Gender expression and gender identity are two distinct concepts that are often confused.
Gender expression
is the way a person publicly presents their gender, while gender identity is how a person internally identifies. It is important to understand the difference between the two in order to create an inclusive environment for everyone.Gender expression
is the way a person expresses or publicly presents their gender.This can include behavior, clothing, hair, makeup, body language, voice, and even a chosen name and pronoun. Society identifies these signs as masculine or feminine, although what is considered masculine or feminine changes over time and varies according to culture.
Gender identity
is independent and separate from both sexual orientation and the sex assigned at birth. It is how a person internally identifies as a person, which can change throughout their lives.Some people identify as more feminine or more masculine, or they may not identify themselves as either or a combination of both. Gender expression does not always fit a person's gender identity. It is important to remember that gender expression and gender identity are two separate concepts and should not be confused. It is also important to create an inclusive environment for everyone by understanding and respecting the differences between gender expression and gender identity.