gender assignment quiz

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Who can take this quiz?

This Gender Identity Quiz is intended for people who feel uncomfortable or stressed due to the mismatch between their gender identity differing from their sex assigned at birth or physical characteristics related to their gender.

What purpose does this quiz serve?

There is no clinical diagnosis that can be made with this Gender Identity Quiz. Mental health disorders can only be diagnosed by a licensed mental health provider or psychiatrists, or psychologists.The purpose of this quiz is to provide you with a first step towards understanding any symptoms you might be experiencing in order to receive appropriate assistance.

What is meant by gender identity quiz?

The what is your gender identity quiz is a simple tool to help you understand and assess any discomfort or confusions you may be experiencing related to your sex assigned at birth (SAB) and your gender. For some people, the SAB may not match with their gender – they may be born male or assigned male at birth (AMAB) and feel a female gender identity on the inside. And this can lead to mental and emotional distress. This quiz will help you assess whether you do have issues relating to your gender identity and can suggest whether you need to seek out help.

How does the Gender Identity Quiz work?

General frequently asked questions, related quiz, ready to get better first session at ₹99 now., related read.

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What gender am I?

Discover your unique identity and celebrate diversity with our quiz! Explore gender, identity, and inclusivity in a fun and engaging way.

Gender quiz: What gender are you?

Have you ever asked what your true gender is? Taking this quiz is one way to gain insight into your gender identity.

This quiz can help you explore the different gender categories that exist beyond the traditional binary of male and female. It will also provide information on gender roles and how to be more inclusive of all genders.

It’s finally time to test how much of a feminist you truly are! Take the feminism test!

Please remember:

Gender is a complex and personal aspect of one’s identity that should not be reduced to a binary or a set of stereotypes. It’s important to be respectful and inclusive of all gender identities and to avoid perpetuating harmful assumptions or biases.

Are you curious about your romantic inclinations? Take our quiz to find out if you might be aromantic.

Gender is a spectrum. And there are many different gender identities that exist beyond the traditional binary of male and female.

Some people identify as neither male nor female or as both at the same time. There are also non-binary gender identities such as agender, genderfluid, genderqueer, bigender, and pangender. Each of these genders has its own unique characteristics and may have different gender roles associated with it.

What’s your fetish? Find out now by taking the BDSM quiz!

Gender roles

Gender roles are the expectations society has for people based on their gender identity. These can include things like clothing, behavior, physical appearance, and activities. In addition to traditional gender roles, there are also non-binary gender roles that recognize that not all people conform to traditional male or female stereotypes.

It’s important to be aware of these roles in order to create an inclusive environment where everyone can express their true selves. Sufficient knowledge of gender roles is also important for avoiding making assumptions about people’s identities and experiences.

Do this sexuality quiz now and find out if you’re straight, gay, bisexual, etc!

Inclusiveness

Inclusiveness means recognizing and respecting all people regardless of their gender identity. This includes being open-minded about how people express themselves and avoiding the use of language that may be hurtful or exclusive. It also means advocating for equal rights and opportunities regardless of gender identity, as well as actively opposing discrimination and harassment based on gender identity

Your mental age can differ drastically from your physical age. This test will tell you how old you actually are!

By taking this quiz, you can gain insight into your own gender identity and learn how to be more inclusive and respectful of others. There’s no one right answer when it comes to gender – so let’s celebrate the diversity of our unique identities!

No matter what your result is, remember: You are valid in who you are!

Disclaimer: This quiz is intended for entertainment purposes only.

We can accurately determine how healthy your mind is based on the GIFs you choose in this quiz!

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• 7 minute read

Questioning your gender identity? Try this gender identity Test and discover new ways to understand yourself better

Robyn Exton

Sep 02, 2023

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It would be wonderful to have a single quiz that can tell you if you’re cis, trans, nonbinary, or anywhere in between the gender spectrum. While gender identity is no longer diagnosed (as it isn’t a mental illness), we can provide some boxes you can check to organize your thoughts and feel more at ease with who you are.

Source: ILGA Europe Remember, though, there is no “one way” to figure out what your gender is. Everyone’s journey and experience are unique , but there might be some signs to test out the waters and find out which identity fits the best with who you are on the inside.

Where do you fall on the gender identity spectrum?

Let’s start by unraveling the mysteries of gender identity. It’s no longer just a binary world; gender is like a dazzling rainbow – a spectrum that goes way beyond “he” and “she.” From non-binary to genderfluid and beyond, there are as many ways to express yourself as there are shades of color in the world.

