maleidentified

Maleidentified is a term used in discussions of gender identity to describe a person who identifies as male or whose self-conception centers maleness. The label can apply to cisgender men and transgender men, and in some usages to others who consciously adopt a male identity within particular communities. It foregrounds identity over biology or external presentation, and it is often contrasted with categories based on assigned sex at birth or on appearance alone.

In scholarly and activist contexts, maleidentified may signal alignment with male-coded social roles, norms, or expectations, or with a sense of belonging to a male community. Usage varies and the term is not uniformly defined; some writers prefer the hyphenated form male-identified. It remains distinct from sexual orientation, as it describes gender identity rather than whom one is attracted to.

Critiques note that the term can overemphasize maleness as a central attribute or subsume diverse experiences under a single label. Others find it a useful shorthand for discussing how male identity shapes experiences of power, privilege, or constraint within social settings. Because language around gender evolves, readers should consult the specific context in which the term is used to understand its intended meaning.

See also: gender identity, masculinity, cisgender, transgender.