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| + | {{Emerging}} |
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{{Infobox |
{{Infobox |
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| − | | image = |
+ | | image = Xenogender Flag.svg |
| − | | caption = |
+ | | caption = Xenogender flag by Roswell |
| + | | altname = <!-- In case the article's topic is known under multiple names, differentiate with a comma. --> |
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| − | | altname = Fluid<ref name="WebMD: Gender Fluid" /> |
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| term = [[Gender identity]] |
| term = [[Gender identity]] |
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| spectrum = |
| spectrum = |
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| + | | gender = <!-- Indicate the gender(s) the identifier(s) can be. Differentiate by using an asterisk. --> |
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| − | | gender = |
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| − | | attracted = |
+ | | attracted = <!-- N/A --> |
| − | | attractedtype = |
+ | | attractedtype = <!-- N/A --> |
| − | | romance = |
+ | | romance = <!-- N/A --> |
| − | | |
+ | | different = Xenic |
| − | | different = *[[Genderqueer]] |
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| − | *[[Non-binary]] |
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}} |
}} |
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| + | '''Xenogender''' is a term for one or more [[Gender identity|gender identities]] that are defined by their relationships to animals, plants, or things<ref name="Tumblr: Masterpost">{{Cite_web|url=http://purrloinsucks.tumblr.com/post/95720973644/masterpost-of-genders-coined-by-baaphomett|title=masterpost of genders coined by baaphomett|archivedate=20211024044910}}</ref> instead of [[Gender binary|binary gendered]] concepts like [[Masculine|masculinity]], [[feminine|femininity]], or [[Androgynous|androgyny]]. It can be a standalone [[non-binary]] gender identity or an [[umbrella term]] for multiple [[gender]]s with themes such as nouns, archetypes, or neurodivergences such as synesthetic experiences.<ref name="Xenogender Crd">{{Cite_web|url=https://xenogender.crd.co|title=explaining xenogenders|author=Ez|archivedate=20211124232950}}</ref> Xenogender identities are part of the [[MOGAI]] community.<ref name="Tumblr: Masterpost" /> Some xenogender people are [[transgender]].<ref name="Xenogender Crd" /> |
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| − | '''Genderfluid''' or simply '''fluid''', refers to someone whose [[gender identity]] changes over time. A genderfluid individual can identify as any [[gender]], or combination of genders, at any given time. Their gender can change at random or it may vary in response to different circumstances. At times, these individuals may identify as male, female, both, or neither.<ref name="WebMD: Gender Fluid">{{Cite_web|url=https://www.webmd.com/sex/what-is-fluid|title=Gender Fluid: What Does It Mean?}}</ref> Their [[pronouns]] may vary at different times. The term genderfluid can be used as a specific identity in itself or as a descriptive term. They are generally considered under the [[non-binary]] and [[transgender]] [[Umbrella term|umbrellas]], but not all genderfluid individuals identify with those terms. Some genderfluid people [[transition]] socially, physically, and/or legally.<ref name="TLP: Genderfluid">{{Cite_web|url=https://translanguageprimer.com/genderfluid|title=Genderfluid / Genderflux|author=[[The Trans Language Primer]]|work=[https://translanguageprimer.com The Trans Language Primer]|archivedate=20211024132716}}</ref> |
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| + | |||
| + | {{Clear}} |
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| + | {{Stub}} |
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==Etymology== |
==Etymology== |
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| + | The prefix ''xen-'' or ''xeno-'' means stranger, guest, or host.<ref name="Merriam-Webster Dictionary">{{Cite_web|url=https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/xen-|title=Definition of xen-|author=Merriam-Webster Dictionary}}</ref> Its use in the neologism "xenogender" is described as deriving from "alien".<ref name="Xenogender Crd" /> |
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| − | The word "genderfluid" has been in use since at least the 1990s, although with a different meaning. The earliest known definition appears in Kate Bornstein's book ''Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women and the Rest of Us'',<ref name="Outlaw">{{Cite web|url=https://www.google.com.au/books/edition/Gender_Outlaw/_VsCl7Ek4N8C?hl=en&gbpv=1|title=Gender Outlaw: On men, women and the rest of us|author=Bornstein, Kate|publisher=Taylor & Francis|date=1994|accessdate=January 22, 2022}}</ref> which defines gender fluidity as the "ability to freely and knowingly become one or many of a limitless number of genders, for any length of time, at any rate of change. Gender fluidity recognizes no borders or rules of gender". This sentiment is echoed, though not repeated, by [[transgender]] advocate Michael M. Hernandez, who wrote 1996:<ref>{{Cite_print|author=Hernandez, Michael M.|titlepart=Boundaries: Gender and Transgenderism|title=The Second Coming: A Leatherdyke Reader|date=1996}}</ref> |
