Gender expression refers to the way that a person uses appearance, mannerisms and other personal traits to communicate their gender. Gender expression departments can be any combination of masculine, feminine and androgynous qualities. Gender expression is not limited to one quality, nor is it limited to one department.
It is important to note that one's gender expression may not always match their gender. Gender expression is not the same as gender itself, but being how an individual expresses themself through gender qualities. Gender Non-Conforming is the practice of not conforming to the societal expectations of your actual gender.
A person of any gender identity can choose to express themself through any combination of traits, although some traits are stereotypically associated with certain identities. Some people, especially those who identify as agender, neutrois and intergender may wish to avoid all traits associated with gender, which can be difficult to do in a society based on the gender binary.
Traits, Characteristics, and Qualities
Unlike sex characteristics which cannot be changed without medical intervention, gender expression usually refers to traits which can be changed voluntarily, at least to some degree. Traits which contribute to gender expression can include clothing and accessories, hairstyle, make-up, removal or growth of body hair, development of musculature through exercise, stance and manner of walking, and manner of talking.
The name, pronouns and titles you ask others to use in reference to you may also be considered a part of your gender expression. Gender expression can also include using clothing, make-up and other methods to change the appearance of sex characteristics. Examples of these methods include padding, binding, packing and tucking.
Qualities of gender expression can include, but are not limited to:
- Clothing / Accessories
- Hair (Head and body)
- Mannerisms
- Cosmetics
- Physique
- Sex characteristics
- Pronouns
- Gendered nouns
- Gendered labels
- Gendered titles