Gender Fluid or Gender Fluidity

The translation of the words ‘genderfluid’ or ‘gender fluidity’ is really not appropriate. It means something like “liquid sex”. In fact, the point is that people cannot be simply divided into men and women. There are many variations between men and women. Genderfluid is a term that refers to people who do not feel fully male or female. You feel more or less feminine or masculine. And it can vary from day to day.

A non-binary person is not familiar with a male or female “binary” box. Non-binary is actually a term, used for all genders outside the male/female dichotomy. For example, some nonbinary people identify themselves as genderqueer,  a gender, or genderfluid. Some nonbinary people call themselves transgender.
Non-binary people often use a different form of address than their own. Many non-binary people use them and their as a form of address. There are many different forms of addresses used by non-binary people. If you don’t know how someone wants to be dealt with, you can always ask.

Expression

Gender expression refers to the way you express your gender experience: what roles do you take on in daily life? What clothes do you wear? How do you behave towards others? Gender expression is what the outside world sees of you, as opposed to gender identity which is invisible and takes place inside.

Identity

Gender is a social construction and refers to the cultural, social and psychological interpretation of femininity and masculinity within a society. It includes all expectations, values and norms that we associate with a particular gender. This interpretation is highly context- and time-dependent.

attraction

Being romantically and/or sexually attracted to other people is called sexual/romantic preference or sexual/romantic orientation. A distinction is often made between LGB (gay, lesbian, bi) and straight, but there are many more expressions of a person's sexual orientation. Think of pansexuality, asexuality, and so on.

Sex

The sex is determined at birth. It is often based solely on what doctors observe visually at birth, and is recorded as such on the birth certificate. Doctors use standards about what a body should look like in order to register a newborn as a boy or girl. Usually people think that there are only two options: a male or female birth gender – and this is legally registered as well.

What is gender fluid?

Gender fluid is a gender identity in which a person’s sense of gender changes over time. Unlike traditional binary identities—such as male or female—a gender fluid person experiences a dynamic relationship with gender. This means that on some days, you may feel more masculine, on others more feminine, and sometimes you may feel neither or both. These shifts can happen daily, weekly, or over longer periods of time, and they can vary in intensity. The key aspect is that your gender identity is not fixed, but fluid.

Gender fluid meaning in daily life

For many people, navigating a fluid gender identity can be confusing—especially in a society that often expects people to identify consistently as either male or female. You might have been assigned male at birth, for example, but feel more connected to femininity on some days, and more neutral or masculine on others. That experience is valid, even if it doesn’t match what others expect or understand. Being gender fluid means your identity is personal and flexible, and that is completely okay.

It’s natural to have questions or uncertainty. You might wonder: “What am I really?” or “Do I have to choose one side?” These thoughts are normal, especially when trying to find language for your experience. Many people who are gender questioning go through a phase of reflection, doubt, or exploration. That’s part of discovering who you are.

Social pressure and emotional impact

Living as a gender fluid person can sometimes lead to tension or emotional stress—especially when the people around you struggle to understand or accept your identity. You may feel pressure to fit into one gender role or to “be consistent” in how you present yourself. This can be exhausting and isolating. Society often enforces binary expectations, but gender doesn’t have to be black or white. It’s a spectrum, and your place on that spectrum may shift—and that’s completely normal.

If your experience with gender fluidity causes stress, confusion, or emotional fatigue, it’s okay to seek support. Talking to a trusted friend, therapist, or support group can make a big difference. Sharing your thoughts out loud often helps you better understand what’s going on inside. You don’t have to go through it alone.

Gender fluid vs. other identities

It’s important to note that gender fluid is just one identity within the broader world of non-binary genders. Some people identify as genderflux, bigender, agender, or demiboy/demigirl, depending on how they experience gender. While every identity is unique, they all share the idea that gender is not necessarily fixed or binary. Understanding the differences can help you find the label—or combination of labels—that fits you best.

Final thoughts

If you recognize yourself in this description of gender fluidity, know that you are not alone. Many people experience gender in ways that shift and evolve. There is no “right” way to be gender fluid, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation. Your identity is real, even if it changes. The most important thing is that you feel safe, respected, and free to express who you truly are.

Whether you’re still figuring things out or fully embracing a fluid gender identity, your journey is valid. Take the time you need, trust your feelings, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.

Discover your gender

Expression

Gender expression refers to the way you express your gender experience: what roles do you take on in daily life? What clothes do you wear? How do you behave towards others? Gender expression is what the outside world sees of you, as opposed to gender identity which is invisible and takes place inside.

Identity

Gender is a social construction and refers to the cultural, social and psychological interpretation of femininity and masculinity within a society. It includes all expectations, values and norms that we associate with a particular gender. This interpretation is highly context- and time-dependent.

Attraction

Being romantically and/or sexually attracted to other people is called sexual/romantic preference or sexual/romantic orientation. A distinction is often made between LGB (gay, lesbian, bi) and straight, but there are many more expressions of a person’s sexual orientation. Think of pansexuality, asexuality, and so on.

Sex

The sex is determined at birth. It is often based solely on what doctors observe visually at birth, and is recorded as such on the birth certificate. Doctors use standards about what a body should look like in order to register a newborn as a boy or girl. Usually people think that there are only two options: a male or female birth gender – and this is legally registered as well.

Variations

Scientific research shows that gender has many more variations. Sex is after all not only determined by external sexual characteristics (the so-called ‘phenotypic’ sex). The gonadal sex (the sex based on the gonads present) is also important, as is the genetic sex (presence of X and/or Y chromosomes).

Discover

Gender is something everyone thinks they understand, but for most it’s complicated. Gender is not binary, it is not either/or. Often it is and/and. A little bit of this and a little bit of that. People are often hesitant to ask questions about sexuality and gender in surveys. What if I say the wrong thing or use the wrong terminology?

Gender identity

The term ‘gender identity’ (also called ‘psychic identity’) refers to the inner gender experience of feeling man/boy, woman/girl, alternately or (neither) both. Gender identities are usually divided into two large groups: cisgender and transgender.

  • Expression
  • Identity
  • attraction
  • Sex

Have you ever questioned your gender identity?


As awareness of gender diversity grows, more people feel safe to explore their own gender identity. This journey can be confusing, challenging long-held beliefs shaped by society and cissexism. But questioning your gender is not a problem—it's a natural part of self-discovery. Whether you're young or older, gender exploration can happen at any point in life. There’s no right or wrong way to feel. Gender is personal, fluid, and can evolve over time. Taking time to reflect can uncover meaningful experiences and help you better understand who you truly are.