könlöst

Könlöst is a Swedish term meaning "genderless" or "without gender." It is used to describe people who do not identify with any gender or who prefer a gender-neutral presentation. The label can apply to personal identity as well as to broader discussions about language, pronouns, and social norms that aim to minimize gendered assumptions.

In Swedish discourse, könlöst is one of several terms used to describe non-normative gender identities. It is less common than icke-binär (nonbinary) or agender, and individuals who identify as könlöst may choose different labels depending on context and personal preference. The term is largely used within feminist and LGBTQ+ communities, education, and media, where it can help articulate an identity that rejects traditional gender categories.

Origins trace to the broader concept of gender as a social construct and to the Swedish language's evolving lexicon for gender diversity. Its usage has grown with increasing recognition of diverse gender experiences, though it remains less mainstream than other terms. In public debate, some advocate könlöst as a precise descriptor, while others favor more widely recognized terms.

See also: nonbinary, agender, gender neutrality, hen.