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| − | {{quote|quote=Gender-fluid means that their gender identity and/or expression encompass both masculine and feminine. Gender fluidity is becoming commonly known as transgenderism: the ability to transcend gender, whether biological, emotional, political, or otherwise; truly mixing male and female.|speaker=Michael M. Hernandez|source="Boundaries: Gender and Transgenderism"}} |
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| + | Xenogender people may use ideas and identities outside of the [[gender binary]] to describe themselves and avoid binary gendered identifiers, such as using only their first name or the name of an animal.<ref name="Counselling Skills">{{Cite_print |author=Beattie, Michael; Lenihan, Penny; and Dundas, Robin |title=Counselling Skills for Working with Gender Diversity and Identity |date=2018 |publisher=Jessica Kingsley Publishers |isbn=9781784504816}}</ref> They may feel they cannot place a label on themselves,<ref name="Archer: Thesis">{{Cite_web| url=https://www.proquest.com/openview/067bb01957e208afbc205ebf7c253565 |title=LGBTQ+ Youth and the Search for Labels: Identity Exploration Online |author=Archer, Katherine |publisher=Arizona State University |partialdate=December 2021 |format=PDF}} Meân, Lindsey; Cayetano, Catalina; and Taylor, Jameien (graduate supervisor committee). <small>(graduate thesis; approved November 2021)</small></ref> or feel as though they lack the terms to fully express their gender or identity, something that derives from a lexical gap.<ref name="DeviantArt: Pride-Flags 4">{{Cite_web |url=https://www.deviantart.com/pride-flags/art/Demixenogender-870952056 |title=Demixenogender |work=[https://www.deviantart.com/pride-flags Pride-Flags] |date=2021-02-24 |archivedate=20220125083321}}</ref> A lexical gap is a word that does not exist in a particular language, although it could exist according to that language's rules.<ref name="Lexical gap">{{Cite_web|url=https://www.macmillandictionary.com/us/dictionary/american/lexical-gap|title=LEXICAL GAP (noun)|work=[https://www.macmillandictionary.com Macmillan Dictionary]}}</ref> The term "xenogender" itself was designed to help fill the lexical gap by using terms not typically associated with gender or describing gender with metaphors.<ref name="DeviantArt: Pride-Flags 4" /> Young children may approach this gap by refusing to label themselves by gender, only using their name, identifying themselves as animals, and drawing themselves in self portraits as rainbows, unicorns, or other symbols they choose.<ref name="GS">{{Cite web |url=https://www.genderspectrum.org/child-family/faq| title=Frequently Asked Questions |publisher=Gender Spectrum |partialdate=2011 |archivedate=20140408123152 |nolive=1}}</ref> Many adults take the same approach to express themselves as well.<!--Citation not required; self-evident from prior text--> |
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| − | These definitions are less applicable to genderfluidity as it has become known in the 21st centure. A definition of the term appears in Kirstin Cronn-Mills' book ''Transgender Lives: Complex Stories, Complex Voices'', which simply states that individuals prefer to be flexible regarding their gender.<ref name="TLCSCV">{{Cite web|url=https://books.google.com.au/books?id=mvFjDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA24&lpg=PA24&dq=%22Gender-fluid+individuals+prefer+to+remain+flexible+about+their+gender%22&source=bl&ots=h67XRI5sv5&sig=ACfU3U0aDtlZj_gMCDHM_F2m7SDBZVCFxg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwim4aSkycT1AhWeUGwGHecdC1gQ6AF6BAgWEAM#v=onepage&q=Gender-fluid&f=false|title=Transgender Lives: Complex Stories, Complex Voices|author=Cronn-Mills, Kirstin|date=September 1, 2014|accessdate=January 22, 2022}}</ref> Other modern definitions are included in the Urban Dictionary, with the earliest example being added in 2007.<ref name="UD">{{Cite web|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20161018191041/http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=gender+fluid|title=Urban Dictionary: gender fluid|publisher=Urban Dictionary|date=January 21, 2007|accessdate=January 22, 2022}}</ref> |
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===History=== |
===History=== |
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| + | The term xenogender was proposed in 2014 by Baaphomett, a user of the social media website [[Wikipedia:Tumblr|Tumblr]]. The post defined it as: "''xenogender'': a gender that cannot be contained by human understandings of gender; more concerned with crafting other methods of gender categorization and hierarchy such as those relating to animals, plants, or other creatures/things".<ref name="Tumblr: Baaphomett">{{Cite_web |url=http://baaphomett.tumblr.com/post/89738557605/ive-done-a-lot-of-thinking-about-identity-and |title=Untitled post |author=Baaphomett |date=2014-06-24 |archivedate=20140701150845 |nolive=1}}</ref> |
