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

Do you think of voices in terms of a traditional gender binary?

From Los Angeles Times

“It’s something that’s been literally stamped out over the course of the Western gender binary that emerged from the Victorian era.”

From Los Angeles Times

Still, throughout the entire process, Arango was clear that, first and foremost, “Ponyboi” was a story centering intersex people — and all those who don’t fit into the rigid gender binary.

From Los Angeles Times

Meanwhile, the label “nonbinary” is often used by those “who do not subscribe to the gender binary,” according to the organization’s glossary.

From Los Angeles Times

"And certainly in the circles that I've been in... there is more acceptance and openness, and people are more comfortable expressing themselves in things outside the gender binary."

From BBC