What Does it Mean to Be Androgynous? Examples, Challenges, & Benefits

What Is Gender Identity?

Gender identity is how an individual experiences the culturally constructed notion of gender. Gender identity is one’s own internal sense of self and gender, whether as a man (male), as a woman (female), neither, or both. Unlike gender expression, gender identity is not outwardly visible to others. Gender identity reflects people’s understanding of themselves regarding cultural definitions of female and male.¹

What Does it Mean to Be Androgynous?

Androgyny is a term for outward appearance and personal expression. It does not necessarily indicate someone’s gender identity or sexual orientation. It only describes that they don’t look traditionally masculine or feminine. As always, elements of personal expression (sexual or otherwise) are profoundly individual and self-described. A person who identifies as androgynous can be a woman, a man, or someone who identifies as transgender, nonbinary, or gender fluid.

Androgyny Vs. Intersex & Hermaphroditism

The terms androgyny, intersex, and hermaphrodite are often used together but do not mean the same thing. Androgyny is a gender presentation, aesthetics, and behavior that mixes “traditional” masculine and feminine attributes. In contrast, intersex and hermaphroditism are terms used to describe individuals with a mix of male and female biology.

It is important to note that hermaphrodite is a term that is no longer used to describe humans in everyday life. However, it is still used to describe individuals of other species with both male and female reproductive capacities, including plants, invertebrates, and a small number of vertebrates.

History of Androgyny

Androgyny is derived from the Greek root words “andro” (man) and “gyn” (woman) and can be used to refer to someone who appears to combine masculine/feminine or male/female traits and expression. Individuals who embody androgynous characteristics have always been around, emerging prominently in art and religion, including in Asia.²

In the 1970s and 80s, the term psychological androgyny was popularized in the field of gender psychology. Psychological androgyny is perceiving the self to possess characteristics of both genders.³ Researchers showed that individuals who perceive themselves as possessing characteristics of both genders enjoy mental health advantages over those with only one characteristic.³

As we move into modern history, androgynous style started to gain footing when women felt their attires were limiting their performances and daily activities. Of course, this isn’t new; women have traditionally worn male attire in battle, at work, and for fashion for centuries. Suffragettes often wore male clothing for their freedom of movement and safety.

In current pop culture, many celebrities and famous people present their androgynous aesthetic. Some of these through history include movie star Marlene Dietrich and, in more modern times, Harry Styles, David Bowie, Annie Lennox, Prince, Kristen Stewart, Boy George, Mana Sama, Gackt, Pete Burns, Arca, and K D Lang.

Characteristics of People Who Present as Androgynous

No singular look or definition describes the characteristics of androgynous people. Androgyny is a type of gender presentation that mixes masculinity and femininity, but it is a very personal expression of an individual’s aesthetic, personality, and identity. Androgyny is a type of gender presentation that mixes masculinity and femininity.

Benefits of Presenting As Androgynous

Over the course of their life, a person might alter their personal preferences or appearance. It can be easier for someone presenting as androgynous to change their identity over time since they’re not stuck in heteronormative expectations about binary gender and straight sexuality. Many feel the societal benefits of not conforming to our society’s standard of gender expressions or behaviors. This can feel very freeing.

Challenges of Presenting As Androgynous

The idea of androgyny can make people uncomfortable because it challenges their social scripts, which are automatic ways people categorize and interact with others based on identity perceptions. Some people struggle to understand or accept people falling outside the traditional binary genders of male and female. This attitude creates challenges for androgynous people. These folks may face harassment, discrimination, and even violence personally and through society.

How to Support a Person with an Androgynous Presentation

If your friend or family member exhibits an androgynous presentation, your support and advocacy are essential. Someone who is androgynous, whether because of their features or because it’s their gender expression, may experience harassment and discrimination. If someone confides in you or shares their personal sexuality, be grateful that they trust you.

Some ways you can support an androgynous person include:

• Learn more about androgynous people: Knowledge lessens fear. The more you know, the better you can understand the world. This does not mean you should quiz or query people on the street or even people you know about their sexuality.
• Be an ally: Being supportive of everyone under the LGBTQ+ umbrella is an excellent way to demonstrate support for everyone who presents as androgynous or lives with non-binary gender. Educate yourself, be inclusive in your language, and call people out if they make hateful comments.
• Use inclusive language for all: There are many ways to be inclusive of everyone, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, or personal presentation. This can include introducing yourself with your name and pronouns. Using words that define the relationship, such as “partner” instead of the relationship and gender, can also be helpful.
• Raise androgynous voices: When highlighting LGBTQ+ people in your events or as role models, including some androgynous role models, too. It may take some time, but it will cause no harm and will make more people feel included.

How to Support a Child With an Androgynous Presentation

As a parent, guardian, or teacher, there are many ways to support androgynous preferences. One way to encourage androgyny is to model flexible gender roles. Another way to support androgyny is through toys and expected professions. All toys can have developmental effects on a child, regardless of gender. A baby doll can teach a little boy to be nurturing, and Nerf guns can teach a little girl assertiveness or power. In addition, children observe society and the media’s stereotypical gender occupations.

When to Seek Professional Support

Choosing an androgynous presentation or gender expression is not a mental illness or a need for therapy. Still, a therapist can be a good resource if someone feels unsafe or needs guidance to come out to family or other loved ones. Suppose this is a path you or someone you know chooses. In that case, it is essential to find an LGBTQ+ therapist who identifies as part of the LGBTQ+ umbrella, has lived experience, or is a therapist-ally. Since we live in a technological age, there are online LGBTQ+ therapy options, too!