Source: Adobe So don’t feel like you should fit in a certain box because you feel distant from your gender assigned at birth . There is an infinite number of identities, labels, and communities out there that can describe who you really are. Some examples are:

• Demi-boy or demi-girl
• Two Spirit (for Native American folks)

Psychology and gender dysphoria

Back in the day, diagnosing gender identity was a thing, but thankfully, times have changed. The DSM-5 , the psychology rulebook, now respects that your identity is yours to define , with no diagnosis necessary—instead, the book talks about gender dysphoria . 

Source: Psych Central

Gender dysphoria is a term that’s often used in discussions about gender identity. It’s the distress one might feel when the gender they were assigned at birth doesn’t align with the one they identify as. This can manifest in various ways – emotional , psychological , or even physical . It’s like a conversation between your inner self and the outer world, a dialogue that can carry complexity and depth.

Not all trans folks experience dysphoria, and it’s important to acknowledge that. But if you feel it, we recommend you talk to a therapist about it. That way, you can find solutions that will allow you to live your beautiful, queer life to the fullest.

A quick gender identity test questionnaire

There are no wrong answers on this test. Follow our lead and ask yourself these questions to better understand your feelings and identity. 

Source: Medical News Today

• What aspects of yourself do you believe define your true essence? 

Is it your values, aspirations, relationships, or something else? Knowing this is crucial so that you don’t lose your sense of self and stay aware that you are much more than your chosen label.

• How do you feel most comfortable expressing yourself to the world?

Is it through your clothing, actions, words, or a combination of these? Apparel doesn’t have a gender, but the way you feel comfortable expressing who you are might be a clue.

• Reflect on a moment in your life when you felt the most connected to your inner self. What were you doing, and what emotions did you experience?

Pay attention and think if it was those moments where you did things that you were supposed to do, according to gender roles, or the ones where you challenged expectations.

• Are there individuals in your life, whether historical figures or personal acquaintances, whose journeys have influenced your perception of identity and self-discovery?

Were you obsessed with Joan of Arc in school? Be honest.

• Have there been times when you faced challenges in understanding your own identity? 

Think of it like the “canon events” in the Spiderverse franchise. How did those experiences contribute to your growth and self-awareness? 

Source: LinkedIn

• How did your cultural background and societal expectations influence the way you perceive your gender identity? 

Maybe you weren’t exposed to queer folks or queer history in your town growing up. Has this context sparked any moments of revelation or confusion later in life?

• Envision the person you aspire to become in the future. 

What would make you the happiest, and what steps can you take to ensure that your journey aligns with this vision, regardless of gender norms? 

• How has connecting with other queer folks or seeking professional guidance impacted your understanding of self?

If you haven’t done either of those things because it is not a possibility for you, we recommend you watch media like Sex Education (2013 – 2023) or Pose (2018 – 2021) to see if you feel seen.

• On a scale from 1 to 10, how at peace do you feel with your current understanding of your gender identity? 

What factors contribute to this level of acceptance? What would you change?

• Do you think figuring out your gender identity would make you feel fulfilled?

You might not know all the answers or what the future holds, but if this is an important puzzle piece missing in your life, that’s a huge sign.

Tests and quizzes we recommend for your self-exploration journey

We must clarify that online quiz games are not the most accurate tools, nor are they made by professionals, but if you want to entertain yourself, clear some thoughts, or confirm something, these are the ones we recommend:

Gender Quiz: What Is Your TRUE Gender Identity?

Like many quizzes, this one may feel too binary when it comes to the answers. Still, we love that the possible results include options like genderqueer or genderfluid, making them more broad and inclusive to other identities, as they tend to be umbrella terms .

Source: Human Rights Campaign

Comprehensive Identity Test

The questions might feel a little too “on the nose,” but we think it’s a good grounding experiment to ask ourselves the obvious, allowing us to reach a breakthrough and even self-acceptance faster.

Source: Included Health

Gender Quiz aka. “Gender Identity Test”

This quiz is more lighthearted, fun, and arbitrary, as it claims to find answers by knowing your favorite ride at Disneyland. The results do not showcase gender identity but the percentage of feminine and masculine traits you possess mentally. That way, you can analyze the way you express gender and come to a conclusion by yourself. 

What happens next?

Ta-da! You’ve embarked on this fabulous quest and discovered new dimensions of yourself. So, what’s next? You’re not alone, darling. Finding support within your community is essential, and HER is the perfect place to begin. It’s a must-have app, with social forums , friendly matches , and ensured safety . In the end, the journey is uniquely yours, but the path is well-trodden with amazing people who’ve got your back.

Source: GoodRx

As you move forward, know that gender is just one facet of identity. Embrace the evolving nature of your existence, and allow it to shape you into the confident and self-assured person you are destined to be.

Robyn is the CEO & Founder of HER. Find her on Twitter .

