Have you ever felt like you identify with more than one gender? Maybe some days you feel more masculine, other days more feminine, or perhaps you feel like both at the same time. If this sounds familiar, you might have encountered the term bigender and wondered what it means.
The bigender meaning is becoming more widely discussed as conversations about gender identity continue to evolve. In a world where most people are taught that there are only two genders—male and female—the concept of identifying with two genders can feel confusing at first. But for many people, bigender is the perfect word to describe their authentic experience.
Understanding the bigender meaning is important because it helps create a more inclusive society where everyone can express their true self. Whether you’re exploring your own identity or trying to support someone who is bigender, this guide will give you all the information you need.
In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn exactly what bigender means, the difference between bigender and other identities like genderfluid and bisexual, the history of the term, common signs you might be bigender, pronouns to use, and how to support the bigender community.
The bigender meaning is becoming more widely discussed as conversations about gender identity continue to evolve. In a world where most people are taught that there are only two genders—male and female—the concept of identifying with two genders can feel confusing at first. But for many people, bigender is the perfect word to describe their authentic experience.
In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn exactly what bigender means, the difference between bigender and other identities like genderfluid and bisexual, the history of the term, common signs you might be bigender, pronouns to use, and how to support the bigender community.
Quick Answer
Bigender meaning refers to a person who has two gender identities. These two genders can be experienced separately at different times, blended together, or felt simultaneously. Being bigender falls under the non-binary and transgender umbrellas. The two genders don’t have to be male and female—they could be any combination, such as agender and female, or masculine and genderqueer. The tone is neutral and empowering.
What Does “Bigender” Mean?
Quick Definition
Bigender refers to a person who identifies with two gender identities. These identities can be experienced separately, alternately, or simultaneously. Being bigender falls under the non-binary umbrella and is also considered a transgender identity.
What It Usually Means In Conversations
When people use the word bigender in everyday conversation, they’re usually talking about one of these things:
The basic definition: A person who has two gender identities. What those two genders are and how they show up is entirely personal and varies from one bigender person to another.
The experience: Some bigender people experience their two genders at different times (alternating). Others experience them simultaneously (blended together). Both are valid expressions of being bigender.
The identity umbrella: Bigender falls under the non-binary umbrella, which describes people who don’t exclusively identify as male or female. It’s also part of the transgender community.
Understanding bigender means recognizing that gender exists on a spectrum and that having two gender identities is a valid way to experience the world.
What Tone Does It Convey?
The tone of bigender depends on the context:
| Context | Tone | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Personal identity | Empowering, authentic | “I finally found a word that fits—I’m bigender” |
| Educational | Informative, neutral | “Bigender means having two gender identities” |
| Supportive conversation | Warm, affirming | “Thank you for sharing your bigender identity with me” |
| Social media | Celebratory, visible | “Happy to see more bigender representation” |
| Professional/Medical | Respectful, inclusive | “We recognize bigender as a valid gender identity” |
What Does Bigender Mean on Different Platforms?
Text Messages
In texts, bigender comes up in personal conversations about identity, coming out, or explaining your experience to friends who don’t understand the bigender meaning.
Example: “I think I might be bigender. Can we talk about it?”
Snapchat
On Snapchat, you might see bigender in stories about identity exploration, pride content, or sharing personal journeys of discovering what it means to be bigender.
Example: A snap of a bigender pride flag with the caption “Feeling seen”
Instagram users post about bigender in educational content, personal stories, and pride posts. The bigender flag appears in many posts celebrating identity and explaining the bigender meaning to followers.
Example: An infographic explaining bigender meaning with the flag colors.
TikTok
TikTok creators make videos explaining bigender, sharing their personal experiences, and educating others about the identity. The bigender meaning is frequently explored in LGBTQ+ content.
Example: “POV: You finally understand you’re bigender and everything clicks”
Discord
In Discord servers, especially LGBTQ+ spaces, bigender is frequently discussed in identity channels. People share experiences and ask questions about being bigender.
Example: “Are there any other bigender folks here? I’d love to connect”
Reddit has extensive discussions about bigender in subreddits like r/NonBinary, r/asktransgender, and r/lgbt. Users share experiences, ask questions, and offer support about being bigender.
Example: “How did you know you were bigender? I’m questioning”
Dating Apps
On dating apps, many people list bigender in their profiles to accurately represent their gender identity and find compatible partners who understand the bigender meaning.
Example: “Bigender (she/they). Looking for genuine connection”
Origin and History of Bigender
The bigender meaning has evolved over time, and understanding this history helps contextualize the identity.