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| − | <!--Do not include Two Spirit people in this history. They are not part of the history of white, Euro-American constructions of gender.--> |
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| − | In the 18th-century Chevalier d'Éon, a French diplomat, worked as a spy in London before a political exile. They presented as both a man and a woman at various points in life, having been born a man and choosing to live as a woman in the last part of their life.<ref name="Conversation">{{Cite web|url=https://theconversation.com/lgbt-history-month-forgotten-figures-who-challenged-gender-expression-and-identity-centuries-ago-153815|title=LGBT+ history month: forgotten figures who challenged gender expression and identity centuries ago|author=Armstrong, Catherine|date=February 4, 2021|accessdate=January 22, 2022}}</ref> Their mere existence raises questions among historians to this day. Some regard d'Éon as a figure of the genderfluid community, while others believe Chevlaier merely changed genders as a political or societal strategy.<ref name="ArtUK">{{Cite web|url=https://artuk.org/discover/stories/the-gender-fluidity-of-the-chevalier-don|title=The gender fluidity of the Chevalier d'Éon|author=Figes, Lydia|publisher=Art UK|date=February 23, 2021|accessdate=January 22, 2022}}</ref> |
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===Flag=== |
===Flag=== |
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| + | Multiple xenogender flags have been proposed. On DeviantArt, Roswell (under the username Pastelmemer) created two flag options on January 15, 2017. Both use the same seven stripe colors, which are described as common shades from iris flowers. The central yellow stripe symbolizes genders that have no relation to the gender binary. The symbol in the center of the designs is the astronomical sign for the asteroid Iris, which is named after the deity associated with rainbows;<ref name="DeviantArt: Pride-Flags 1">{{Cite_web |url=https://www.deviantart.com/pride-flags/art/Xenogender-1-656548427|title=Xenogender (1) |author=Roswell/Pastelmemer |date=2017-01-15 |work=[https://www.deviantart.com/pride-flags Pride-Flags] |archivedate=20201223004826}}</ref><ref name="DeviantArt: Pride-Flags 2">{{Cite_web |url=https://www.deviantart.com/pride-flags/art/Xenogender-2-656548421 |title=Xenogender (2) |author=Roswell/Pastelmemer |date=2017-01-15 |work=[https://www.deviantart.com/pride-flags Pride-Flags] |archivedate=20210826005225}}</ref> this symbol is white in the first design<ref name="DeviantArt: Pride-Flags 1" /> and black in the other.<ref name="DeviantArt: Pride-Flags 2" /> |
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| − | [[File:Alt Genderfluid Flag.png|right|thumb|220px|An alternative genderfluid pride flag.]] |
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| − | The genderfluid flag was created by lostinthoughtspaceandfantasies Tumblr, on August 3, 2012.<ref name="Lost">{{Cite web|url=https://lostinthoughtspaceandfantasies.tumblr.com/post/28596790877|author=thoughtstoberemembered|title="If there is no struggle, there is no purpose"date=August 2, 2012|accessdate=January 22, 2022}}</ref> Pink represents femininity, blue represents masculinity, purple represents both femininity and masculinity, black represents a lack of gender, and white represents all genders.<ref name=WAGF">{{Cite web|url=https://genderfluidity.tumblr.com/post/28614422659|author=thoughtstoberemembered|title=We are Genderfluid!|date=August 3, 2012|accessdate=January 22, 2022}}</ref> This flag is widely considered to be the "chosen" flag of the community, with replicas selling on popular online services such as Amazon. |
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| + | Another flag was created on February 17, 2017, using stripes by an anonymous user and a symbol by Mod Hermy from Pride-Flags. Its stripes are seven shades of blue-purple, and it has a central symbol in yellow and light purple that is designed to resemble an iris flower.<ref name="DeviantArt: Pride-Flags 3">{{Cite_web |url=https://www.deviantart.com/pride-flags/art/Xenogender-3-664036257 |title=Xenogender (3) |work=[https://www.deviantart.com/pride-flags Pride-Flags] |date=2017-02-17 |archivedate=20201223004833}}</ref> |
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| − | In one iteration of the gender fluid flag, created by Wikipedia user MarijnFlorence, the colored lines were waves as a visual pun in reference to the fluidity of the gender identity.<ref name="AltFlag">{{Cite web|url=https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Alternative_genderfluid_flag.png|author=Marijn Florence Robert van Hoorn|title=Alternative genderfluid flag|date=March 2, 2019|accessdate=January 22, 2022}}</ref> |