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What’s My Gender Identity?

Welcome to the Gender Identity Quiz! 🌈 Get ready to dive into the fantastic world of self-discovery, where we'll unravel the mysteries of your unique gender identity! 💫 But hey, remember, this quiz is just a guide, so don't stress if it's not 100% spot on – you're the ultimate guru of you! 😉 Gender stuff can be like a rainbow of colors, and we're here to help you explore all the beautiful shades! 🎨 Whether you're confident or just curious, this quiz is your ticket to a journey of understanding yourself better. Let's get started! Disclaimer: Let's clear the air and understand that gender identity is NOT the same as biology. It's all about how we feel and identify on the inside, and it's unique to each and every one of us!

• 2 Which of these pronouns do you prefer? They/them He/him Neo pronouns (xe/xir, etc.) Any or a combination of the above She/her

• 4 Do you think, you could identify with someone who is transgender? No (AFAB) No (AMAB) Yes (FTM) Yes (MTF) Yes, I think my gender is non-binary

• 6 Do you think, a combination of genders is possible? No, just female Bi-gender or tri-gender No, just male Agender Pan gender, possibly.

• 8 Do you think you are pan gender? No, I'm male I don't feel like I belong anywhere. No, I’m female I feel like the opposite. Maybe, I feel like I am many things.

• 10 The million-dollar question: Do you feel like you were born in the right body? I am a boy, but I do not see myself fulfilling those stereotypes. I feel like a woman. I am a girl, but I do not see myself fulfilling the stereotypes. I feel like a man. I feel like I am in-between and then none at all. It's weird.

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Gender Game Test

Based on the work of valerio capraro, ph.d..

The academic lecturer Valerio Capraro has discovered that men and women make strikingly different decisions when asked to play a little game. By playing the game, it should thus be possible to determine whether your decision-making is masculine or feminine.

Imagine that you are sitting at a table. Each round, two players come up to the table, and you alone decide how much money the players will leave with.

For each of the following game rounds, indicate your answer below.

Question 1 of 9

Two masked strangers come to the table. Choose a payout:

You get $11, the first stranger gets $14, and the second stranger gets $16. You get $9, the first stranger gets $9, and the second stranger gets $9.

The IDRlabs Gender Game test was developed by IDRlabs on the basis of a growing body of scientific research which suggests that men and women perform differently in trade-off, payout games. IDRlabs is not affiliated with any of the researchers mentioned in the references list below.

The IDRlabs Gender Game Test was compiled on the basis of the following sources: Amir, O., Rand, D. G., & Gal, Y. K. (2012) Economic games on the Internet: The effect of $1 stakes. PLoS ONE, 7, e31461. Capraro, V., & Rand, D. G. (2018). Do the right thing: Experimental evidence that preferences for moral behavior, rather than equity or efficiency per se, drive human prosociality. Judgment and Decision Making, 13, 99–111. Capraro, V., Rodriguez-Lara, I., & Ruiz-Martos, M. J. (2020). Preferences for efficiency, rather than preferences for morality, drive cooperation in the one-shot Stag-Hunt Game. Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics. Capraro, V., & Sippel, J. (2017). Gender differences in moral judgment and the evaluation of gender-specified moral agents. Cognitive Processing, 4, 399–405.

As a sexually dimorphic test designed to decipher the decision-making processes and characteristics of men and women, the Gender Game Test does not purport to accommodate all possible gender identities. Even so, someone who identifies as intersex or agender can still derive value from this test by discerning whether their decision-making style is more like that of a typical man’s, a typical woman’s, or something in between.

The authors of this free online Gender Game Tradeoff Quiz are certified in the use of various personality instruments and work professionally with psychometrics and personality testing. Prior to using our free Gender Game Test, please note that this test should not be confused with stricter, research-based tests as published in academic journals. Please also note that the test is provided "as-is", for free, and should not be construed as providing professional or certified advice of any kind. For more, please consult our Terms of Service .

Why Use This Test?

1. Free. This online Gender Game Test is delivered to you without the need for sign-ups and will allow you to ascertain whether your decision-making style is masculine or feminine according to the research of Dr. Valerio Capraro, Ph.D.

2. Validity and reliability. Scientific testing has shown the validity of Gender Game decision-making styles. The evidence has been published in the scientific journals and adds to a growing body of research.

3. Statistical controls. Test scores are logged into an anonymized database. Statistical analysis of the test is conducted to ensure maximum accuracy and validity of the test scores.

4. Made by professionals. The authors of this online Gender Game Test are certified in the use of various psychological inventories and work professionally with psychometrics and personality testing.

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Pride Month

A guide to gender identity terms.

