Maverique

Maverique gender identity

Maverique is a term that describes an unconventional gender identity where the feeling of gender is totally independent of the masculine, the feminine, neutral, or anything that derives from these identities. To be a maverick doesn’t mean to be genderless, but the opposite. In other words, maverique is above and beyond the gender spectrum and any identities outside or within it. 

However, people who self-identify as maverique can also perceive themselves as multigender or genderfluid between maverique and, for instance, genderdoe. Their other genders can be female, male, female, or neutral.

A maverique individual’s sense of gender is strong. It leaves no room for neutrality or apathy. There is no middle ground because maverique is a point between nothing. There is no grey area, so to speak, as maverique isn’t a shade on a palette.

Some view maverique as an identity that falls under the transgender or non-binary umbrella terms.

A maverique individual’s gender expression, which includes outward appearance such as dress, hair, make-up, and body language, is entirely up to them - they can choose to present themselves as more masculine, feminine, neutral or none of that.

The origin and the basics

Vesper H., known on Tumblr as Queer as Cat, came up with the term "maverique" in 2014 to describe their own gender. It’s a blend of the English word "maverick" and the French suffix "-ique".  The creator of the word  "maverique" chose "maverick" because of its association with something unorthodox. It emphasizes that maverique is an unorthodox gender identity even compared to some non-binary identities. The word "maverick" has connotations of independence from what surrounds them. In fact, maverique people are entirely independent of the gender spectrum.

Grammatically, the word "maverique" can be used as a noun (for example, "many maveriques") or an adjective (for example, "many maverique people").

Flag and symbols

The first maverique flag was designed by the same person who coined the term, Vesper H., in 2014. It has three horizontal stripes. From top to bottom, its colors are: yellow, white, and orange. The yellow stripe stands for the primary gender, independent of other genders and completely separate from them because yellow is a color that is completely independent of the other primary colors.

The yellow color is also often associated with the non-binary gender. The white stripe symbolizes being autonomous and independent - of the gender binary and the color spectrum. This color represents the blank gender slate of maverique individuals. The orange stripe symbolizes maveriques’ burning inner conviction and their unorthodox nature.

There is one more version of the flag - the colors are the same, but there is a slight variation in the number of stripes.

The most popular version of the maverique symbol was created by a Tumble user sneer. It’s a black circle with a line in the center, and two lines going sideways. 

The line in the center of the circle symbolizes the gender binary and the filled-in circle stands for maveriques not belonging to it. The lines going sideways and extending in both directions stand for the concept that everybody is different yet the individuals who identify as maverique have this identity in common.

Sexual orientation and maverique

Some people have a hard time understanding the difference between gender identity and sexual orientation. Let us see what these terms mean.

Gender identity is about how an individual experiences their own gender, whether or not their perception of themselves meets society’s expectations.

Sexual orientation is the romantic and sexual attraction that a person feels towards another individual.
Science has not yet discovered what determines sexual orientation. According to psychologists, sexual orientation is a conscious choice that can be changed of one’s own free will. So, maveriques may be sexually attracted to males, females, or people of any other gender identity.

What pronouns should be used?

Coming out as maverique

Being able to show an individual's true gender identity is important to their emotional and mental health. That’s why many maverique people decide to come out at some point.

Coming out is a process. First, one recognizes they’re a maverique and come out to themselves. Then, they eventually make the decision to tell others. 

Coming out as maverique, undoubtedly, has many benefits, like the possibility to stop living a lie and start celebrating your gender, live openly and authentically. But it also has some risks (loss of relationships with some friends, lack of financial support from family, etc.). Therefore, it’s crucial to weigh all pros and cons before doing it. Here are some tips on how to prepare yourself to come out as maverique and actually take this step:

• If you’re ready to come out, take some time to think who you’ll tell first and practice how exactly you will do it/what you will say;
• Try and bring up the non-binary gender topic a couple of times, and see how people react - it’s the best way to identify the person in your life who will take the news most positively;
• Do what you’re comfortable with - if you think it will be difficult to tell your family and friends in person, you can send them an e-mail or write a letter;
• Be prepared that some people will need some time to digest and accept this new information;
• Go in with an open mind and think positive when coming out as maverique but remember that others don’t have to meet your expectations - if they react with prejudice and negativity, it’s their choice.

What is the best way to support maverique people? 

Moving away from a binary perspective on gender will definitely take our society some time and effort. Unfortunately, many maverique people face intolerance, discrimination, harassment, and bullying. The situation is slowly changing thanks to enthusiasts’ efforts. You can do your part too!

Here’s how you can support your maverique coworkers, family, or friends, to help them not to feel like they are left on the sidelines:

• Listen to all they have to say without interrupting or judging them in any way;
• If a name change is applicable, always use their new name when talking to them;
• Be inclusive and invite your maverique friends or coworkers to hang out with your binary friends and family;
• Be interested in discovering their experience, but don’t ask questions that are too invasive;
• Ask them what kind of support they would like from you;
• Be a true advocate and an ally - stand up for maveriques’ rights, wear clothes with a maverique-friendly button or sticker, confront intolerance towards maverique people in whatever ways you can.