Gender is typically defined as the socially-constructed characteristics of men, women, boys and girls. Gender identity is more broadly defined as an individual's personal sense of their own gender. Transgender refers to people whose gender identity and expression do not conform to the binary norms of the sex they were assigned at birth.
The traditional gender binary assumes that most people identify as male or female, man or woman. Some people identify as "non-binary", a common term to describe people whose gender experience is not strictly male or female, or use another term to describe their identity. Gender nonconformity does not always go hand-in-hand with gender identity. Understanding the nuances and fluidity of gender terminology can be overwhelming, so please check out the Guide to Gender Identity terms in the Additional Resources section below for more information.
You can make a difference by educating yourself on gender and gender identity issues and by being aware of your own biases and assumptions. Show respect to your colleagues by using the terms, names, and pronouns that they ask you to use.
Resources, information, and ways to get involved on campus
Articles and other resources highlighting issues of gender and gender identity in the library workplace