The Transgender Dictionary

Genderqueer

Table of Contents

Introduction

The primary usage of the term "genderqueer" is to describe a gender identity that falls under the umbrella of identities that are considered to be "nonbinary" in nature. Unlike other identities also underneath this umbrella, "genderqueer" is sometimes used interchangably with the term "nonbinary" and thus sharing the experience of being an umbrella. However, much like "nonbinary" - not everyone that identifies as genderqueer also identifies as nonbinary (and not everyone that identifies as nonbinary identifies as genderqueer).

There has been some debate regarding the distinctions between genderqueer and nonbinary, though the general trend seems to be towards using "nonbinary" as the umbrella term. Not all genderqueer people identify as transgender. Some people may identify as genderqueer for political reasons, deliberately playing with gender in a provocative way. The term may also be used by those who do not wish to disclose the specifics of their gender identity.

This page has been included in The Transgender Dictionary because at its core, this website is all about gender and gender-related topics. Genderqueer is a topic with gender right in its name, so it is perfectly at home here. If you would like to seek out information about other gender identities, check out the drop down buttons found in the alphabet menu at the top of this page.

Clicking on underlined words/phrases/etc throughout this page will lead you to other parts of The Transgender Dictionary (generally speaking, you will be led to things related to whatever it was that you clicked on). Clicking on links underneath the [External Links] section will lead you to other parts of the internet that are not associated with The Transgender Dictionary.

Click to jump to [N] section [Nonbinary] page.

Click to return to table of contents.

General Information

Someone who identifies as genderqueer may use other labels, or simply identify as genderqueer. Someone who identifies as genderqueer may describe their identity as any of the following; having an overlap or blurred lines between gender identity, being a male woman, having a gender identity that is neither male nor female, a combination of two binary genders, on a continuum between those two genders, identifying as many genders, being a female man, not placing a name on their gender, preferring to dress androgynously or as the opposite gender, or being neither woman nor man.

While the presentation of genderqueer individuals can vary, most genderqueer people present in ways that contradict what is traditionally expected of transgender people. The pronouns used by those who identify as genderqueer varies from person to person. People who look, sound, and present completely different from one another could both potentially identify as genderqueer. You may not always know that someone you are interacting with is genderqueer unless they tell you that they are genderqueer.

Not everyone that is genderqueer has the same assigned sex. Anyone who feels as though the label of genderqueer fits may use it. There is no set age at which someone can figure out that they are genderqueer and start identifying as it.

There are no particular medical transition steps that are associated with genderqueer, however, genderqueer people are more likely to mix and match transitional steps that would seem contradictory to someone undergoing medical transition to adhere to what is expected of a binary gender. Genderqueer people are also more likely to seek out unconventional variations of common surgeries to achieve unique results that are not typically associated with the standards of masculinity or femininity. Anyone who is genderqueer that has a desire for taking steps to medically transition may do so, though it is perfectly fine to stick to social transition.

Click to jump to external links to various wikis on the topic of genderqueer.

Click to return to table of contents.

History

The history of the word "genderqueer" is a tricky one. Some articles regarding the term genderqueer credit the term as originating in obscure zines from the 1970s, however the issue with things originating from obscure zines is that they are therefore difficult to find and share. An associate of mine, however, was able to find an old pin with the word "genderqueer" featured on it. The speculated date for this pin is anywhere from between 1977 to 2010. It is entirely possible that the button is from the 70s, but cannot be confirmed.

The earliest confirmed written usage of gender queer (as two separate words) can be found on page 120 of the second edition of "The Welcoming Congregation" written by Scott W. Alexander and Keith Kron in 1990. This book defines gender queer as "A person whose understanding of her/hir/his gender identification transcends society's polarized gender system."

The earliest known written usage of genderqueer being written as a single word can be found in the spring 1995 issue of the newsletter known as "In Your Face: Political Activism Against Gender Oppression" which was written by Riki Anne Wilchins. The term picked up steam throughout the 90s, and is still used by various people today (including the creator of The Transgender Dictionary).

Click to jump to external links regarding the history of genderqueer.

Click to jump to [Miscellaneous] page [Miscellaneous Historical Additional External Resources] section.

Click to return to table of contents.

Genderqueer Pride Flag

The most widely used genderqueer flag was designed by Marilyn Roxie in June of 2012. This is the color corrected version of the one that she originally designed in 2011.

Genderqueer visibility day is observed annually on April 25th. International genderqueer pride day is the 14 of July.

The top lavender stripe in the genderqueer flag represents androgynes & androgyny. The mixture of pink and blue (colors found on the transgender flag) also represents a combination of both masculine and feminine characteristics. The lavender also represents the "queer" in "genderqueer" as lavender has historically been a color used to represent being queer.

The center white stripe in the genderqueer flag represents being agender, genderless, having no gender, or having a neutral gender. The stripe also reflects the center white stripe of the transgender flag.

The bottom dark chartreuse green stripe is the inverse of lavender. Symbolizing growth and renewal, the green stripe in the genderqueer flag represents those who identify as nonbinary or outside the gender binary.

Click to jump to external links regarding the genderqueer flag.

Click to return to table of contents.

The links below are not affiliated with The Transgender Dictionary. These links have been provided to encourage readers to do further research on the topic and gain greater knowledge about what it is like to be Genderqueer and learn about various related discussions that are being had by people that have nothing to do with the website you are currently reading this disclaimer on.

Click to return to table of contents.

Click to return to table of contents.

Click to return to table of contents.

Click to return to table of contents.

Click to return to table of contents.

Click to return to table of contents.

Click to return to table of contents.

Click to return to table of contents.

Click to return to table of contents.

DIRECTORY DONATE # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z RESOURCES BY COUNTRY MISCELLANEOUS