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| + | A xenogender symbol was designed on July 28, 2018, by Tumblr user system-lgbt. It is meant to be reminiscent of a stylized iris flower.<ref name="Tumblr: system-lgbt">{{Cite_web |url=https://system-lgbt.tumblr.com/post/176383465712/new-symbols-for-use|title=New Symbols For Use! |author=system-lgbt |date=2018-07-28 |work=[https://system-lgbt.tumblr.com We're All Gay In Here, Helen.] |archivedate=20211126074221}}</ref> |
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| − | Genderfluid is often compared to or confused with [[non-binary]] people. Non-binary people do not classify themselves as either binary gender, male or female, while a genderfluid individual's gender is not fixed, allowing them to identify as male, female, or both at any given moment.<ref name="HLa">{{Cite web|url=https://www.healthline.com/health/gender-fluid#gender-fluid-vs-nonbinary|title=9 FAQs About Being Gender-Fluid: Other Terms, Pronouns, and More|author=Ferguson, Sian|publisher=Healthline|date=June 11, 2020|accessdate=January 22, 2022}}</ref><ref>https://www.healthline.com/health/gender-fluid#gender-fluid-vs-nonbinary</ref> |
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| + | <gallery> |
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| − | [[Genderqueer]] is also used in conjunction with genderfluid due to their similarities. Genderqueer people do not fit into any gender binary, while genderfluid people may simply "switch" between the binaries or along the gender spectrum.<ref name="QitW">{{Cite web|url=https://queerintheworld.com/what-is-genderfluid-vs-genderqueer/|title=What is Genderfluid vs. Genderqueer? Let's Break It Down... 🌈|publisher=Queer in the World|date=2021|accessdate=January 22, 2022}}</ref> |
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| + | Xenogender Flag.svg|Xenogender flag by Roswell with white symbol |
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| + | Xenogender 7-stripe Flag.svg|Xenogender flag by Roswell, without symbol |
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| + | Xenogender 5-stripe Flag.svg|Five-stripe variant of the xenogender flag by Roswell, without symbol |
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| + | Xenogender Flag Symbol.svg|Xenogender flag symbol from Roswell's flag, better known as the 7 Iris astronomical symbol |
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| + | Alternate Xenogender Flag.svg|Xenogender flag by Mod Hermy and an anonymous user |
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| + | Xenogender_Symbol.svg|Xenogender symbol by system-lgbt |
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| + | </gallery> |
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| − | [[Agender]] can also be confused for genderfluid; however, they are vastly different gender identities. Agender individuals do not identify as any gender, while genderfluid people almost always identify with one binary or another.<ref name="HLb">{{Cite web|url=https://www.healthline.com/health/agender#agender-vs-other-terms|title=What Does It Mean to Be Agender? 18 Questions Answered|author=Ferguson, Sian|publisher=Healthline|date=January 20, 2021|accessdate=January 22, 2022}}</ref> |
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| + | '''Xenic''', also known as '''xeno-aligned''', is similar to xenogender; however, they are not meant to be equivalent. It was proposed by Tumblr user abandonedabandoned to explain a [[gender alignment]] that is not male- or female-aligned, nor is it non-aligned. The definition of xenic or xeno-aligned is: "when your gender experience (gender, desired/current presentation, dysphoria, other expressions) doesn't fit the human binary of gender alignments. Instead of male or female aligned, one would feel like they're more aligned with animals, plants, things, and/or concepts. These terms were made with alterhumans and xenogender individuals in mind, but any nonbinary person who feels xenic fits their identity may use it."<ref name="Xenic">{{Cite_web |url=https://abandonedabandoned.tumblr.com/post/167995310867 |title=Xenic/Xeno-Aligned |author=abandonedabandoned |date=2017-11-29 |archivedate=20210718015202}}</ref> |
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| − | ===Controversy=== |
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| − | ''If there has been a specific variety of this identity-phobic discourse that has led to discrediting it please detail that here. If there have been similar -phobic discourses around popular flags, it can also be documented in this section.'' |
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===Perceptions and discrimination=== |
===Perceptions and discrimination=== |
