Gender Fluid Lifestyle
What Is Gender Fluid Living and Gender Expression?
Gender fluid living and gender expression are personal choices that many individuals are learning about. This guide takes a look at navigating these questions.
More than one million adults in the United States identify as nonbinary, which is an umbrella term that includes the term “gender fluid”. While the general public may think that gender fluidity is new, it has been around for a while.
As more people become accustomed to the term and its meaning, more individuals identify with it. In fact, some experts believe that it is the future of gender expression since gender is only a social construct.
Whether you think you identify as gender fluid or want to become more familiar with gender fluidity, keep reading. We’re going to tell you everything you need to know.
What Does Gender Fluid Mean?
Gender fluid is the opposite of fixed gender.
The traditional idea of gender is binary, noting only the ‘boy’ and ‘girl’ options. Gender fluidity breaks this barrier.
The genderfluid person may believe that their gender changes throughout their life. It may change daily, weekly, or yearly.
The most important idea to remember is that gender is personal. Each individual sees and expresses their gender(s) differently. Likewise, each genderfluid person will flow and change their genders differently.
This is why there is no standard definition for gender fluidity, nor a standard way to be gender fluid.
Gender Identity vs Gender Expression
As we explore gender fluidity, it’s important to differentiate two terms: gender identity vs gender expression.
Gender identity is how we individually feel about our gender. An individual may feel as if they are masculine, feminine, both, or neither. Additionally, someone may feel as if another gender term describes their gender better.
Forget binary gender terms. There are many gender identity terms to know.
Gender expression is how people choose to express their gender identity to the world. It looks different to everyone.
You may notice this expression through clothes, makeup, hairstyles, voice projection, body language, pronouns, and more.
When it comes to the genderfluid person, this may change as often as the person wishes. They may choose different ways of expressing their gender if they identify with a different gender at different times.
How Is Gender Fluidity Different?
The term “gender fluid” may completely fit some individuals while only partially fitting others. Because of this, individuals may choose to identify wholly as gender fluid or combine the terms with others to describe their gender.
Gender Fluid vs Nonbinary Gender Identity
Nonbinary is an umbrella term that individuals may identify with if their gender doesn’t fall within the usual binary of boy or girl. Nonbinary people do not identify as a boy or girl. Rather, they identify outside of this two-gender system.
Gender fluidity falls under this umbrella term. Some nonbinary individuals identify as gender fluid if their gender shifts at different times.
Gender Fluid vs Gender Flux
Gender flux is a term that describes a gender that changes in intensity over time. Individuals who identify as gender flux may constantly feel feminine but display that femininity at different intensities based on how they feel.
Some people who are gender flux may also identify as gender fluid. In this case, the individual would change genders as well as intensity.
Gender Fluid vs Transgender
Someone who identifies as transgender identifies with a gender that is divergent from their assigned/biological sex. Transgender individuals may be biologically female but identify as a boy. Likewise, they may be biologically male but identify as a girl.
Like nonbinary gender identity, transgender is an umbrella term. All nonbinary genders, including gender fluid, fall under the term transgender. Therefore, a transgender person may identify as gender fluid if they feel that their gender changes.
However, due to societal definitions, genderfluid individuals may not use the term transgender to describe themselves.
Often, transgender individuals experience gender dysphoria, a condition in which someone feels uncomfortable with their biological sex. In turn, they may feel uncomfortable with how people perceive and identify them.
The degree of gender dysphoria that someone feels may change as their gender changes over time.
With this in mind, it’s important to use terms that the individual is comfortable with.
Gender Fluid vs Transgender
Someone who identifies as transgender identifies with a gender that is divergent from their assigned/biological sex. Transgender individuals may be biologically female but identify as a boy. Likewise, they may be biologically male but identify as a girl.
Like nonbinary gender identity, transgender is an umbrella term. All nonbinary genders, including gender fluid, fall under the term transgender. Therefore, a transgender person may identify as gender fluid if they feel that their gender changes.
However, due to societal definitions, genderfluid individuals may not use the term transgender to describe themselves.
Often, transgender individuals experience gender dysphoria, a condition in which someone feels uncomfortable with their biological sex. In turn, they may feel uncomfortable with how people perceive and identify them.
