gender binary

American  

[jen-der bahy-nuh-ree, ‐ner-ee] / ˈdʒɛn dər ˌbaɪ nə ri, ‐nɛr i /

noun

1. a classification system consisting of two genders, male and female.

2. a concept or belief that there are only two genders and that one's sex or gender assigned at birth will align with traditional social constructs of masculine and feminine identity, expression, and sexuality. ​

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Etymology

Origin of gender binary

First recorded in 1980–90

Example Sentences

In this room full of transgender people, the weight of a gender binary disappears.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2024

"It's so important we continue to have different voices in the room and we continue to showcase folks outside the gender binary."

From BBC • Nov. 7, 2023

These performers reject strict adherence to sex assigned at birth, mocking the very existence of a gender binary.

From Slate • Sep. 22, 2023

Even as cis people, the couple has been long known for challenging the gender binary in fashion.

From Salon • Sep. 21, 2023

Some people — nonbinary or not — use only they/them pronouns, rejecting an association with or making a statement about the gender binary.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 7, 2022