Gender Non-Conforming (GNC), also called Gender Variant or Gender Diversity, also written as Gender Nonconforming, is a term that describes individuals who do not conform to gender norms that are typically expected of them.[1][2][3] The term usually refers to gender expression, but it can also refer to behavior, preferences and roles.[4] Gender non-conformity can be used to describe the fashion, actions and ideas of an individual.[3] The term has no concrete definition and is used based on personal experiences/identity.[5]
Sometimes "gender non-conforming" is used to describe anyone who is not cisgender, with the term "transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC)" being used to encompass all non-cisgender identities. However, that idea is not entire accurate.[2] Anyone can be gender non-conforming, regardless of gender identity, it is not inherent to being transgender or non-binary.[4] Although, some may use the term to describe their own gender identity.[3]
Examples of gender non-conformity include:[3]
- A man who shows emotion and tenderness
- A woman wearing a suit on their wedding day
- A man wearing eyeliner
- A woman who pursues a career instead of marriage and/or motherhood
- A man who shaves their armpits
- A woman who is assertive
- A man who is a stay-at-home dad
While anyone may fit a simple definition of gender non-conformity, the term is used for individuals who intentionally subvert gender norms.[3] Gender non-conformity is highly based on cultural norms as well, a man in a dress may be seen as gender non-conforming or wearing traditional garb depending on cultural context.[6]
History[edit | edit source]
Gender non-conformity has existed throughout history, despite the belief that it is a new way to express gender.[7]
The first recorded use of the term comes from Lisa M. Diamond, Susan B. Bonner, and Janna Dickenson in 1991, in which they wrote that gender non-conformity refers to "the degree to which an individual's appearance, behavior, interests, and subjective self-concept deviate from conventional norms for masculinity/femininity."[3]
Flags & Symbols[edit | edit source]
The most common gender non-conforming flag was created by an unknown individual. The meaning behind the flag is unknown as well.[8]
An alternative gender non-conforming flag was created by Reddit user ZucchiniMachini on the QueerVexillology subreddit. The solid boundary between the pink and blue represents gender norms, and the white chevron represents the dismantling of said gender norms.[9]
Subterms[edit | edit source]
| Label | Flag | Description | Coiner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Name Non-Conforming |  [10]
|
When one's name doesn't conform to their gender identity. | jawsome247[10] |
| Pronoun Non-Conforming |  [11]
|
When one uses pronouns in a way that doesn't conform to societal standards. | Oltiel[12] |
Related Terms[edit | edit source]
| Label | Relationship | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Body Non-Conforming | Counterpart | When one's identity goes beyond physical and mental boundaries. |
| Gender Conforming | Opposite | When one dresses and/or behaves in a way that is expected of their gender identity. |
| Human Non-Conforming | Counterpart | When one doesn't conform to human roles or norms that society expects. |
| Non-Conforming Attraction | Counterpart | When one doesn't conform to societal expectations of attraction. |
| Sex Non-Conforming | Counterpart | When one doesn't conform to typical sex standards or expectations. |
Sources[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Jalili, Candice. “Gender Nonconforming.” Cosmopolitan, 7 Aug. 2020, www.cosmopolitan.com/sexopedia/a33545871/gender-nonconforming/. Accessed 9 Mar. 2024.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Barnes, Stephanie. “What Does It Really Mean to Be Gender Nonconforming? Definition + Examples.” Mindbodygreen, 4 Nov. 2021, www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/gender-nonconforming.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 Ferguson, Sian. “What Does It Mean to Be Gender Nonconforming?” Healthline, 13 Jan. 2021, www.healthline.com/health/gender-nonconforming.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Fournier, Annabelle Bernard . “What Does Gender Nonconforming Mean?” Verywell Mind, Verywellmind, 25 Feb. 2019, www.verywellmind.com/gender-nonconforming-definition-4582878.
- ↑ Horne, Bria. “Understanding Gender Nonconformity.” Www.medicalnewstoday.com, 11 July 2023, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/gender-nonconforming.
- ↑ Boskey, Elizabeth. “What Is Gender Non-Conforming?” Verywell Health, www.verywellhealth.com/gender-non-conforming-5087006.
- ↑ Guy-Evans, Olivia. “What Does Gender Nonconforming Mean? | Simply Psychology.” Www.simplypsychology.org, www.simplypsychology.org/gender-nonconforming-definition.html.
- ↑ pride-color-schemes. “Gender Nonconforming.” Tumblr, 27 June 2017, pride-color-schemes.tumblr.com/post/162334355688/gender-nonconforming. Accessed 9 Mar. 2024.
- ↑ ZucchiniMachini. “Gender Non-Conforming Flag.” Reddit, 21 Sept. 2022, www.reddit.com/r/QueerVexillology/comments/xk0amf/gender_nonconforming_flag/. Accessed 9 Mar. 2024.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 jawsome247. “New Term: NAME-NONCOMFIRMING!” Tumblr, 31 Jan. 2021, jawsome274.tumblr.com/post/641885409683619840/new-term-name-noncomfirming-for-when-your-gender.
- ↑ beyond-mogai-pride-flags. “Pronoun Non-Conforming Pride Flag.” Tumblr, 9 Nov. 2018, beyond-mogai-pride-flags.tumblr.com/post/179935451505/pronoun-non-conforming-pride-flag. Accessed 9 Mar. 2024.
- ↑ Oltiel. “Tumblr.” Www.tumblr.com, oltiel.tumblr.com/post/177348561823/ncl-pnc. Accessed 9 Mar. 2024.