Gender Non-Conforming or Gender Creative
Gender Non-Conforming or Gender Creative
Gender Non-Conforming or Gender Creative individuals are people whose gender expression does not follow the stereotypical “rules” surrounding what is expected in male or female within our society.
You may wonder what is gender non-conforming or what does it mean when people are gender creative?
In our society, we commonly categorize individuals as male or female.
Therefore, those people who identify themselves as either side of the binary are expected to conform to a particular style and behavior.
Someone who identifies as female is expected to wear “feminine” clothing such as dresses, leggings, skirts, specific shirts, etc. Females are also assumed to wear makeup, have longer hair, and no facial hair.
Those who identify themselves as male are expected to wear “masculine” clothing such as sports attire, pants, more solid colors, and usually not bright clothing. These are some of the “rules” that are gender conformity.
When an individual does not ascribe to these set of rules or engages in shifting gender expressive play (through clothing, makeup, etc), this is breaking gender conformity or the binary.
Gender non-conforming individuals are those we are focusing on here.
There are a variety of ways people can choose to break gender conformity through the varying ways gender is expressed.
Some common options are:
- Mannerisms
- Dress and attire
- Makeup
- Hair style
- Accessories
Individuals who are gender non-conforming or gender creative may have a different style completely or may fluctuate between what the culture considers masculine and feminine.
Some people who identify as non-conforming may present more neutral or androgenous, while others may shift their gender expression based on activity, crowd, emotion, or internal desire.
People who are gender non-conforming or gender creative may identify with their assigned gender or may identify with other identities.
These identities can include, yet are not limited to:
- Non-binary
- Gender queer
- Gender fluid
- Gender bending
- Gender non-conforming
- Or something else.
The important thing is learning to understand each person’s identity and not making assumptions about those you meet.
If you are wanting to learn more about someone’s identity, be sure you are doing it for them and their comfort, rather than for your own needs. This is often a good place to start by knowing your intentions.
You can also seek therapy or reputable sources who can help support you in learning and understanding.
It is your own responsibility to learn more rather than anyone in the community teaching you. Seek a professional if you need, that specializes in this area of focus.
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Get to know Nicole Scrivano, LMFT, LCAT’s Director, by making an appointment. Nicole specializes in working with individuals and couples to bring identity-informed care and strategies for success in overcoming trauma triggers. Start your journey here with Nicole.
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