Celebrated between the 17th and 24th of October each year, Genderfluid Visibility Week exists to raise awareness of the Genderfluid experience and provide support for Genderfluid individuals.
What is Genderfluidity?
Genderfluidity refers to change and flexibility over time in a person’s gender identity, gender expression, or both. It represents the experience when an individual's gender identity is not fixed, and can shift or fluctuate. Genderfluidity typically falls under the
Trans and Non-Binary umbrella, as it does not fit into society’s binary definitions of ‘male’ and ‘female’.
People that identify as Genderfluid may find that their gender fluctuates on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis, and that they often do not identify with the concept of gender at all (Agender). There is no one way to be Genderfluid, and each person’s experience may differ greatly. Genderfluid people may change the pronouns and gender affirming language that they use depending on the gender identity or experience they identify with at the time.
It’s important to remember that not everyone who experiences changes in their gender expression and/or gender identity, identifies as Genderfluid. Similarly, not everyone that identifies as Genderfluid desires gender-affirming medical treatment to better align with their gender identity.
The concept of a gender spectrum allows us to acknowledge that gender is not limited to a binary system of male and female, cis or trans. Instead, it encompasses a wide range of identities, each unique and valid. Genderfluidity fits within this spectrum, reflecting the fluidity of personal gender experiences.
Genderfluid allyship
Genderfluidity is a diverse and beautiful human experience that should be celebrated. For Genderfluid people, the journey to self-discovery can be a complex one. The rigid binary framework of male and female and cis and trans often makes it challenging to accept and express your Genderfluid identity. Genderfluid people may face additional prejudices at work, at home, in social groups and even within LGBTQ+ communities and spaces, highlighting the importance of creating a more inclusive and understanding society where everyone's gender identity is respected and celebrated.
During Genderfluid Visibility Week and beyond, we should be reflecting on how we can all work to better support Genderfluid individuals. If someone you know comes out as Genderfluid, listen to their story, offer support where they need it, and be sure to ask what language and pronouns you can use to help affirm their identity. Using gender-neutral language, respecting people’s correct pronouns and making a conscious effort to use them, and actively engaging in conversations that promote understanding and empathy are all great ways that we can be better allies.
Educating ourselves about the experiences of Genderfluid people is a crucial step in fostering inclusivity. Dr. Christopher Owen (He/they), Inclusivity Development manager at Manchester Pride, shared this beautiful quote with us about their experience of Genderfluidity:
“I've known since I was a pre-teen that I'm gay, but it took me until I was in my thirties to figure out that I'm genderfluid. I never felt like I was like other boys, but for a long time, I just attributed this to my being a feminine queer person. But later on, I would often go back and forth wondering if I was maybe trans and then later feeling certain I was a cis man. It was so confusing feeling differently about my gender so irregularly. In the times I thought I might be trans, I never felt like I was a woman, and non-binary never really resonated with me. It wasn't until I got my PhD and I experienced a deep sense of gender euphoria at the gender-neutrality of my Dr. title that I realized I can't possibly be entirely cis.
We often frame cis and trans in binary terms, two opposing experiences of gender, and someone can only be one or the other. As a genderfluid person, this discourse made accepting myself really difficult and confusing. But after a lot of personal exploring, I have finally figured out that my gender flows between being a man and being agender. Sometimes I have a gender (and it is indeed what I was assigned at birth) and sometimes I don't have a gender at all. I am now learning how to love my genders, their unique experiences, and how they want to be recognized, expressed, and celebrated in different ways. But mostly, I am learning that no one else gets to define me, and there is so much beauty and power in accepting my truth, no matter how that truth might shift and change in any given moment.”
Genderfluidity is a beautiful and valid aspect of the gender spectrum, and reminds us that our understanding of gender is ever-evolving and diverse. By celebrating Genderfluid Visibility Week and embracing the experiences of Genderfluid individuals, we can contribute to a more inclusive and accepting world, where every person is free to live and love without prejudice. The power of empathy and inclusion lies in acknowledging the uniqueness of each individual's truth, however it may shift and change.
Support for Trans, Non-binary and Genderfluid people
Mindline Trans + is an emotional and mental health support helpline for anyone identifying as transgender, non-binary or gender fluid. Their helpline is open Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays from 8pm - midnight on: 0300 330 5468.
They/them/us is a monthly social group for non-binary and genderfluid people age 18 and over. The group runs on the fourth Friday of the month, 6pm to 8pm, via Discord. The group chats about lots of different things, not just about being non-binary or genderfluid!
Mermaids provide a helpline and web chat service aimed at supporting transgender and gender-diverse young people up to and including the age of 19, their families, and professionals working with them. You can speak to a trained member of the Mermaids team on 0808 801 0400, Monday - Friday; 9am - 9pm.
Sparkle - The National Transgender Charity organises the Sparkle Weekend celebration in July of each year, and holds a series of events throughout the year - including Manchester’s Transgender Day of Remembrance event - to actively promote fundraising and Trans awareness. Sparkle is also a community guardian of the National Transgender Memorial in Sackville Gardens.
The Beaumont Society is a national self help body run by and for the transgender community, who work to support trans and non-binary people with their partners and families, as well as advising and training on transgender issues.
Gendered Intelligence are a trans-led charity that works to increase understandings of gender diversity and improve the lives of trans and non-binary people.
Press For Change has been a key lobbying and legal support organisation for Trans people in the UK since its formation in 1992. Seeking respect and equality for ALL trans people in the UK, through case law, legislation, and social change, it reaches thousands of transgender (trans) people in the UK.
T & Toast is a trans youth group run by Salford Youth Service on the third Sunday of each month. For more information, call Chris at 0161 778 0700
Afternoon T.E.A. is a trans youth group run by the Proud Trust on the second and fourth Sundays of each month. For more information, email
youthgroups@theproudtrust.org
Forge is Manchester’s social and support group for trans men, transmasculine people, and non-binary people who were assigned female at birth (AFAB), and are over 18.
Connect is a relaxed and friendly social group for trans and non-binary people aged 18-35, including people who are questioning and those with a trans history. They meet 6pm-8pm on the first Monday of the month and 6pm-8pm on the third Friday of the month in person.
Mxer is a relaxed and friendly social space for non-binary adults, including those who are questioning, based at The Proud Place, Manchester.
Just do the Thing is a DIY/Do It Together community/social group for trans women & transfems in Manchester to come together to be productive and get things done.
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