Bigender

Bigender is a gender identity used by some people to describe experiencing two genders. This may mean feeling aligned with both genders at the same time, or feeling that one shifts between two genders at different times. The two genders associated with bigender can be binary (male and female) or nonbinary, and individuals may choose different pairings. It sits within the broader spectrum of nonbinary and gender-diverse identities.

Experiences of bigender vary widely. Some people feel they embody both genders concurrently, others feel they alternate between them in different situations or phases of life. Expressions of gender—such as clothing, behavior, and pronouns—may align with one or both genders, and pronouns used can be he/him, she/her, they/them, or others depending on the person.

Bigender is distinct from a strictly binary gender identity and from other nonbinary identities. A person may identify as bigender alongside other labels, and sexual orientation is separate from gender identity. As with all gender identities, the most respectful approach is to listen to how someone describes their own experience and to use their chosen name and pronouns.

The term bigender has appeared in LGBTQ+ discussions and resources since the late 20th or early 21st century. It is not a medical diagnosis, and definitions can vary across communities and individuals. See also related concepts such as nonbinary, genderqueer, and two-spirit.