Gender fluidity

Gender fluidity (commonly referred to as genderfluid) is a non-fixed gender identity that shifts over time or depending on the situation. These fluctuations can occur at the level of gender identity or gender expression. A genderfluid person may fluctuate among different gender expressions over their lifetime, or express multiple aspects of various gender markers simultaneously. Genderfluid individuals may identify as non-binary, transgender, or cisgender (meaning they identify with the gender associated with their sex assigned at birth).

In gender fluidity, a shift in gender identity refers to changes in one's internal sense of their gender, which may differ from their assigned sex at birth or their external appearance. Fluctuations in gender expression refer to outward changes in appearance and presentation, such as clothing, behavior, hairstyle, voice, or pronoun use. A genderfluid person may experience changes in identity, expression, or both.

Gender fluidity is a form of gender nonconformity, which describes aspects of gender identity, gender expression, and social roles that challenge traditional notions and models of gender identity. A 2019 peer-review in American Psychologist suggests that genderfluid identities challenge the traditional models which represent gender as a fixed, binary construct.

Gender fluidity is different from gender-questioning, a process in which people explore their gender in order to find their true gender identity and adjust their gender expression accordingly. Gender fluidity continues throughout lives of genderfluid people. Someone who identifies as genderfluid can use any pronouns they choose.

Research on genderfluid youth emphasizes that childhood and adolescence signify important developmental periods when individuals become more aware of gender categories and social expectations. Genderfluid youth face distinct challenges because of their non-fixed gender identities and expressions, which may often be misinterpreted and challenged by adults, peers, or institutions as gender uncertainty rather than as a valid form of gender identity. These challenges can be particularly relevant in academic, healthcare and familial settings where forms, policies, dress codes, pronouns, and interactions with peers often assume the traditional binary model of gender identity. Researchers argue that genderfluid and nonbinary youth should be taken into consideration in developmental research of gender identity, rather than being treated as exceptions to typical gender development.