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User:Lighter8/Gender expression

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Gender expression (or gender presentation) is a person's behavior, mannerisms, interests, and appearance that are associated with gender in a particular cultural context, typically understood in terms of masculinity and femininity.[1] Gender expression is an external display of one's gender identity, through aspects such as clothing, hairstyles, voice, makeup, body language, and behavior.[2]

A person's gender expression may align with traditional gender roles or may be gender nonconforming, incorporating both masculine and feminine traits or neither. It may or may not reflect their gender identity or sex assigned at birth. Gender expression is influenced by sociocultural norms and is distinct from both gender identity and sexual orientation.[1]

Terminology

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Although gender expression is often assumed to reflect a person's internal gender identity, the two are not always aligned.[3] For example, some transgender people may adopt expressions that differ from their gender identity for reasons of safety or comfort. Gender expression also differs from sex assigned at birth and is independent of sexual orientation.[1]

Expressions that diverge from conventional norms may be described as gender nonconforming. Common examples include men wearing makeup or dresses, and women with short hair or traditionally masculine attire. Some individuals adopt an androgynous or gender-neutral appearance, blending or rejecting traditional markers of masculinity and femininity.[4]

Certain terms are used to describe gendered expression within specific subcultures. For instance, in queer women’s communities, "butch" and "femme" refer to more masculine or feminine styles respectively. In men and boys, atypically feminine expression is described as effeminate; in girls and women, as tomboyish.

The term gender expression appears in legal contexts such as the Yogyakarta Principles and is recognized in the human rights laws of countries like Canada.[5]

Distinction from sexual orientation

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Although gender expression and sexual orientation are independent, they are often conflated due to stereotypes. Masculine women may be presumed to be lesbians; effeminate men may be assumed to be gay, regardless of actual orientation.[6] These assumptions contribute to discrimination, bullying, and mental health challenges among those whose gender expression does not conform to expectations.

Judith Butler's concept of the heterosexual matrix suggests that gender expression is often read in alignment with both perceived sex and presumed sexual orientation.[7]

Historically, early sexologists sometimes viewed same-sex attraction as a form of "gender inversion"—the belief that gay individuals exhibited the traits of the opposite sex.[8]

Discrimination

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People may experience discrimination based on gender expression, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. Studies show that gender nonconforming individuals—especially those assigned male at birth—often face greater levels of bullying, assault, and social exclusion.[9]

Discrimination may also extend to healthcare access. Research shows that individuals with non-normative expression can face implicit bias, misgendering, and reduced comfort in medical settings.[10]

A lack of freedom in self-expression can negatively impact confidence and mental health. A 2017 study found that masculine-presenting lesbians forced to adopt traditionally feminine styles reported lower self-esteem and discomfort.[11]

Academic terminology

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In academic writing, a male who adopts a feminine expression is sometimes described as displaying gynemimesis (adj: gynemimetic), while a female expressing masculinity may be described as exhibiting andromimesis (adj: andromimetic).[12]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c American Psychological Association (2015). "Guidelines for Psychological Practice With Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People". American Psychologist. 70 (9): 832–864. doi:10.1037/a0039906. PMID 26653312. S2CID 1751773.
  2. ^ "Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Definitions". Human Rights Campaign. Retrieved 17 November 2021.
  3. ^ Summers, Randal W. (2016). Social Psychology: How Other People Influence Our Thoughts and Actions. ABC-CLIO. p. 232. ISBN 9781610695923.
  4. ^ Kachel, Sven; Steffens, Melanie C.; Niedlich, Claudia (2016). "Traditional Masculinity and Femininity: Validation of a New Scale Assessing Gender Roles". Frontiers in Psychology. 7: 956. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2016.00956. PMC 4932111. PMID 27458394.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: unflagged free DOI (link)
  5. ^ Macfarlane, Emmett (2018). Policy Change, Courts, and the Canadian Constitution. University of Toronto Press. p. 391. ISBN 9781487523215. {{cite book}}: Check |isbn= value: checksum (help)
  6. ^ Horn, Stacey S. (2007). "Adolescents' Acceptance of Same-Sex Peers Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Expression". Journal of Youth and Adolescence. 36 (3): 363–371. doi:10.1007/s10964-007-9176-4. PMID 27519035.
  7. ^ Disch, Lisa (1999). "Judith Butler and the Politics of the Performative". Political Theory. 27 (4): 545–559. doi:10.1177/0090591799027004006. S2CID 144841050.
  8. ^ Weinrich, James D. (1987). Sexual Landscapes: Why We Are What We Are, Why We Love Whom We Love. Scribner's. pp. 276–277. ISBN 978-0684187051.
  9. ^ Anderson, Steph M. (2020). "Gender Matters: The Perceived Role of Gender Expression in Discrimination Against Cisgender and Transgender LGBQ Individuals". Psychology of Women Quarterly. 44 (3): 323–341. doi:10.1177/0361684320929354. S2CID 221217350.
  10. ^ ""Automatic assumption of your gender, sexuality and sexual practices is also discrimination": Exploring sexual healthcare experiences and recommendations among sexually and gender diverse persons in Arctic Canada". Health & Social Care in the Community. 27 (5): 1204–1213. September 2019.
  11. ^ Henrichs-Beck, Christine L.; Szymanski, Dawn M. (2017). "Gender expression, body–gender identity incongruence, thin ideal internalization, and lesbian body dissatisfaction". Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. 4 (1): 23–33. doi:10.1037/sgd0000214. S2CID 151550839.
  12. ^ Denny, Dallas (2013). Current Concepts in Transgender Identity. Routledge. pp. 402, 412–414. ISBN 9781134821105.
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