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| + | Those who use new identity terms (or "neo-identities") such as xenogender may be targeted for criticism, shaming, ridicule, harassment, or accusations of being a "faker". Staying in the closet by not openly identifying as a neo-identity becomes a form of self-protection against the risks of coming out. However, not engaging in identity exploration can interrupt the process of identity formation and lead to using an inaccurate identity label that does not truly fit. The discomfort of feeling one is something "other" than the mainstream labels sometimes becomes a feeling of being "invalid" or "abnormal". Neo-identities can be life-saving and life-affirming by reassuring people that they not are "broken" or "wrong" for better relating to other words.<ref name="Feraday: Thesis">{{Cite_web |url=https://rshare.library.ryerson.ca/articles/thesis/For_lack_of_a_better_word_neo-identities_in_non-cisgender_non-straight_communities_on_Tumblr/14648067 |title=For lack of a better word: neo-identities in non-cisgender, non-straight communities on Tumblr |author=Feraday, Christine |publisher=Ryerson University |date=2015-12-31 |format=PDF}} <small>(graduate thesis)</small></ref> |
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| − | A common misconception regarding gender fluidity is that it is "just a phase". According to WebMD, "The very nature of being gender fluid means you may change the way you identify. If this happens, it doesn't mean the person is no longer gender fluid." Furthermore, when speaking on children exhibiting gender fluidity, "cross-gender preferences and play are part of their normal exploration process and do not necessarily affect their future gender identity. However, if a child continues to identify as gender diverse over the years, then it's more likely not a phase." Contrary to popular beliefs, gender fluidity is not linked to any sort of mental illness or developmental disorder. Rather, it is an identity.<ref name="WebMD: Gender Fluid" /> |
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| − | ==Media== |
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| − | A study done by [[GLAAD]] in 2017-2018 found there were a total of 17 transgender characters on screen, of which only 4 of them identified as non-binary, though none as specifically genderfluid. Similarly, in 2019, GLAAD did another study and found there were no gender fluid characters in major films. GLAAD had looked over 118 films from major studios, and of the 18.6% of characters that were part of the LGBTQ community, none were non-binary or genderfluid.<ref name="Ink">{{Cite web|url=https://inkspire.org/post/non-binary-gender-identities-representation-in-media/|title=Non-Binary Gender Identities Representation in Media|author=Yang, Jie|publisher=Inkspire|date=October 18, 2021|accessdate=January 22, 2022}}</ref> |
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| − | ===Literature=== |
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| − | * Alex Fierro - ''Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard''{{#tag:ref|Though this character's experience is not considered entirely accurate to most genderfluid individuals, it is considered a positive representation. A [https://www.quora.com/How-accurate-is-Rick-Riordans-portrayal-of-Alex-Fierros-gender-fluidity-aimed-at-genderfluid-Magnus-Chase-fans Quora Thread] discussed these controversies|group="nb"}} |
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| − | * Riley Cavanaugh - ''Symptoms of Being Human''{{#tag:ref|This character is explicitely stated to be genderfluid, both in the narrative, and on the author's [https://jeffgarvinbooks.com/symptoms-of-being-human-2/ personal website].|group="nb"}} |
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| − | ===Video Games=== |
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| − | * [[w:c:monster-prom:Riona|Riona]] from the [[w:c:monster-prom:Monster Prom (franchise)|''Monster Prom'']] franchise. |
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| + | Xenogender individuals have been accused of contributing to criticisms of transgender people by people who are [[cisgender]]. Sometimes this accusation has come from other trans people.<ref name="Xenogender Crd" /> The online trans community (primarily North American) and some of the offline trans community (such as in France) has been heatedly debating the inclusion of xenogender identities in trans support networks and political activism. Trans activism is largely is concerned with self-determination for trans people, as well as ending state-sponsored and state-sanctioned violence against trans people. In online spaces, xenogender individuals have expressed that they do not feel included in the political discourses and support networks of non-xenogender trans rights activists. Members of the latter group have argued that people with xenogender identities are not oppressed for those identities in the same way that a non-xenogender trans person is oppressed, sometimes to a life-endangering extent, for being transgender.<ref name="EGO HIPPO">{{Cite_print |author=Morin, Florentin Félix |titlepart=EGO HIPPO: The Subject as Metaphor |title=Angelaki: Journal of the Theoretical Humanities |number=vol. 22, issue 2 |publisher=Taylor & Francis |date=June 2017 |url=https://doi.org/10.1080/0969725X.2017.1322822}}</ref> Xenogender individuals have observed that critiques of their identities by non-xenogender people may reflect transphobia towards anyone who is not cisgender or non-conforming with binary trans identities; ableism by attacking people who perceive gender differently, possibly due to neurodivergence; and victim-blaming by attributing responsibility for oppressing an identity to people who share that oppressed identity.<ref name="Xenogender Crd" /> |
