Gender Neutrality Explained: Meaning, Pronoms, and Useful Resources
Embrace the unfathomable realm of apathy towards gender with us! Dive deep into the mindset of individuals who shrug off labels and norms, opting for a tolerant, free-floating approach to their identity known as gender apathy.
For some folks, labels grant them a sense of comprehension and a foundation to build their community. But for the restless, labels can feel restrictive, boring, or just plain irrelevant. Anyone who eschews tidy boxes and prefers to chart their own path when it comes to their gender identity could identify as gender apathetic.
But what exactly does it mean to embrace this enigmatic identity? Buckle up, and let's explore the multifaceted world of gender apathy!
The Gender Apathetic Mindset
When we talk about apathy, we're referring to the act of disregarding or not caring about something. In the context of gender, it means those who don't feel a strong pull toward or identification with any specific gender identity or expression. Think of it like our old friend Taylor Swift—she forgot you existed, and gender apathetic individuals share that sentiment!
People who identify as gender apathetic might feel loosely connected to certain gender identities but remain blasé about their choice. Some of us might feel a vague attachment to masculinity or femininity, but nothing in the vast landscape of identity and expression fully encapsulates a gender apathetic person's essence. They might even reside somewhere beyond the spectrum entirely, flitting about in the space between the binary. They can be gendered or genderless, but they're neither here nor there about it.
Gender apathetic people might proudly bear terms like:
- apagender
- greygender
- cassgender
- inersgender
- anvisgender
- cis apathetic
- trans apathetic
The Nonbinary Neighborhood
It's easy to confuse gender apathetic individuals with others who fall under the nonbinary umbrella, such as agender, androgyne, or aliagender. Let's peel back the layers and distinguish these identities!
Agender
Someone who is agender doesn't experience an internal sense of their own gender. Meanwhile, a gender apathetic individual may feel loosely connected to certain gender identities but doesn't particularly care either way.
Androgyne
An androgyne person identifies and/or expresses with a mix of masculine and feminine qualities or neither. Gender apathetic individuals might not give much thought to these distinctions.
Aliagender
Aliagender individuals might identify with a gender that is firmly "other." Gender apathetic individuals might feel no need to adopt this type of label.
!important Keep in mind that gender identity refers to a person's own inner understanding of their personal gender, whereas gender expression encompasses how one acts, dresses, talks, or expresses themselves in relation to their gender.
Pronoun Particulars
Gender apathetic people often aren't too bothered by misgendering or using inconsistent pronouns. But they might not claim one consistent set of pronouns either. So asking about their preferred pronouns is always a good move!
Check out this list of evolving pronouns commonly embraced by the gender apathetic community:
- He, him, his, and himself
- She, her, hers, and herself
- Ve, ver, vis, vis, and verself
- Ze/zie, hir, hir, hirs, and hirself
- Xe, xem, xyr, xyrs, and xemself
- They, them, their, theirs, and themself
Navigating Your Journey
Identities ebb and flow over time, with gender apathy looking different for everyone. Some individuals may adopt a fixed and lucid understanding of their identity, while others might still be searching for answers or grappling with societal pressures.
If you're curious about exploring gender apathy, ask yourself these questions:
- Is gender a vital component of your personal identity?
- What are your pronouns? Does your preference change?
- Do you have a preferred gender expression? Does it evolve?
- Does it bother you when someone misgenders you?
- Do you care about your partner's perception of your gender?
- Do you care about how others perceive your gender identity?
- What does gender imply for you? Does the concept of gender fascinate you?
- How do you feel about the gender you were assigned at birth? Positive, negative, indifferent?
- Do you identify with any gender? Do you identify with specific aspects of certain genders?
Answering these questions might lead to more questions, but that's okay! The journey is yours to chart. Research and connection with like-minded individuals can help guide you.
Resources for the Gender Apathetic and Questioning
Finding kinship within our low-key, laid-back communities can be challenging. However, remember that you're not alone! Loneliness and confusion surrounding your gender exploration is completely normal. Here are some top-notch resources to provide guidance and connection:
The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project offers a safe space for members of the LGBTQIA+ youth community, providing information, community, and counseling resources. Reach out via their 24/7 online chat, call 1-866-488-7386, or text "START" to 678-678.
GLAAD
GLAAD offers comprehensive glossaries on sexual orientation and gender identity, providing a fantastic starting point for those who are just beginning their journey.
The Human Rights Campaign
The Human Rights Campaign offers support, guides, and resources for individuals exploring their gender identity, as well as opportunities to become a better ally for the gender expansive community. Download their "Supporting and Caring for our Gender Expansive Youth" booklet to help you on your journey.
Therapy Apps
Prefer the convenience of online therapy? Here are some popular mental health apps that offer gender-related therapy options:
- Pride Counseling
- Dr on Demand
- BetterHelp
- Talkspace
- 7 Cups
Apathy Ain't Dead
Gender apathetic individuals eschew labels, neat boxes, and constraints, refusing to be easily classified. While society remains obsessed with categorizing everything and everyone, gender apathetic folks will continue to elude classification.
People who identify as gender apathetic might occupy any spot on the vast gender identity or expression spectrum. They may embrace pronouns that best reflect their unique identity, but nothing fully encapsulates their totality. They're not particularly concerned with their own gender identity or how you perceive them.
If gender apathy strikes a chord with you, finding kinship can be trying, but remember—you're never alone! Community, support, and understanding are just a click, call, or text away.
- Juan might identify as gender apathetic, as he found labels like 'cis apathetic' or 'greygender' resonate with his identity, but he doesn't feel a strong connection to any specific gender expression.
- Mental health is a crucial aspect when exploring one's gender identity, and with the complexity of understanding gender apathy, it's essential to seek support from resources such as The Trevor Project, GLAAD, the Human Rights Campaign, or various mental health apps like Pride Counseling and BetterHelp.
- When delving into the world of gender apathy, maybe finding consolation in a booklet like the "Supporting and Caring for our Gender Expansive Youth" from the Human Rights Campaign could provide guidance and help make the journey less daunting.
- While some people derive comfort from labels and find a sense of belonging in the community, others, like those identifying as gender apathetic, might choose to chart their course without defined identifiers, embracing the enigma that comes with their fluid approach to gender identity.
