Trigender

Trigender is a gender identity used by some people to describe identification with three genders. For individuals who identify as trigender, those three genders may be experienced as distinct and present simultaneously, or as different identities that are experienced at different times or in different contexts. Because experience is personal, definitions of which three genders are involved vary widely.

The term is distinct from related identities. It differs from bigender, which is typically described as two genders, and from pangender, which encompasses many or all genders. In practice, what constitutes the three genders can differ from person to person, and some may describe a fixed triad while others describe a fluid or contextual mix.

Etymology and usage: The term combines tri- with gender and appears in LGBTQ+ communities and in some academic discussions about gender diversity. It is not a universally recognized category and is not an umbrella term for all non-binary experiences. As with many gender terms, its meaning depends on the individual who uses it.

Pronouns and presentation: People who identify as trigender may use a range of pronouns; some use gender-neutral pronouns such as they/them, while others use a set that reflects one or more of their identified genders. Presentation varies by individual and context.

Cultural and social context: Recognition and acceptance of trigender identities vary by region and community. Respect for a person’s self-described terms and pronouns is encouraged, including asking how they wish to be described.