Genderfae: Meaning, Gender Fluidity, and Identity

They may move among experiences such as:

• woman or girl;
• demigirl;
• feminine nonbinary;
• agender;
• neutrois;
• an unaligned nonbinary gender;
• another gender unrelated to masculinity.

A genderfae person does not need to experience every gender on this list. One person may move only between womanhood and agender, while another may experience several feminine, neutral, genderless, or unaligned genders.

• gender, referring to a person’s internal experience of gender;
• fae, a symbolic element used in the identity label.

Genderfae usually functions as an adjective or identity label:

• Alex identifies as genderfae.
• They are a genderfae person.
• Her gender identity is genderfae.
• Sam uses genderfae to describe their genderfluid experience.

When referring to a group, genderfae people is generally more natural than genderfaes.

Common expressions include:

• identify as genderfae;
• come out as genderfae;
• experience genderfae fluidity;
• move among feminine and nonbinary genders;
• use genderfae as a specific genderfluid label.

Because the term is unfamiliar to many readers, a short explanation is often helpful when it is first used.

• gradually or suddenly;
• frequently or occasionally;
• predictably or without a recognizable pattern;
• between two genders or among many;
• with changing levels of intensity;
• without any visible change in appearance.

Someone may feel strongly connected to womanhood for several days, later feel genderless, and then experience an unaligned nonbinary gender.

Another genderfae person may never identify fully as a woman but may move among demigirl, feminine nonbinary, agender, and neutral experiences. Genderfae can therefore include feminine genders without requiring complete identification with womanhood.

Genderfae is more specific because the person’s fluid range does not include male or masculine genders.

A simplified distinction is:

• Genderfluid: changes may involve any genders.
• Genderfae: changes exclude male and masculine genders.

A genderfae person may identify as both genderfluid and genderfae. They may use genderfluid in general conversation because it is more widely understood and genderfae when greater precision is useful.

The basic distinction is:

• Genderfae: excludes male and masculine genders.
• Genderfaun: excludes female and feminine genders.

Neither identity determines outward presentation. A genderfae person may dress masculinely, and a genderfaun person may dress femininely. These terms describe internal gender experience rather than clothing or style.

Genderfae generally excludes masculinity entirely. Therefore, someone who occasionally experiences a masculine nonbinary gender may find genderfaer more suitable.

Community definitions can vary, so these terms should be used according to each person’s stated identity rather than assigned by an observer.

Genderfae may include feminine genders, while genderflor avoids both masculine and feminine genders.

A person may relate to both terms when their experience changes or when different descriptions apply at different times.

Their gender range may contain:

• womanhood;
• partial womanhood;
• feminine nonbinary genders;
• neutral genders;
• genderlessness;
• genders unrelated to masculinity or femininity.

Genderfae therefore does not simply mean “always feminine.” It describes fluidity within a range that excludes masculine and male genders.

Some genderfae people may also identify as transfeminine, while others may not consider that label appropriate.

Gender expression is how someone presents themselves through clothing, hairstyle, voice, behavior, movement, or appearance.

A genderfae person may present as:

• feminine;
• masculine;
• androgynous;
• gender-neutral;
• mixed;
• consistent despite internal changes;
• different at different times.

Masculine clothing or behavior does not make someone’s internal gender masculine. Gender expression and gender identity are related for some people but remain separate concepts.

• she/her;
• they/them;
• she/they;
• he/him;
• neopronouns;
• multiple pronoun sets;
• pronouns that change over time.

Some people change pronouns when their gender changes. Others use one set consistently because it remains comfortable throughout their fluid experience.

Names and titles may also remain stable or change. These preferences should be learned directly from the person rather than guessed from the label or appearance.

Possible choices include:

• changing a name or pronouns;
• using feminine, neutral, or flexible presentation;
• changing hairstyle or voice;
• using adaptable clothing;
• taking hormones;
• choosing selected procedures;
• changing official records where possible;
• making no transition-related changes.

A person may want some feminizing physical changes without wanting to be recognized exclusively as a woman. No treatment, body type, voice, or appearance is required for a genderfae identity.

Genderfae means feeling feminine constantly.
No. It may include neutral, agender, and unaligned genders.

Genderfae people cannot dress masculinely.
No. Gender expression does not determine identity.

Genderfae and genderfluid are identical.
Genderfae is a more specific genderfluid experience that excludes male and masculine genders.

Genderfae people must use she/her pronouns.
No. They may use any pronouns.

Genderfae determines sexual orientation.
No. Gender identity and sexual orientation are separate.

1. Alex identifies as genderfae because their gender changes without including masculine genders.
2. A genderfae person may move among womanhood, agender, and neutral nonbinary identities.
3. Can someone identify as both genderfluid and genderfae?
4. Her genderfae identity does not require a feminine appearance.
5. The glossary distinguishes genderfae from genderfaun and genderfaer.
6. Being genderfae does not determine which pronouns a person uses.
7. Sam uses genderfae because their fluid range includes feminine and genderless experiences.
8. Understanding genderfae helped the family separate internal gender from clothing and personal style.

However, genderfae describes gender identity rather than sexual or romantic attraction. A genderfae person may have any orientation. Respectful communication allows the individual to choose the gender, relationship, and sexuality terms that accurately reflect their experience.