Beyond the Gender Binary

April 1, 2022, by DCEG Staff

The gender binary describes the inaccurate concept that gender is categorized into only two distinct forms (i.e. man/woman). Many gender-expansive identities exist either between or outside of this binary, such as genderfluid, genderqueer, non-binary or agender.¹ Various pronouns like the singular, third person they may be used to reflect gender neutrality.

• Genderqueer – An umbrella adjective for someone who avoids conventional ideas of gender, e.g. genderfluid, non-binary, agender
• Genderfluid – Describes a person who experiences gender as dynamic and changing over time
• Non-binary – Describes a person who does not identify exclusively as masculine or feminine
• Agender – Describes a person who rejects a gender identity or is gender-neutral

Many electronic medical records and research databases have started including several options for self-reported gender. This allows more complete collection of gender identity. When designing a study, investigators might consider:

• Designing questionnaires to be inclusive of gender-diverse communities. A variety of epidemiological outcomes may look different for people beyond the gender binary.
• Reporting separately on gender identity and sex assigned at birth. A two-step methodology should be considered to avoid conflation.²

Learn More

• The Importance of Gender Pronouns & Their Use in Workplace Communications
• Gender Spectrum: The Language of Gender 
• NPR: A Guide to Gender Identity Terms
• Have you noticed folks specifying their pronouns?

References

1. Richards C, Bouman WP, Seal L, Barker MJ, Nieder TO, T’Sjoen G. Non-binary or genderqueer genders. International Review of Psychiatry, 2016, doi:10.3109/09540261.2015.1106446
2. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2022. Measuring Sex, Gender Identity, and Sexual Orientation. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. doi.org: 10.17226/26424.

Browse the archive of monthly messages and learn more about the Inclusivity Minute project.