01 December 2023

Understanding Gender Identity

 Gender Identity: Awareness, Research and Resources

Understanding Gender Identity

Gender identity belongs to the person who lives it, but one cannot deny that observers will make assumptions about us based on their understanding or comprehension of gender signals.”
― Jamison Green

Gender Identity Research

Gender Socialization and Identity Theory

Understanding Gender Identity
"Gender identity refers to a deeply-felt understanding of one's own gender, which may or may not align with the sex assigned at birth. It's an intrinsic sense of being male, female, a blend of both, neither, or another gender entirely. It's distinct from biological sex, which is assigned based on physical attributes such as genitalia, chromosomes, and reproductive systems.

Here are key components to understand about gender identity:

1. Gender Spectrum: Gender exists on a spectrum rather than in a strict binary (male/female). Some people identify as non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid, or agender, among other identities, which may not fit within traditional male or female categories.

2. Cisgender vs. Transgender: A cisgender person's gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. A transgender person's gender identity differs from their assigned sex at birth.

3. Gender Dysphoria: Some individuals may experience distress, known as gender dysphoria, when the gender they identify with doesn't match their body or the gender assigned to them at birth. Not all transgender individuals experience gender dysphoria.

4. Social and Cultural Factors: Gender identity is shaped by both internal sense and external influences, including societal expectations, culture, and personal experiences.

5. Respect and Recognition: Respecting an individual's gender identity involves using the pronouns and terms they prefer, creating a supportive environment, and recognizing their identity as valid and real.

Understanding and respecting gender identity is crucial for fostering inclusive environments and supporting individuals in expressing their true selves. It's important to approach discussions around gender identity with an open mind, empathy, and a willingness to learn and respect diverse experiences and identities." (Source: ChatGPT 2023)

Americans’ Complex Views on Gender Identity and Transgender Issues Pew Research Center

Definitions, Development of Gender Identity Medscape

Exploring Gender and Gender Identity Council of Europe

Gender Identity Development in Children Healthy Children

Gender Identity Guide A guide to supporting children and young people with their gender identity PDF Download Action for Children UK

Gender Identity, Definition, Theories and Facts Britannica

Gender Identity needs to be based on Objective Evidence rather than Feelings The Economist

Gender Socialization and Identity Theory MDPI

Gender and Mental Health Guide Young Minds

How Gender Theory Undermines Reality Alliance Defending Freedom

How Science is Helping Us Understand Gender Nasional Geographic

Models of Gender Identity Gender Wiki


Moving beyond Gender Identity: The need for Contextualization in Gender-Sensitive Medical Research The Lancet Regional Health Europe

Resources About Gender Identity Unitarian Universalist Association

Sense of Self and Self-Identity Mental Health and Motivation

Supporting Gender Identity: A Beginner’s Guide for Friends, Family, and University Staff University of San Francisco University

Social Identity Theory Mental Health and Motivation

Terms That Describe Gender Identity and Expression Healthline

The Role of Gender Identification and Need for Closure Sage Journals

Transgender Facts Mayo Clinic

Understanding Gender Identity The Jed Foundation

Understanding Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation James Madison University

Understanding Transgender People, Gender Identity and Gender Expression American Psychological Association

What are some different types of Gender Identity? Medical News Today

What is Gender? A Guide to Understand Gender Identity (Tool) Catalyst

What is Gender Dysphoria? Mental Health and Motivation

Explaining Gender Identity - Video

🎓 Mental Health, Psychology and Relationship Resources