Gender identity in cisgender persons

In cisgender persons, the gender identity and the assigned birth sex correspond. For example, you are born with female sex characteristics and you also feel like a girl/woman; or you are born with male sex characteristics and you also feel like a boy/man.

Being cisgender is the prevailing norm and creates a false assumption that everyone’s gender identity corresponds to their assigned birth sex. The cisgender norm (also called ‘cisnormativity’) assumes that there are only two gender identities: on the one hand, men, on the other hand, women. This is called ‘a dual or gender-binary view’ and is at odds with the existence of gender diversity. After all, there is a great variety of gender identities and the way in which people identify themselves.

Gender identity in transgender people

It is also possible that the gender identity and the assigned birth gender are more or less in conflict with each other, or simply do not (completely) coincide. A wide diversity is possible in the gender experience of being a boy or/or girl, man or/or woman. However, it is important to know that this is not an abnormality or disease, but a normal variation of being human.

The term “transgender” therefore covers a diverse population consisting of people with a binary gender identity, including trans men and trans women, as well as people with a non-binary gender identity, including non-binary people.

Discover your gender

Identity, expression, attraction and sex

Gender Is More Than Either/Or

Many people grow up hearing that gender is simple: boy or girl, man or woman, masculine or feminine. But for many individuals, gender is much more complex, personal and layered than a strict either/or framework. Gender is not always binary. For some people, it can be an and/and experience: a combination of identities, feelings, expressions and ways of being that may shift, grow or change over time.

Understanding gender in this broader way creates room for people whose experiences do not fit neatly into traditional categories. Someone may feel connected to more than one gender, move between different gender experiences, feel partly connected to a gender, or feel outside gender altogether. These experiences are valid and are part of the wider spectrum of gender identity and gender diversity.

Exploring Gender Can Bring Questions

Exploring your gender can raise questions, doubts, curiosity and uncertainty. You may wonder which words fit, whether your feelings are “real enough,” or whether your understanding of yourself might change later. These questions are common. Gender exploration is not always a straight path, and it does not need to lead to one final label immediately.

Some people find a gender identity term that feels right very quickly. Others need time to read, reflect, try different language, talk with trusted people or simply sit with their feelings. Both experiences are normal. There is no deadline for understanding your gender, and there is no single correct way to describe who you are.

Why People Hesitate to Talk About Gender

Many people feel nervous when talking about gender, sexuality or LGBTQ+ topics. This can happen in everyday conversations, classrooms, workplaces, healthcare settings or even anonymous surveys. People may worry about saying the wrong thing, using outdated terminology, asking a question in the wrong way or unintentionally offending someone.

These concerns are understandable. Language around gender continues to evolve, and not everyone learns the same terms at the same time. What matters most is the willingness to listen, learn, correct mistakes and approach the conversation with respect. You do not need to be perfect to be supportive.

Creating Space for Curiosity and Respect

Respectful dialogue starts with curiosity, patience and openness. Asking thoughtful questions, learning inclusive language and making room for different experiences can help build understanding. This is true whether you are exploring your own gender or trying to better understand the experiences of someone else.

At the same time, it is important to remember that no one is required to explain their identity, body or personal history. Good conversations about gender are based on respect, consent and care. Listening is often just as important as asking questions.

There Is No One Right Way to Experience Gender

Gender can be stable, fluid, simple, complex, deeply felt, quietly present or difficult to define. Some people identify strongly with one gender. Others experience gender as changing over time. Some use terms such as non-binary, genderfluid, agender, bigender, demigender, transgender or another identity. Some people prefer not to use a label at all.

All of these experiences can be meaningful. What matters is that people have the freedom to understand and express their gender in a way that feels honest and safe for them.

Gender Exploration Is a Valid Journey

Exploring gender can be an important part of self-discovery. It can help people better understand their feelings, their expression, their relationships and the language that brings them comfort. It can also help others become more empathetic and aware of the diversity of human experience.

There is no need to rush the process. Learning about gender, asking questions and allowing space for change can be valuable steps toward greater self-understanding and connection with others.

Gender is not only about fitting into a category. It is also about understanding, expression, respect and the freedom to be seen as yourself.