What does the term gender identity mean?

Gender identity refers to an individual's personal sense of their own gender. It is a deeply-held feeling of being male, female, a blend of both, neither, or anywhere along the gender spectrum. Gender identity is an intrinsic part of a person's identity and is typically self-identified, meaning that it is how individuals perceive themselves and what they call themselves.

One's gender identity can correspond to or differ from their sex assigned at birth. For example, a person may be assigned male at birth based on physical characteristics but identify as female. This person would be described as a transgender woman. Conversely, a person whose gender identity aligns with their sex assigned at birth is referred to as cisgender.

Gender identity is distinct from sexual orientation, which is about whom one is attracted to, and from gender expression, which is how one presents their gender to the outside world through behavior, clothing, haircut, voice, and other forms of presentation.

Understanding gender identity is important for respecting each person's sense of self and for addressing issues of discrimination and inequality. It is a fundamental aspect of who we are as individuals and how we interact with the world around us.