Common genders

There are many gender identities. Below, you will find a list of common genders. There are many more. The gender identities listed below can seem similar to each other. Gender identity is unique to the individual. Only they can say which one feels right for them.

Some of the more common genders are:

• ‍Non-binary. It describes someone who does not identify as exclusively a man/boy or a woman/girl. Someone who is non-binary might feel like a mix of genders or like they have no gender at all.‍
• Genderqueer. It describes someone who sees their gender as different or between man and woman. They may want to explore more about their gender.‍
• Gender fluid. It describes someone whose gender changes often. ‍
• Agender. It describes someone who doesn't identify as any gender.‍
• Pangender. It describes someone who experiences multiple genders, perhaps at the same time.‍
• Demiboy. It describes someone called male at birth but who does not fully identify as a man socially or mentally.‍
• Demigirl. It describes someone called female at birth but who does not fully identify as a woman socially or mentally.‍
• Gender nonconforming. It describes people who don't conform to the gender norms expected of them.
• ‍Gender questioning. It describes someone who isn't clear yet on their gender identity or does not wish to have a gender identity.‍
• Transgender. It describes someone who experiences gender as different to the sex they were called at birth. You can read more at TransHub here (external link).‍
• Transmasculine (transman). It describes a transgender person who identifies as a man or masculine.‍
• Transfeminine (transwoman). It describes a transgender person who identifies as a woman or feminine. 

There are many more gender expressions than those listed above. If you're unsure what your client means when describing their gender, ask them to explain or do some research yourself. 

If your client wants to explore their gender, sharing this list with them could be helpful. 

The pronouns you should use

Pronouns are words we use instead of someone's name. If you have a client called Sarah, you could say: 

• "Sarah sat on the floor." 
• "She sat on the floor."
• "He sat on the floor."
• "They sat on the floor."

In English, pronouns often link to gender. However, some GD people use different pronouns. 

Traditionally, he/him/his are associated with men, while she/her/hers are linked to women. It's better to use whatever pronouns an individual prefers. Using the wrong pronouns is sometimes called "misgendering". It means you have called someone the wrong gender. It can be hurtful. Using the correct pronouns for everyone is safe, accepting and respectful. 

Don't assume you know what pronouns to use. Instead, ask what pronouns someone would prefer. It's best to ask in private. Just be aware that your client may not be ready to announce their pronouns publicly. This includes when you're in a group setting or around other people. If this is the case, consider using their name rather than their pronouns.

Below is a chart listing common pronouns and their use. It's important to acknowledge that there are more pronouns than those listed. We encourage you to honour individuals by using pronouns that match their identity.

Health and wellness

Neurodivergent people and those with an intellectual disability may have missed out on sex education. They may not have learnt about their sexual or gender identity. If they did have sex education, it may not have mentioned GD people. They may not know that they can ask for help if they are confused about their gender or sexual identity. It can hurt health and wellbeing. 

GD adults with intellectual disability often struggle to be fully included in groups, including disability services. Disability service staff sometimes feel embarrassed talking about sexuality with people with intellectual disability. They may wait for the person to start the conversation. 

GD people with an intellectual disability may face extreme prejudice, discrimination, and even physical violence due to their minority status. Because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, they may encounter unique forms of exclusion and discrimination. Discrimination is when someone is treated unfairly because of who they are. These social barriers may be mistaken as problems linked to their disability. 

GD people with intellectual disability are often thought unable to make their own decisions around health care, including:

• Medical treatment. 
• Gender reassignment steps to affirm their gender. This could be about taking hormones or having surgery. It can help someone look and feel more like the gender that fits them.

Many people with intellectual disabilities can make decisions about gender. A case-by-case approach is best. You can learn how to respect clients' ability to choose in the Neve guide to Supported decision-making (internal link).

Everyone is entitled to information about the benefits and risks of any medical or health procedure, shared in a way that makes sense to them. 

At times, GD people who are also neurodivergent will hear that:

• They are only GD because they are neurodiverse.
• Their gender needs should not be met as a result.

Being neurodivergent should not be a barrier to healthcare that supports GD. You can be a champion for your clients if they encounter this stigma.

Neurodivergent people often experience senses differently, which may affect how they express their identity. For example, some people don't like how hair feels on their head, so they may want to shave it all off! Other people may need to dress in certain materials because of how they feel rubbing against their skin. 

Some GD people may want to bind their breasts to look more masculine. They may need extra help if they don't like how binding feels. They might also struggle wearing bras or tucking their genitals tightly to their body to appear more like their preferred gender. Some companies make safer products for tucking and binding, which is important as people can injure themselves if they do it incorrectly. 

Supporting clients to explore gender

Supporting someone's exploration of gender involves creating a safe, welcoming environment where they can express themselves. The key is to accept your client as they explore and develop their sense of self. It builds confidence.

Here are some ways to provide support.

Open communication. Listen without judging. Let the person know you are available to listen to their thoughts, feelings, and questions about gender. If they seem open, consider asking them about feelings of attraction, possibly with celebrities or people they know. Ask how they feel about their bodies and how they dress. Some people learn about exploring their identity by talking with other GD people. 

Education. Share resources about gender diversity, including different identities, expressions and pronouns. Offer materials that help your clients understand themselves better. Make sure they can understand the information you share.

Respect autonomy. Respect your client's right to make choices about their life. A lot of GD people have others trying to control what they wear and how they express themselves. Instead, allow them to explore their gender identity at their own pace and in comfortable ways. Avoid telling them their gender identity and pronouns. 

Be affirming. Support your client's gender identity and expression. Use their preferred name, pronouns, and other language that respects their gender. Let them know their feelings and experiences matter.

Create safe spaces. Help your clients feel safe to express themselves without fear of judgment or discrimination. You could help the cause by encouraging schools, workplaces, and communities to be more fair and welcoming.

It could involve:

• Training.
• Posters on the wall offering support. 
• Stating your pronouns, like on your email signature or by wearing a pronoun badge.
• Teaching yourself not to assume someone's gender based on their appearance. 

Share connections. Connect your client with support services or organisations that work with LGBTQIA+ people who have disabilities. These resources can offer guidance, counselling and community support. 

• ACON (external link)
• TransHub (external link)
• LGBTIQ+ Health Australia (external link)
• Inclusive Rainbow Voices (external link)‍
• Rainbow Guidebook (external link)

Encourage them to be themselves. Help your client explore different ways of expressing their identity. This could be through clothing, hairstyles, hobbies or anything else that matches their gender. 

Provide role models. Introduce your client to positive role models with similar identities or experiences. It can help them feel less alone and more confident exploring their gender.

Support networks. Help your client build supportive relationships with friends, family members, or peers who accept and affirm their gender identity.

Professional help for you. Seek advice from professionals experienced in working with LGBTQIA+ people with disabilities. They can offer personalised advice to meet your client's needs.