health is essential to leading a contented and healthy life. Set aside time for activities you enjoy and concentrate on small steps to ensure your mental and physical well-being.
- Seek out methods to express yourself: Even if you’re not ready to express your gender in the way you’d like, there are still ways to express yourself. Try out different gender expressions in any way that makes you feel comfortable or happy. You can begin expressing yourself, for instance, by switching up your hairstyles and dressing differently.
- Locate Assistance: It can be helpful to have mentors, family, and friends who are aware of your gender expression. If the individuals in your life aren’t supportive, look for a local or online support group.