Laurel Wamsley

"Pronouns are basically how we identify ourselves apart from our name. It's how someone refers to you in conversation," says Mary Emily O'Hara, a communications officer at GLAAD. "And when you're speaking to people, it's a really simple way to affirm their identity." Kaz Fantone for NPR hide caption

"Pronouns are basically how we identify ourselves apart from our name. It's how someone refers to you in conversation," says Mary Emily O'Hara, a communications officer at GLAAD. "And when you're speaking to people, it's a really simple way to affirm their identity."

Issues of equality and acceptance of transgender and nonbinary people — along with challenges to their rights — have become a major topic in the headlines. These issues can involve words and ideas and identities that are new to some.

That's why we've put together a glossary of terms relating to gender identity. Our goal is to help people communicate accurately and respectfully with one another.

Proper use of gender identity terms, including pronouns, is a crucial way to signal courtesy and acceptance. Alex Schmider , associate director of transgender representation at GLAAD, compares using someone's correct pronouns to pronouncing their name correctly – "a way of respecting them and referring to them in a way that's consistent and true to who they are."

Glossary of gender identity terms

This guide was created with help from GLAAD . We also referenced resources from the National Center for Transgender Equality , the Trans Journalists Association , NLGJA: The Association of LGBTQ Journalists , Human Rights Campaign , InterAct and the American Psychological Association . This guide is not exhaustive, and is Western and U.S.-centric. Other cultures may use different labels and have other conceptions of gender.

One thing to note: Language changes. Some of the terms now in common usage are different from those used in the past to describe similar ideas, identities and experiences. Some people may continue to use terms that are less commonly used now to describe themselves, and some people may use different terms entirely. What's important is recognizing and respecting people as individuals.

Jump to a term: Sex, gender , gender identity , gender expression , cisgender , transgender , nonbinary , agender , gender-expansive , gender transition , gender dysphoria , sexual orientation , intersex

Jump to Pronouns : questions and answers

Sex refers to a person's biological status and is typically assigned at birth, usually on the basis of external anatomy. Sex is typically categorized as male, female or intersex.

Gender is often defined as a social construct of norms, behaviors and roles that varies between societies and over time. Gender is often categorized as male, female or nonbinary.

Gender identity is one's own internal sense of self and their gender, whether that is man, woman, neither or both. Unlike gender expression, gender identity is not outwardly visible to others.

For most people, gender identity aligns with the sex assigned at birth, the American Psychological Association notes. For transgender people, gender identity differs in varying degrees from the sex assigned at birth.

Gender expression is how a person presents gender outwardly, through behavior, clothing, voice or other perceived characteristics. Society identifies these cues as masculine or feminine, although what is considered masculine or feminine changes over time and varies by culture.

Cisgender, or simply cis , is an adjective that describes a person whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth.

Transgender, or simply trans, is an adjective used to describe someone whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth. A transgender man, for example, is someone who was listed as female at birth but whose gender identity is male.

Cisgender and transgender have their origins in Latin-derived prefixes of "cis" and "trans" — cis, meaning "on this side of" and trans, meaning "across from" or "on the other side of." Both adjectives are used to describe experiences of someone's gender identity.

Nonbinary is a term that can be used by people who do not describe themselves or their genders as fitting into the categories of man or woman. A range of terms are used to refer to these experiences; nonbinary and genderqueer are among the terms that are sometimes used.

Agender is an adjective that can describe a person who does not identify as any gender.

Gender-expansive is an adjective that can describe someone with a more flexible gender identity than might be associated with a typical gender binary.

Gender transition is a process a person may take to bring themselves and/or their bodies into alignment with their gender identity. It's not just one step. Transitioning can include any, none or all of the following: telling one's friends, family and co-workers; changing one's name and pronouns; updating legal documents; medical interventions such as hormone therapy; or surgical intervention, often called gender confirmation surgery.

Gender dysphoria refers to psychological distress that results from an incongruence between one's sex assigned at birth and one's gender identity. Not all trans people experience dysphoria, and those who do may experience it at varying levels of intensity.

Gender dysphoria is a diagnosis listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Some argue that such a diagnosis inappropriately pathologizes gender incongruence, while others contend that a diagnosis makes it easier for transgender people to access necessary medical treatment.

Sexual orientation refers to the enduring physical, romantic and/or emotional attraction to members of the same and/or other genders, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and straight orientations.

People don't need to have had specific sexual experiences to know their own sexual orientation. They need not have had any sexual experience at all. They need not be in a relationship, dating or partnered with anyone for their sexual orientation to be validated. For example, if a bisexual woman is partnered with a man, that does not mean she is not still bisexual.