The degree of gender dysphoria that someone feels may change as their gender changes over time.
With this in mind, it’s important to use terms that the individual is comfortable with.
Gender Fluid vs Genderqueer
Genderqueer is an umbrella term that describes people who do not fall within traditional gender norms, including gender identities, expression, roles, or expectations. Individuals who are gender fluid may identify as genderqueer.
Some people believe that genderqueer and nonbinary refer to the same kind of gender expression. However, all nonbinary individuals are genderqueer, while not all genderqueer individuals are nonbinary.
Additionally, some people may believe that genderqueer falls under the nonbinary identity, while others view it the other way around.
Again, it’s important to learn about and understand what terms others are comfortable with. Their identification matters most.
Which Pronouns Does a Gender Fluid Person Use?
Like gender identity, pronouns are a personal choice. Depending on the individual’s preference, they may decide to use different pronouns.
In fact, individuals who identify as gender fluid may change their pronouns as they identify with different ones at different times.
For example, here are some common pronouns:
- He/Him/His
- She/Her/Hers
- They/Them/Theirs
Additionally, gender fluid individuals may choose to identify with neopronouns. These are pronouns that express ownership without identifying with the binary gender system. Here are a few examples of neopronouns:
- Ey/Em/Eirs
- Ze/Zir/Zirs
- Per/Per/Pers
No matter what an individual identifies with, you should be respectful and use the pronouns they ask you to use. Keep in mind that this may change over time.
Be patient with yourself. Remember that you’re doing great as long as you’re trying to abide by someone’s preferred pronouns.
If you hear others using the wrong pronouns, feel free to correct them nicely by saying something like “by the way, it’s they, not her” or “I prefer to use they/them pronouns.”
What Are Signs I May Be Gender Fluid?
Someone may be gender fluid if they feel as if their gender shifts over time. To figure out the right gender identity for you, The Trevor Project suggests exploring these questions:
- How would I like to express my gender?
- What gender do I want people to see me as?
- What pronouns make me feel most comfortable?
If your answers to these questions change over time, you may be gender fluid.
As you’re exploring your identity, you should remember that you can change your mind. You may feel differently during various stages of life, and that’s okay.
It’s normal to express yourself differently during different stages of life. Just remember to check in with yourself and make sure you’re understanding your needs during different times.
You can also experiment as much as you want. Exploring your gender identity is healthy and important. Wear different clothes, try different names, and test different pronouns.
It may take time for you to figure out the best identity for you.
What Is Dating Like for a Gender Fluid Person?
The most important consideration for dating as a genderfluid person is how you’re going to communicate your identity and your needs to your partner. Someone who identifies as gender fluid may feel uneasy about sharing their identity with people they know.
No matter who you’re talking to, you should feel comfortable speaking your truth. In turn, the other person should be thoughtful and respectful about your gender identity, no matter how you identify or express it.
Ideas for Gender Fluid Living
There’s no one way to live a gender fluid life. You can make your gender fluid identity whatever you want it to be based on how you identify.
If you’re gender fluid or want to explore your gender identity, you should consider trying different kinds of clothes, hair, makeup, and more.
Turn towards more masculine or feminine pieces, depending on how you’re feeling that day. Your closet may have an array of different pieces so that you can match your expression to how you identify.
Further, you should consider what kind of language you want in your life. How should your partner identify you? What are you to your parents and siblings?
You may play around with different terms or already know what you prefer. Be sure to communicate your wants to those you love.
Additionally, you should consider that your sexuality as a gender fluid person can be anything. You may identify as asexual, pansexual, heterosexual, or something else.
How Can I Support Someone Who Is Gender Fluid?
Whether you’re a non-LGBTQ+ ally or an ally inside of the community, there are several ways to support your gender fluid friend. Here are some ideas:
- Educate yourself on gender identities and the gender spectrum
- Listen to the individual’s experience as they’ve developed their gender identity
- Be patient as the individual figures out their gender identity
- Affirm the individual’s gender by using their preferred pronouns and phrases
Learn More From the Guide to Nonbinary Living
There is no perfect way to be gender fluid. Gender fluidity is whatever you want to make it.
The point is that it’s how you identify during different points in time.
If you’re looking to learn more about nonbinary gender identity, gender fluid living, and more, check out the rest of our blog.