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| − | ===Public figures=== |
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| − | * Erika Ishii |
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| − | * Ruby Rose |
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| + | In a counseling reference book related to gender diversity, its description of xenogender says that some research suggests these forms of non-binary identity may be linked to [[Wikipedia:Synaesthesia|synaesthesia]], a condition where someone's senses are experienced as linked to each other; for example, the individual may perceive certain sounds as linked to specific colors. It is possible that non-binary people with synaesthesia or synaesthesia-like perceptions may experience their gender identity and describe it in terms that other people do not attribute to gender, such as time, light, shape, size, or sensory characteristics like texture or sound.<ref name="Counselling Skills" /> |
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| − | ==Notes== |
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| − | <references group="nb" /> |
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| + | One particular xenogender respondent to the Neuroqueer Survey, an informal survey of adults who identified as both transgender/non-binary/agender and on the autism spectrum, offered this response to the question, "What steps can mental health providers take to better meet/serve trans autistic patients/clients?"<ref name="Neuroqueer Survey">{{Cite_print |author=Gratton, Finn V. |title=Supporting Transgender Autistic Youth and Adults |
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| − | ==Resources== |
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| + | A Guide for Professionals and Families |publisher=Jessica Kingsley Publishers |date=2019-10-21 |isbn=9781784508302}}</ref> |
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| − | * [https://www.healthline.com/health/gender-fluid#learn-more Gender-fluid on Healthline (9 FAQs)] |
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| + | {{Quote|quote=Listening and believing/accepting without challenging, making assumptions, and/or antagonizing; explicitly acknowledging when they are insufficiently educated in either/both issues and taking steps to seek out relevant information/training.|speaker=22-year-old white non-binary xenogender respondent|source=Neuroqueer Survey}} |
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| − | * [https://genderqueer.me/ Genderqueer.me] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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Revision as of 08:01, 28 January 2022
Xenogender is a term for one or more gender identities that are defined by their relationships to animals, plants, or things[1] instead of binary gendered concepts like masculinity, femininity, or androgyny. It can be a standalone non-binary gender identity or an umbrella term for multiple genders with themes such as nouns, archetypes, or neurodivergences such as synesthetic experiences.[2] Xenogender identities are part of the MOGAI community.[1] Some xenogender people are transgender.[2]
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Stub |
| This article is a stub. You can help LGBTQIA+ Wiki by expanding it. |
Etymology
The prefix xen- or xeno- means stranger, guest, or host.[3] Its use in the neologism "xenogender" is described as deriving from "alien".[2]
Community
Xenogender people may use ideas and identities outside of the gender binary to describe themselves and avoid binary gendered identifiers, such as using only their first name or the name of an animal.[4] They may feel they cannot place a label on themselves,[5] or feel as though they lack the terms to fully express their gender or identity, something that derives from a lexical gap.[6] A lexical gap is a word that does not exist in a particular language, although it could exist according to that language's rules.[7] The term "xenogender" itself was designed to help fill the lexical gap by using terms not typically associated with gender or describing gender with metaphors.[6] Young children may approach this gap by refusing to label themselves by gender, only using their name, identifying themselves as animals, and drawing themselves in self portraits as rainbows, unicorns, or other symbols they choose.[8] Many adults take the same approach to express themselves as well.