Sexual orientation is separate from gender identity. As GLAAD notes , "Transgender people may be straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual or queer. For example, a person who transitions from male to female and is attracted solely to men would typically identify as a straight woman. A person who transitions from female to male and is attracted solely to men would typically identify as a gay man."

Intersex is an umbrella term used to describe people with differences in reproductive anatomy, chromosomes or hormones that don't fit typical definitions of male and female.

Intersex can refer to a number of natural variations, some of them laid out by InterAct . Being intersex is not the same as being nonbinary or transgender, which are terms typically related to gender identity.

The Picture Show

Nonbinary photographer documents gender dysphoria through a queer lens, pronouns: questions and answers.

What is the role of pronouns in acknowledging someone's gender identity?

Everyone has pronouns that are used when referring to them – and getting those pronouns right is not exclusively a transgender issue.

"Pronouns are basically how we identify ourselves apart from our name. It's how someone refers to you in conversation," says Mary Emily O'Hara , a communications officer at GLAAD. "And when you're speaking to people, it's a really simple way to affirm their identity."

"So, for example, using the correct pronouns for trans and nonbinary youth is a way to let them know that you see them, you affirm them, you accept them and to let them know that they're loved during a time when they're really being targeted by so many discriminatory anti-trans state laws and policies," O'Hara says.

"It's really just about letting someone know that you accept their identity. And it's as simple as that."

Getting the words right is about respect and accuracy, says Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, deputy executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality. Kaz Fantone for NPR hide caption

Getting the words right is about respect and accuracy, says Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen, deputy executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality.

What's the right way to find out a person's pronouns?

Start by giving your own – for example, "My pronouns are she/her."

"If I was introducing myself to someone, I would say, 'I'm Rodrigo. I use him pronouns. What about you?' " says Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen , deputy executive director of the National Center for Transgender Equality.

O'Hara says, "It may feel awkward at first, but eventually it just becomes another one of those get-to-know-you questions."

Should people be asking everyone their pronouns? Or does it depend on the setting?

Knowing each other's pronouns helps you be sure you have accurate information about another person.

How a person appears in terms of gender expression "doesn't indicate anything about what their gender identity is," GLAAD's Schmider says. By sharing pronouns, "you're going to get to know someone a little better."

And while it can be awkward at first, it can quickly become routine.

Heng-Lehtinen notes that the practice of stating one's pronouns at the bottom of an email or during introductions at a meeting can also relieve some headaches for people whose first names are less common or gender ambiguous.

"Sometimes Americans look at a name and are like, 'I have no idea if I'm supposed to say he or she for this name' — not because the person's trans, but just because the name is of a culture that you don't recognize and you genuinely do not know. So having the pronouns listed saves everyone the headache," Heng-Lehtinen says. "It can be really, really quick once you make a habit of it. And I think it saves a lot of embarrassment for everybody."

Might some people be uncomfortable sharing their pronouns in a public setting?

Schmider says for cisgender people, sharing their pronouns is generally pretty easy – so long as they recognize that they have pronouns and know what they are. For others, it could be more difficult to share their pronouns in places where they don't know people.

But there are still benefits in sharing pronouns, he says. "It's an indication that they understand that gender expression does not equal gender identity, that you're not judging people just based on the way they look and making assumptions about their gender beyond what you actually know about them."

How is "they" used as a singular pronoun?

"They" is already commonly used as a singular pronoun when we are talking about someone, and we don't know who they are, O'Hara notes. Using they/them pronouns for someone you do know simply represents "just a little bit of a switch."

"You're just asking someone to not act as if they don't know you, but to remove gendered language from their vocabulary when they're talking about you," O'Hara says.

"I identify as nonbinary myself and I appear feminine. People often assume that my pronouns are she/her. So they will use those. And I'll just gently correct them and say, hey, you know what, my pronouns are they/them just FYI, for future reference or something like that," they say.

O'Hara says their family and friends still struggle with getting the pronouns right — and sometimes O'Hara struggles to remember others' pronouns, too.

"In my community, in the queer community, with a lot of trans and nonbinary people, we all frequently remind each other or remind ourselves. It's a sort of constant mindfulness where you are always catching up a little bit," they say.

"You might know someone for 10 years, and then they let you know their pronouns have changed. It's going to take you a little while to adjust, and that's fine. It's OK to make those mistakes and correct yourself, and it's OK to gently correct someone else."

What if I make a mistake and misgender someone, or use the wrong words?

Simply apologize and move on.

"I think it's perfectly natural to not know the right words to use at first. We're only human. It takes any of us some time to get to know a new concept," Heng-Lehtinen says. "The important thing is to just be interested in continuing to learn. So if you mess up some language, you just say, 'Oh, I'm so sorry,' correct yourself and move forward. No need to make it any more complicated than that. Doing that really simple gesture of apologizing quickly and moving on shows the other person that you care. And that makes a really big difference."

