bigender: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Technical (LGBTQ+ and sociological contexts), increasingly accepted in general educated discourse.
Quick answer
What does “bigender” mean?
Identifying as having two distinct gender identities, either simultaneously or alternating over time.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Identifying as having two distinct gender identities, either simultaneously or alternating over time.
A non-binary gender identity where a person experiences two distinct genders. This may involve feeling both male and female, or two other genders, either at the same time, or moving between them. It is distinct from genderfluid in that bigender typically involves two specific, defined genders rather than a more fluid spectrum.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The term is used identically in both LGBTQ+ and academic communities. Spelling is consistently 'bigender'.
Connotations
In both varieties, the term carries connotations of inclusivity, modern gender theory, and self-identification. It is not considered slang but rather a specific identity label.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to larger volume of discourse on gender identity in media and academia, but the term is equally established in the UK.
Grammar
How to Use “bigender” in a Sentence
[Person/Individual] is bigender.[Person] identifies as bigender.The experience of being bigender.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bigender” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- Jamie came out as bigender last year, feeling both masculine and feminine.
- The support group is for bigender and genderfluid teens.
American English
- They are bigender, expressing their male and female identities in different contexts.
- Bigender individuals may choose to transition medically in a way that aligns with both genders.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in diversity and inclusion policies (e.g., 'We recognise employees who are bigender').
Academic
Common in sociology, psychology, gender studies, and queer theory texts.
Everyday
Used within supportive personal conversations about identity, but may require explanation in general settings.
Technical
Precise term in LGBTQ+ healthcare, counselling, and legal documents concerning gender recognition.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bigender”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bigender”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bigender”
- Using 'bigender' as a synonym for 'androgynous' (which relates to appearance, not identity).
- Confusing it with 'genderfluid' (which involves moving across a spectrum, not necessarily two fixed points).
- Using it as a noun to refer to a person ('a bigender') is often considered less respectful than 'a bigender person'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Transgender' is an umbrella term for anyone whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth. A bigender person may identify as transgender if their identity does not fully align with their birth assignment, but some bigender people may not use the transgender label for themselves.
Yes, pronoun use is personal. A bigender person might use he/him, she/her, they/them, or a combination (e.g., he/they) depending on what feels right for their identity.
While both are non-binary, bigender typically involves two specific gender states. Genderfluid involves movement across a wider spectrum of gender identities, which may not be limited to two fixed points and may change more frequently.
No, it is an identity label. Major medical and psychological associations (like the APA and WPATH) recognise diverse gender identities, including bigender, as healthy variations of human experience, not disorders.
Identifying as having two distinct gender identities, either simultaneously or alternating over time.
Bigender is usually formal/technical (lgbtq+ and sociological contexts), increasingly accepted in general educated discourse. in register.
Bigender: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbaɪdʒendə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbaɪˌdʒendər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'BI' (meaning two) + 'GENDER'. It's like having two radio stations (genders) you can tune into, sometimes even at once.
Conceptual Metaphor
GENDER IS A SPECTRUM / GENDER IS A PERSONAL MAP (Bigender is like having two primary destinations on that map).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the term 'bigender'?