History
The term xenogender was proposed in 2014 by Baaphomett, a user of the social media website Tumblr. The post defined it as: "xenogender: a gender that cannot be contained by human understandings of gender; more concerned with crafting other methods of gender categorization and hierarchy such as those relating to animals, plants, or other creatures/things".[9]
Flag
Multiple xenogender flags have been proposed. On DeviantArt, Roswell (under the username Pastelmemer) created two flag options on January 15, 2017. Both use the same seven stripe colors, which are described as common shades from iris flowers. The central yellow stripe symbolizes genders that have no relation to the gender binary. The symbol in the center of the designs is the astronomical sign for the asteroid Iris, which is named after the deity associated with rainbows;[10][11] this symbol is white in the first design[10] and black in the other.[11]
Another flag was created on February 17, 2017, using stripes by an anonymous user and a symbol by Mod Hermy from Pride-Flags. Its stripes are seven shades of blue-purple, and it has a central symbol in yellow and light purple that is designed to resemble an iris flower.[12]
A xenogender symbol was designed on July 28, 2018, by Tumblr user system-lgbt. It is meant to be reminiscent of a stylized iris flower.[13]
Distinction
Xenic, also known as xeno-aligned, is similar to xenogender; however, they are not meant to be equivalent. It was proposed by Tumblr user abandonedabandoned to explain a gender alignment that is not male- or female-aligned, nor is it non-aligned. The definition of xenic or xeno-aligned is: "when your gender experience (gender, desired/current presentation, dysphoria, other expressions) doesn't fit the human binary of gender alignments. Instead of male or female aligned, one would feel like they're more aligned with animals, plants, things, and/or concepts. These terms were made with alterhumans and xenogender individuals in mind, but any nonbinary person who feels xenic fits their identity may use it."[14]
Perceptions and discrimination
Those who use new identity terms (or "neo-identities") such as xenogender may be targeted for criticism, shaming, ridicule, harassment, or accusations of being a "faker". Staying in the closet by not openly identifying as a neo-identity becomes a form of self-protection against the risks of coming out. However, not engaging in identity exploration can interrupt the process of identity formation and lead to using an inaccurate identity label that does not truly fit. The discomfort of feeling one is something "other" than the mainstream labels sometimes becomes a feeling of being "invalid" or "abnormal". Neo-identities can be life-saving and life-affirming by reassuring people that they not are "broken" or "wrong" for better relating to other words.[15]
Xenogender individuals have been accused of contributing to criticisms of transgender people by people who are cisgender. Sometimes this accusation has come from other trans people.[2] The online trans community (primarily North American) and some of the offline trans community (such as in France) has been heatedly debating the inclusion of xenogender identities in trans support networks and political activism. Trans activism is largely is concerned with self-determination for trans people, as well as ending state-sponsored and state-sanctioned violence against trans people. In online spaces, xenogender individuals have expressed that they do not feel included in the political discourses and support networks of non-xenogender trans rights activists. Members of the latter group have argued that people with xenogender identities are not oppressed for those identities in the same way that a non-xenogender trans person is oppressed, sometimes to a life-endangering extent, for being transgender.[16] Xenogender individuals have observed that critiques of their identities by non-xenogender people may reflect transphobia towards anyone who is not cisgender or non-conforming with binary trans identities; ableism by attacking people who perceive gender differently, possibly due to neurodivergence; and victim-blaming by attributing responsibility for oppressing an identity to people who share that oppressed identity.[2]
In a counseling reference book related to gender diversity, its description of xenogender says that some research suggests these forms of non-binary identity may be linked to synaesthesia, a condition where someone's senses are experienced as linked to each other; for example, the individual may perceive certain sounds as linked to specific colors. It is possible that non-binary people with synaesthesia or synaesthesia-like perceptions may experience their gender identity and describe it in terms that other people do not attribute to gender, such as time, light, shape, size, or sensory characteristics like texture or sound.[4]
One particular xenogender respondent to the Neuroqueer Survey, an informal survey of adults who identified as both transgender/non-binary/agender and on the autism spectrum, offered this response to the question, "What steps can mental health providers take to better meet/serve trans autistic patients/clients?"[17]
Listening and believing/accepting without challenging, making assumptions, and/or antagonizing; explicitly acknowledging when they are insufficiently educated in either/both issues and taking steps to seek out relevant information/training.
22-year-old white non-binary xenogender respondent, Neuroqueer Survey
References
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