gender expression

American  

[jen-der ik-spresh-uhn] / ˈdʒɛn dər ɪkˈsprɛʃ ən /

noun

1. the way a person externally performs or signifies their gender identity, especially through habits of dressing, grooming, behaving, speaking, etc.

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Etymology

Origin of gender expression

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

“After the dictator fell, gender expression should have been the natural extension of that kind of freedom. But there’s a kind of retaliation happening,” Zaalan shared.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

California education code “ensures equal rights and opportunities for every student” and “prohibits discrimination on the basis of gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2025

“California law is unaffected by recent changes to federal policy and continues to provide safeguards against discrimination and harassment based on gender, gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation,” he wrote in a statement.

From Salon • Feb. 1, 2025

Students whose gender expression does not present as obviously male or female get questioned by other students, McAfee added, according to The Times.

From Salon • Feb. 22, 2024

With a family that continues to struggle to accept his public gender expression, Barraza said he only grew into himself when he became involved in a theater community, where his character of Amanda was born.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 1, 2024