What Does Genderfluid Mean?
Have you ever heard someone describe themselves as "genderfluid" and wondered what genderfluid means? You aren’t alone. As our cultural understanding of gender expands beyond the simple binary of "male" and "female," new terms and reclaimed identities are emerging to better describe the rich diversity of the human experience.
If you are looking to understand genderfluid, you have come to the right place. Whether you are questioning your own identity or want to be a better ally, this guide covers the basics of gender fluidity, pronouns, and how it differs from other identities.
What Does Genderfluid Mean?
At its core, being genderfluid means that a person’s gender identity is not fixed. It is flexible.
For most cisgender people, their internal sense of being a "man" or a "woman" stays the same throughout their lives. However, for a genderfluid person, that internal sense can shift.
Sometimes they may feel like a mix of both, or neither (agender).
This shift can happen quickly (day to day) or over longer periods (months or years). It is important to remember that this isn't a "choice" or a "phase"; it is simply how they honestly experience their internal self.
Gender Fluidity vs. Gender Expression
It is crucial to distinguish between identity (how you feel inside) and expression (how you dress or act).
While many genderfluid people change their gender expression, like wearing a suit one day and a dress the next to match their internal feelings, others might not change their look at all. You cannot tell if someone is genderfluid just by looking at them.
Genderfluid vs. Non-Binary vs. Transgender
One of the most common questions is: "Is genderfluid the same as non-binary?"
The short answer is: Yes and no.
Here is a simple way to visualise the difference:
Transgender: An umbrella term for anyone whose gender identity does not match the sex they were assigned at birth.
Non-Binary (aka Enby): An umbrella term for anyone whose gender identity falls outside the strict male/female binary.
Genderfluid: A specific identity under the non-binary and transgender umbrellas, where one’s gender moves (fluid/flexible/changing).
Think of Non-Binary as a large house. Inside that house, there are many rooms. One room might be "Agender" (no gender), another might be "Bigender" (two genders), and another might be “Genderfluid”.
Most gender-fluid people fall under the non-binary umbrella, but not all non-binary people are fluid (some feel like a fixed third gender).
What Pronouns Do Genderfluid People Use?
Because their gender shifts, the pronouns a genderfluid person uses might change, too.
They/Them: Many use neutral pronouns permanently to avoid confusion.
Rolling Pronouns: Some people might use "He/Him" on masculine days and "She/Her" on feminine days.
All Pronouns: Some are comfortable with any pronouns at any time.
Tip for Allies: It is always okay to ask! A simple, "What pronouns are you using?" shows you respect their identity.
The Genderfluid Flag
Just like other LGBTQ+ identities, genderfluid people have their own pride flag, created in 2012 by JJ Poole. It features five horizontal stripes, each with a specific meaning:
Pink: Represents femininity.
White: Represents a lack of gender.
Purple: Represents a combination of masculinity and femininity.
Black: Represents all genders, including those outside the binary.
Blue: Represents masculinity.
How to Support Genderfluid People
If a friend or loved one comes out to you as genderfluid, here are three easy ways to support them:
Believe Them: Fluidity can be confusing if you haven't experienced it, but trust that they know themselves best.
Use Their Name and Pronouns: If they ask you to switch pronouns, try your best. If you slip up, correct yourself quickly and move on.
Keep Learning: Reading articles like this one is a great first step.
Final Thoughts on Genderfluid Meaning
So, what does gender fluid mean? It is the freedom to exist outside of a rigid box. It is the experience of flowing between genders rather than staying anchored to one. As we continue to learn more about gender, embracing fluidity allows us to see people for who they truly are as beautifully complex, changing, and authentic.
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