Gendergevoel

Gendergevoel, often translated as gender-feeling or gender sense, refers to an individual's internal and deeply held sense of their gender. It is a personal, subjective experience that may or may not align with the sex assigned at birth. For many people, their gendergevoel is consistent with societal expectations for their assigned sex, and they identify as cisgender. However, for others, their gendergevoel differs, leading them to identify as transgender, non-binary, or with another gender identity.

Gendergevoel is distinct from sexual orientation, which is about who a person is attracted to. One can have any gendergevoel and any sexual orientation. It is also separate from gender expression, which is how a person outwardly presents their gender through clothing, behavior, and other means. While gendergevoel, sexual orientation, and gender expression can be related, they are not inherently linked.

Understanding gendergevoel emphasizes the importance of respecting an individual's self-identified gender. It acknowledges that gender is a complex aspect of identity that is not always binary and can evolve over time for some individuals. The concept encourages a move away from rigid, externally imposed definitions of gender towards a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of human identity.