Why are pronouns typically given in the format "she/her" or "they/them" rather than just "she" or "they"?

The different iterations reflect that pronouns change based on how they're used in a sentence. And the "he/him" format is actually shorter than the previously common "he/him/his" format.

"People used to say all three and then it got down to two," Heng-Lehtinen laughs. He says staff at his organization was recently wondering if the custom will eventually shorten to just one pronoun. "There's no real rule about it. It's absolutely just been habit," he says.

Amid Wave Of Anti-Trans Bills, Trans Reporters Say 'Telling Our Own Stories' Is Vital

But he notes a benefit of using he/him and she/her: He and she rhyme. "If somebody just says he or she, I could very easily mishear that and then still get it wrong."

What does it mean if a person uses the pronouns "he/they" or "she/they"?

"That means that the person uses both pronouns, and you can alternate between those when referring to them. So either pronoun would be fine — and ideally mix it up, use both. It just means that they use both pronouns that they're listing," Heng-Lehtinen says.

Schmider says it depends on the person: "For some people, they don't mind those pronouns being interchanged for them. And for some people, they are using one specific pronoun in one context and another set of pronouns in another, dependent on maybe safety or comfortability."

The best approach, Schmider says, is to listen to how people refer to themselves.

Why might someone's name be different than what's listed on their ID?

Heng-Lehtinen notes that there's a perception when a person comes out as transgender, they change their name and that's that. But the reality is a lot more complicated and expensive when it comes to updating your name on government documents.

"It is not the same process as changing your last name when you get married. There is bizarrely a separate set of rules for when you are changing your name in marriage versus changing your name for any other reason. And it's more difficult in the latter," he says.

"When you're transgender, you might not be able to update all of your government IDs, even though you want to," he says. "I've been out for over a decade. I still have not been able to update all of my documents because the policies are so onerous. I've been able to update my driver's license, Social Security card and passport, but I cannot update my birth certificate."

"Just because a transgender person doesn't have their authentic name on their ID doesn't mean it's not the name that they really use every day," he advises. "So just be mindful to refer to people by the name they really use regardless of their driver's license."

NPR's Danielle Nett contributed to this report.

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Understanding Gender Identities

There are a lot of different ways someone can express their gender or sex.

Gender identity isn’t an easy topic to understand, and sometimes we need to unlearn some old ideas so we can really get what gender is all about. Most of us were taught that there are only two genders (man/masculine & woman/feminine) and two sexes (male & female). However, there is a lot more to it than that.

What is Gender?

Gender is a social construct , an idea created by people to help categorize and explain the world around them. You may not notice it all the time, but each gender comes with a set of expectations , like how to act, talk, dress, feel emotion, and interact with other people. For example, when you think of a teenage boy living in the United States, what comes to mind? Do you imagine him playing football, or do you picture him dancing in a ballet recital? It’s likely that you imagined him playing football first — but why?

In the United States, we have very defined gender roles that describe what it means to be a boy or a girl, a man or a woman, and we learn what’s expected of us at a very early age. Even though these expectations are made up — there’s no reason why boys shouldn’t be encouraged to practice ballet, for example — gendered characteristics, activities, expressions, and stereotypes are really ingrained in our society , and shape most of our lives.

Here are some other gender-specific constructed differences that you may recognize: young girls often get pink clothes, and boys get blue clothes; women are deemed overemotional and men are discouraged from crying; a deep voice is considered masculine while a high voice is feminine; boys should play with building blocks and girls should play with dolls; men are athletic and aggressive, women are nurturing and gentle… the list of expectations based on gender can go on and on, and changes from culture to culture.

In reality, gender roles aren’t set in stone. Even though our society expects certain things from certain people, we don’t have to conform . Rather than on a binary (only two ways of being), gender and sex exist on a spectrum , meaning that there are a lot of different ways that people can express their gender identity or sex.

What is the difference between Gender and Sex?

Understanding transphobia, intersex identities.

• Frequently Asked Questions

When we are born, a doctor assigns us a sex . This has to do with our biology , chromosomes , and physical body . Male babies are generally labeled as boys and female babies are generally labeled as girls . But even sex is more complex than that — and it really exists on a spectrum . Intersex individuals have physical sex traits or reproductive anatomy that are present at birth or emerge spontaneously later in life, and differ from normative expectations of “male” and “female.”

Some people never question their assigned gender or sex, and choose to identify with what they were assigned at birth — that’s called being “ cisgender .” But there are others who do question their gender or sex, and that’s completely normal and ok .

