gender critical

American  

[jen-der krit-i-kuhl] / ˈdʒɛn dər ˈkrɪt ɪ kəl /

Or gender-critical

adjective

1. relating to, holding, or promoting the belief that sex is a binary and unchangeable characteristic that is determined at birth and that dictates a person's social, linguistic, and legal status or position.

---

Etymology

Origin of gender critical

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

Sex Matters, a gender critical human rights organisation, said the review failed to consider whether the treatments offered by the clinics were effective.

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2025

Her perspectives also track, to a point, with so-called gender critical beliefs that center on the differences between biological sex and gender expression.

From New York Times • Nov. 12, 2022

It added: "If you have gender critical views you wish to express this can be done on other platforms or your own page, not targeted at an individual."

From BBC • Sep. 27, 2022

Stephanie Davies-Arai, director of gender critical campaign group Transgender Trend, criticised the letter, highlighting a recent interim report into gender identity services in England.

From BBC • Apr. 6, 2022

While gender critical organisation Sex Matters, has welcomed the move and called it a "straightforward explanation".

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2022