lgbtq identity e

Assigned Gender

LGBTQ-alphabet

Assigned gender is the label given to someone at birth based on their physical characteristics, like anatomy. For most people, this means being categorized as either male or female. This assignment often comes with societal expectations about how someone should behave, dress, or identify, based on that label.

However, assigned gender doesn’t always align with how a person truly feels about themselves. For instance, someone assigned female at birth might actually identify as male, non-binary, or something else entirely. Recognizing the concept of assigned gender helps us understand that gender identity is personal and may not match the assumptions made at birth. It’s an important term in conversations about gender diversity and self-expression.

Mateo had always been told he was a boy. His parents dressed him in blue, encouraged him to play with cars and sports equipment, and referred to him as their son. But as Mateo grew older, he felt more and more uncomfortable with the word “boy” and the expectations that came with it. It wasn’t until his best friend Rosa came out as non-binary that Mateo started exploring the idea of gender beyond what was assigned at birth.

Rosa explained, “Assigned gender is just a starting point; it doesn’t define who you are.” That conversation was a turning point for Mateo. “So, I can explore what feels right for me?” he asked. Rosa nodded, saying, “Absolutely. It’s about figuring out who you really are, not what society decided for you.” Over time, Mateo discovered he identified as genderfluid, a mix of different expressions that felt true to him.

Learning about assigned gender gave Mateo the language to express his experience. It also helped him share his journey with family and friends, showing that identity is about more than the label given at birth. By embracing his authentic self, Mateo found a new confidence and sense of freedom.

What Is the difference between Assigned Gender and Assigned Sex?

Assigned Gender at Birth (AGAB) and Assigned Sex at Birth (ASAB) refer to the label given to a newborn based on physical characteristics, such as genitalia. This designation is typically recorded on the birth certificate. While AGAB often refers to the social and psychological concept of gender, ASAB focuses specifically on biological characteristics. These designations significantly influence societal treatment, expectations, and identity development.

Key Definitions

  • Assigned Gender at Birth (AGAB): Refers to the gender identity assumed based on physical traits. Examples include:
    • AMAB (Assigned Male at Birth): A person labeled male at birth.
    • AFAB (Assigned Female at Birth): A person labeled female at birth.
  • Assigned Sex at Birth (ASAB): Refers strictly to biological sex as determined by physical traits, such as chromosomes or genitalia. This term is used more often in medical and legal contexts to clarify the difference between sex and gender.
  • Coercively Assigned Gender at Birth (CAGAB): Refers to cases where medical interventions are performed to alter the physical traits of intersex infants to fit either male or female categories.
  • Incorrectly Assigned Gender at Birth (IAGAB): Refers to situations where an intersex child or a child with non-visible intersex traits is assigned a gender that does not align with their biological characteristics.
  • Assigned Gender at Age (AGAA): Describes decisions made later in childhood regarding how to raise a child in terms of gender identity.

Cisgender, Transgender, and Gender Modality

Cisgender individuals have a gender identity that aligns with their AGAB or ASAB. Transgender individuals have a gender identity that differs from their AGAB. The term “gender modality” is used to describe the relationship between one’s gender identity and their assigned designation at birth.

Historical Context

The terms AGAB and ASAB have evolved over time. In clinical settings, terms like “natal sex” were historically used. However, with the DSM-5-TR revision in 2022, the language shifted to “individual assigned sex/gender at birth” to better include non-binary and transgender identities. While AGAB has been widely used in queer communities since the early 2000s, it has specific relevance to intersex communities, particularly when discussing medical interventions and their consequences.

Recognition of Intersex and Gender Diversity

In some countries, it is now possible to register intersex as a valid designation or omit the sex field entirely from birth certificates. Examples include Netherlands, Australia, Germany, and Austria, where changes to documentation are increasingly accepted. In 2016, Sara Kelly Keenan became the first U.S. citizen to receive a birth certificate marked as intersex. Some activists advocate for removing gender or sex markers from birth certificates entirely, citing reduced risk of discrimination and the freedom for individuals to define their gender later in life.

See also: AIAB (Assigned Intersex at Birth) and AXAB (Assigned X at Birth)

Sources

Source

https://new.lgbtqia.wiki/wiki/assigned_gender

Read more about: LGBTQ-alphabet