Trigender
There’s a multitude of gender identities. Trigender is one of them.
The essentials
There are two ways to translate the term "trigender" - "triple gender" or "three genders". These three identities can include any of the following: binary (female or male) and/or non-binary gender identities, as long as their number is no more and no less than three.
There are two kinds of trigender people:
- a) those who experience these genders fluidly
- b) those who feel like they have three genders simultaneously
A trigender individual can also perceive themselves as non-binary and/or transgender. In case their identity shifts depending on circumstances or over time, they may self-identify as genderfluid, too. Trigender individuals who are also genderfluid can have any gender expression; however, a large number of them prefer to change their presentation to be more feminine or masculine, depending on their present identity, or to be seen as androgynous.
To learn more about people with other multiple gender experiences, see multigender.
What is the origin of the term "trigender"?
In "Sexuality and Gender for Mental Health Professionals: A Practical Guide", released in 2013, "trigender" was mentioned as one of the multiple non-binary identities. According to the 2019 Gender Census, 14 respondents worldwide described themselves as trigender.
The term trigender has also been widely used to express the "third gender" concept in many meanings.
Is it any different from multigender?
The terms "multigender", "non-binary" and "transgender" are related to the word "multigender" being its umbrella term. Trigender individuals experience genders whose number is limited to three, be it simultaneously or flowing between them. In the latter case, the genderfluid term encompasses this type of gender identity.
Flag and symbols
There are other alternate versions of the flag.
Trigenderiscool made the latest version of the trigender flag in March 2021:
An alternate version of the trigender flag by Happy queer witch:
The trigender cannot boast of having a widely accepted symbol as yet. And it comes as no surprise since trigenderism is considered rare, and there is no large trigender community.
However, Josephdapro08 created a symbol in 2020 that could become approved internationally. It comprises the male, the female, and third gender symbols of equal dimensions put together. Because both trigender and transgender symbols have these three signs put together, people often confuse them.
Sexual orientation and trigender
Trigender people can be of absolutely any sexual orientation, just like any other individuals. However, it’s important to understand that sexual orientation is a different concept - it refers to preferences when choosing a sexual partner. In other words, gender identity has nothing to do with sexual orientation and does not affect it in any way.
If an individual who had been previously a male or a female shifts to transgender, their sexual orientation usually stays the same. In some cases, trigendered people start identifying as bisexual while some other trigenders are attracted to people of only one sex or gender.
There is no specific template for identification as trigender. If you feel three distinct gender characteristics in yourself, then, most likely, the term trigender fits you.
At the same time, you do not have to feel that you belong to all three genders equally - some of them can be more marked than the others, and this is perfectly normal. Some trigender people, but not all of them, may experience dysphoria (meaning they want their body to have traits from three different sexes).
Here you can take a gree Gender Dysphoria Test
Moreover, it is absolutely normal for you to identify yourself as a trigender at some point, but over time your self-identification changes.
Some people who identify as trigenders use hormone therapy or even undergo a medical transition for their body to match their preferred gender identity, while others don't. For a trigender, there are no established preferences in behavior and style of clothing, this is a matter of personal choice.
What pronouns should be used?
Trigender people can choose any pronouns for people to address them. That often depends on personal preferences and those specific genders with which an individual associates themselves.
Normally, the traditional he/she/they pronouns are used; often, their different variations or their mixture are also used, depending on the circumstances.
The best way to show someone respect in this matter is to ask the person politely about their preferred pronouns or observe what pronouns their fellow trigender people are using when talking to them and follow their friends’ lead.
How can someone support their trigender friends or partners?
One of the crucial steps to take if you want to support a transgender person is information seeking to learn what it means to be a trigender. Various resources and educational material will help you understand the problems they face.
If you want to show a trigender person your support, here are some other useful tips for you:
- There’s no right or wrong way to show them you’re there for them, just ask them how they would like to be supported;
- There’s no such thing as "the only right way" to be a trigender either - everyone’s experience is different;
- Sometimes you don’t have to understand a person’s identity in order to respect it;
- Keep educating yourself and learning more and more about different gender identities.