If you don’t feel that your gender identity — meaning, your own personal sense of what your gender is — matches the gender you were assigned at birth , you might identify as transgender (or trans) . And like sex is an expansive and complex spectrum, so is gender.

What does nonbinary mean?

Nonbinary genders, like genderfluid, genderqueer, polygender, bigender, and many others , are genders that exist outside of the male/female/man/woman binary . It’s important to note that not all nonbinary folks identify as trans , but may share many of the same experiences as trans folks.

Are you questioning your gender and aren’t sure what feels right to you? It’s okay. You are not alone! Consider a few of these questions:

• How do you feel about your birth gender?
• What gender do you wish people saw you as?
• How would you like to express your gender?
• What pronouns (like he/him or she/hers, or ze/zir or they/them) do you feel most comfortable using?
• When you imagine your future, what gender are you?

There are many aspects of someone’s gender:

Gender Expression: The way in which people present or express their gender, including physical appearance, clothing, hairstyles, and behavior. People can exert a certain degree of control over their gender expression depending on their resources and environment.

Gender Identity: Our personal sense of what our own gender is. 

Perceived Gender: How the world sees and understands your gender.

If you decide that your current gender or sex just isn’t right for you, you may want to make your gender identity fit with your ideal gender expression and presentation . This is called transitioning , and can include social (like telling other people about which pronouns you like), legal (like changing your name), or medical (like taking hormones or having surgery).

Some folks might choose to transition in only some aspects of their life. Some folks may receive gendering affirming care while others may not. None of these steps are necessary , and people should be allowed to figure out what works best for themselves in their exploration of gender . You don’t have to go through all of these things to be “officially” trans, or to have your gender identity be valid. It’s all up to you, and what feels safe and comfortable.

Terms and labels are important when talking about the trans community. While there are some general guidelines to follow, terms and labels are often unique to individuals and it is always best to check with someone about how they identify and which terms they prefer to use to describe themselves. 

Below are some general guidelines and common terms:

• You may see the term trans shortened with an asterisk (*) to include the many identities that fall under the trans umbrella.
• The term “ transgender ” should only be used as an adjective and never as a noun (i.e. “My friend is transgender” vs. “My friend is a transgender.”)
• A more often-used term is simply “ trans .”
• The term “ transgendered ” is grammatically incorrect and should never be used.
• Some trans people identify as transsexual , although others consider it to be outdated. Always ask for , and use, the term that a person prefers.

Trans people often face hatred or fear just because of who they are. Even some cisgender LGBQ people may have transphobic feelings that can make it harder for them to support trans people as they also fight for equality and acceptance .

If you ever feel that you are a victim of a transphobic hate crime, please consult the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund .

Sex is entirely distinct from gender , something that is determined by our biology and physical characteristics. As mentioned before, sex is typically thought of in the binary of male and female . In actuality, people’s genetics and bodies are much more complex than that. Still, many intersex people are assigned a sex of male or female at birth, even if they are more somewhere in the middle.

If you think you might be intersex, please know you are not alone. Visit the Intersex Society of North America ’s website for resources and information that may help you.

Talking About Intersex Folks

Intersex is an adjective that describes a person. It is never a noun or a verb, because no one can be “ intersexing ” or “ intersexed. ”

You may have heard the word “hermaphrodite” from Greek mythology. Like certain words used to refer to the trans community, this term is considered archaic and offensive to intersex people. Still, always ask for, and use, the term that a person prefers. 

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Gender Identity

Question 1: i am not completely comfortable with the body i was born with. in particular, my feminine figure is really getting to me, and i really wish that i had the ability to grow facial hair. i’ve begun to consider hrt (hormone replacement therapy) to help me feel comfortable with my body, after i check with my therapist. but how will taking hormones affect other things, like taking birth control, or getting my period will i need to get a hysterectomy because of taking hormones.

Answer: First, please know that you don’t have to figure all of this out all at once. It can take time to figure out what is right for you and your body. You are not alone in this.

It’s great that you’re considering your options, and want to work out a plan that will help you get to the place where you want to be. It sounds like you have a very good idea of what you’re looking for, and what you hope to get out of hormone replacement therapy. That’s a great first step, because it’s really important to understand what could make you feel more like you.

Have you talked to your therapist about any of your questions, including any specific anxieties you’re having about some of these unknowns? A lot of the questions and issues you bring up can be really complicated, especially in terms of the deep and complex ways in which the physical and emotional aspects of all of this are tied together.

Have you found and/or talked to a trusted health provider yet ? It sounds like you have a lot of very specific questions about how hormones might affect you physically, and about any unintended side effects HRT might cause. Everybody is different, so a medical professional would be the best person to tell you about what you could expect from HRT, depending on what your dose is and what your personal needs are.

