Gender

Gender refers to the social, cultural, and personal characteristics associated with being male, female, or other gender identities. It is distinct from biological sex, which describes physical attributes such as chromosomes, hormones, and anatomy. Gender encompasses gender identity: a person’s deeply felt sense of being male, female, a blend, neither, or another identity; and gender expression: how a person presents themselves through clothing, speech, behavior, and mannerisms. Societal expectations—often called gender roles—vary across cultures and change over time.

Gender identity may align with or differ from the sex assigned at birth. When it differs, a person may identify as transgender or trans; when it aligns, as cisgender. Many people identify with terms such as nonbinary, genderqueer, genderfluid, or agender. Language and pronouns are commonly used to reflect a person’s gender identity.

Gender concepts are culturally diverse. Some societies recognize more than two genders, such as hijra in South Asia, Two-Spirit among some Indigenous peoples of North America, and fa'afafine in Samoa. Legal and social recognition of gender diversity—through anti-discrimination protections, inclusive healthcare, and access to appropriate facilities and programs—has grown in many places, though practices and protections vary widely. Understanding gender as a spectrum and social construct helps address stereotypes and supports the rights and dignity of all individuals.