Xenogender is a nonbinary gender identity that goes beyond traditional human understandings of gender, utilizing diverse methods of categorization and hierarchy. It represents a way for individuals whose gender experience does not fit within conventional descriptors like "male," "female," or typical nonbinary terms to articulate their identity through abstract or alternative concepts.
Origins and Terminology
The term xenogender was coined in 2014 by Tumblr user Baaphomett. It was introduced in a submission to the MOGAI-Archive blog. The word itself is derived from two components:
| Component | Meaning |
|---|---|
| xeno- | Alien, foreign |
| -gender | Identity related to gender |
This etymology highlights the "alien" or "other" nature of these gender experiences, suggesting they are distinct from conventional gender constructs.
Understanding Xenogender Identity
At its core, xenogender describes a gender identity that cannot be adequately described using human-centric categories. Instead, it seeks to craft unique methods of gender categorization. This often involves relating one's gender to:
- Aesthetics: Such as colors, textures, sounds, or visual concepts.
- Abstract Concepts: Ideas, emotions, philosophical notions, or even logical constructs.
- Natural Phenomena: Elements like weather, landscapes, celestial bodies, or natural forces.
- Animals or Creatures: Characteristics associated with specific species or mythical beings.
- Sensory Experiences: How one's gender feels, tastes, or manifests through non-visual senses.
For someone who identifies as xenogender, their gender might be described as "like a forest," "the color blue," "a specific feeling," or "an ancient artifact," rather than through terms typically used to describe gender. This approach provides a rich and nuanced vocabulary for articulating complex internal experiences that traditional language may lack.
Why Xenogender?
The development of xenogender terms addresses a need within the nonbinary community to describe gender experiences that feel inherently different from those understood within a human-centric framework. For many, these identities are not simply "not male" or "not female," but are qualitatively different and resonate more deeply with non-human or abstract qualities. It offers a solution for individuals to express genders that are expansive, fluid, or otherwise incomparable to common societal gender definitions.
Learn more about nonbinary identities on Nonbinary Wiki.
