Androgyne is a non-binary gender identity associated with androgyny. Androgynes have a gender which is simultaneously feminine and masculine, although not necessarily in equal amounts. Western society currently recognizes no set gender roles for androgynes.
Because androgynes have a non-binary gender identity, they might also identify as genderqueer and/or transgender. Androgynes (as well as any other gender) can be of any sexual or romantic orientation.
Physical Presentation[]
Some androgynes are comfortable with their body "as is", but some experience gender dysphoria and may wish to undergo a physical transition. The degree of physical transition can vary depending on the person: for instance, one androgyne might wish to go on hormone replacement therapy but have no surgical alterations, while another might desire top surgery but no other changes.
In terms of social gender roles, most androgynes feel various degrees of discomfort with the social expectations of the gender binary. Androgynes may use a combination of feminine and masculine clothes to better communicate their non-binary status, but in general there is no "correct" way to present as an androgyne.
The following terms have been suggested to further describe and categorize androgynes:
- femandrogyne - (feminine androgyne) an androgyne who feels more feminine than masculine
- mascandrogyne - (masculine androgyne) an androgyne who feels more masculine than feminine
- versandrogyne (versatile androgyne) an androgyne whose amount of femininity and masculinity fluctuates (a versandrogyne may go between being femandrogyne and being mascandrogyne)
- neutrandrogyne (neutral androgyne) - an androgyne who might feel a relatively even mixture of femininity and masculinity, or even none at all
- demiandrogyne - someone who only partially relates to or identities as androgyne
Legal and Social Issues[]
In the United States, nonbinary gender and being intersex are currently legally recognized at a federal level and at a state level in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and DC (which is not actually a state). An androgyne person may change their gender marker on their license to X or a neutral marker. In other US states, legal documentation only has the option for M or F. A US federal passport can have an X marker.
Androgynes, like many other non-binary people, may experience transphobia. They may feel uncomfortable using gender-segregated spaces. This can include schools, community organizations, and public bathrooms. They may experience celebration in the media, by their peers online and offline, and parents helping them with their struggle. All of these issues can have a severe impact on an androgyne's mental health.
External Links[]
This page uses Creative Commons licensed content from Gender Wiki (view authors).