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

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

Velour’s progressive mother is more concerned with her child’s politics than her gender expression.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 20, 2024

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

“Outside Canada, laws and customs related to sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics can be very different from those in Canada,” the statement added.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 31, 2023