Your therapist might also be able to recommend a trans-friendly physician in your area who can better answer your questions. If you have been considering getting hormones from a non-professional source, or if consulting with a doctor is not an option for you, we would encourage you research trusted sources before putting anything into your body.

Most medical professionals strongly advise against taking any kind of medication that isn’t prescribed because it can be very dangerous, especially since the source and quality of the drugs cannot be verified or regulated.

We hope that you can talk to a doctor face-to-face and get your questions answered. In the meantime, you are always welcome to contact us at The Trevor Project .

We are always available to talk through how you’re feeling about transitioning, taking care of yourself, and more. If you aren’t already on TrevorSpace , we encourage you to check it out; LGBTQ+ young people from all over the world use it to make friends and get advice. Chances are, someone on TrevorSpace will have gone through something very similar.

Question 2: I told my mom that I think I’m trans, but she thinks that it’s just a phase. What if she’s right? I really don’t want to come out and ask people to use my new name and pronouns, and then have it mean nothing. What if I decide that I’m not really a man?

Answer: First of all, it was a big step for you to tell your mom that you think you’re trans. Sometimes our parents and friends need some time to really absorb and understand what we’ve shared. Just like you had your own process for discovering your identity, they need to figure out how they feel, too. It sounds like some of the doubts your mom is expressing have started to creep into your own thinking around who you are, which can be difficult, especially if you value her opinion. For now, let’s focus on your feelings and thoughts. It sounds like you’re worried you might not really be trans, or

that one day you’ll change your mind about your gender identity.

It can be scary when you’re unsure of who you are, but don’t worry, you aren’t alone. The truth is that you’re never stuck with anything. As we go through life, we can grow, change, and even change course. If you’re feeling very strongly about being a man, go with your instincts. You know yourself better than anyone else.

Coming out is a very personal decision and you don’t have to tell other people about being trans if you don’t want to. However, it also sounds like you’re worried about other people’s reactions and wonder if it’s worth it to ask them to use your name and pronouns. We recommend checking out our Coming Out Handbook , which can help you weigh the pros and cons of coming out. There are sections that talk about finding support, preparing for how other people might react, and staying safe during your process.

If or when you do decide to come out as trans, you don’t have to do it all at once. It is totally up to you who, when, and how to come out, and it can even be a slow, step-by-step process. Regardless of what you decide to do, please know that you are never alone — we are always here for you.

Question 3: Lately I’ve had this desire to be a girl. I know I’m not ready to come out, but I’m planning to grow out my hair and wear more girly-types of clothes. I’m not sure what my parents would make of it, but I can’t get this off of my mind. Should I go ahead with it?

Answer: If you feel safe and comfortable starting to express your gender in a new way, then that’s your decision — after all, you know yourself best! Taking small steps, like letting your hair grow longer and wearing more feminine clothes can help you learn more about your own gender identity.

If you love it, great! If you decide you don’t love it, that’s also ok! It’s not hard to cut your hair again, or go back to wearing the clothes you wore before. No decision you make needs to be permanent. There are no rules about how girly or boyish anyone needs to be, regardless of what their body looks like, or what others might think they are supposed to do or look like.

Are there potential safety considerations that come with expressing your gender differently in public places, like school? Are there LGBTQ+- affirming student groups who can offer you support? These are just two questions you might want to consider before coming out.

As for your parents, have you mentioned these ideas to them before? Are you worried at all that changing your hair or clothes might create an unsafe situation with them? Or, do you think that they might find the change surprising? If you want a resource that will help you weigh the pros and cons of coming out to your parents, or at school, we have a guide for coming out. Above all, it’s up to you and your comfort level — no one can make you come out if you are not ready. If you want some help, you can always talk to us at The Trevor Project.

Additional Resources for Understanding Gender Identity

Gender identity.

• Diversity of Youth Gender Identity
• Genderqueer Identities
• Gender Spectrum
• The Gender Book
• Students and Gender Identity Guide for Schools (USC Rossier’s, online MSC program)

Intersexuality

• Inter/Act: A youth group for young people with intersex conditions or DSD
• OII Intersex Network
• American Psychological Association: What does intersex mean?

Transgender

• Trans Student Educational Resources
• Advocates for Youth: I Think I Might Be Transgender
• Trans Youth Family Allies
• WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health)
• TransWhat? A Guide Towards Allyship
• Resources for Transgender College Students

The Trevor Project is the leading suicide prevention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) young people.

We provide 24/7 crisis services for LGBTQ young people via a phone lifeline, text, and chat. We also operate innovative research, advocacy, public training, and peer support programs.

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Learn more about resources about gender identity.

Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Young People

The Coming Out Handbook

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