Early 20th century: The term “bigender” was originally used as a biological term for plants that possess both male and female reproductive parts. This early usage had nothing to do with human gender identity.
Mid-20th century: The term evolved to describe things suitable for both male and female genders, such as “bigender college dorms” where men and women lived on the same floor. This usage was about spaces, not people.
1970s: Bigender was first applied to gender identity. The concept of having two genders long predates the term, as seen in the Native American concept of Two Spirit—a person embodying both male and female identities. This marked the beginning of the modern bigender meaning.
1980s: The term “bigenderist” appeared in academic contexts. The identity became more formally recognized within the transgender community, and people began using bigender to describe themselves.
1999: The San Francisco Department of Public Health conducted a survey of transgender individuals. They found that 3% of people assigned male at birth considered themselves bigender, and 8% of those assigned female at birth identified as bigender. This was one of the first times the bigender meaning was quantified.
2000s: Bigender spread with increasing awareness of non-binary gender identities, especially through LGBTQ+ communities online. More people began using the term to describe their experiences.
2014: Social media platforms like Facebook and OKCupid began allowing users to select bigender as a gender option on their profiles. This mainstream recognition helped more people learn the bigender meaning.
Today: Bigender is recognized by major LGBTQ+ organizations and is included in many official gender identity lists. According to the Human Rights Campaign, the term can encompass agender, bigender, genderqueer, and gender-fluid identities.
Bigender vs. Other Identities
Many people confuse bigender with other similar-sounding terms. Here’s how they differ, which is essential for understanding the full bigender meaning:
Bigender vs. Genderfluid
While bigender people identify with two genders, genderfluid people find themselves identifying across a wider range of genders that may shift over time. Genderfluid people may fluctuate in how they identify, while bigender people typically have two fixed gender identities. This distinction is important when discussing the bigender meaning.
Bigender vs. Non-Binary
Bigender falls under the non-binary umbrella. Non-binary is a broader category for people who don’t identify exclusively as male or female. A non-binary person may not see themselves as having two distinct genders, while a bigender person does. Understanding the bigender meaning requires knowing this distinction.
Bigender vs. Pangender
“Bi” means two, while “pan” means all. Pangender people identify with multiple or even all genders. Bigender people identify specifically with two genders. This is a key part of the bigender meaning.
Bigender vs. Transgender
Both bigender and transgender are gender identities where a person doesn’t identify with the gender they were assigned at birth. Bigender falls under the transgender umbrella. The difference is that transgender people may identify with one gender, while bigender people identify with two.
Bigender vs. Bisexual
This is one of the most common confusions. Bigender is a gender identity (who you are). Bisexual is a sexual orientation (who you’re attracted to). A person can be both bigender and bisexual, but they’re completely different aspects of identity. This confusion often arises when people first encounter the bigender meaning.
| Identity | Type | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Bigender | Gender identity | Identifying with two genders |
| Genderfluid | Gender identity | Gender identity shifts over time |
| Non-binary | Gender identity | Not exclusively male or female |
| Pangender | Gender identity | Identifying with multiple/all genders |
| Transgender | Gender identity | Not identifying with assigned gender at birth |
| Bisexual | Sexual orientation | Attracted to more than one gender |
Signs You Could Be Bigender
While there’s no single way to be bigender, here are some common experiences that might indicate you identify with the term and that the bigender meaning resonates with you:
1. Your Gender Identity Doesn’t Fit in a Neat Box
You may feel like your gender doesn’t fit into a single category. You might have strong feelings of womanhood at some times and equally strong feelings of manhood at others. These feelings might alternate or overlap. This is a common experience for people who are bigender.
2. You Experience Gender Dysphoria
Gender dysphoria—a sense of discomfort or distress between your body and your gender identity—can be part of being bigender. This can be especially challenging when your two gender identities have different expressions. However, not all bigender people experience gender dysphoria.
3. You Want to Express Yourself in Many Ways
You might want to dress in both feminine and masculine ways, either at different times or simultaneously. You might also prefer a neutral expression or use neutral pronouns like they/them. This expression is often a way of embodying your bigender identity.
4. You Feel Like Your Gender Has Two Sides
Some bigender people feel they have a distinct “male side” and “female side.” Others might identify with a combination like agender and female, or masculine and genderqueer. There’s no wrong combination for someone who is bigender.
5. You’ve Felt Confused About Your Gender
Many bigender people initially experience confusion about their gender. You might feel misunderstood, alone, or unsure which label best describes your inner experience. Discovering the bigender meaning can bring clarity.
6. You Relate to Both Male and Female Experiences
You might find yourself relating to both masculine and feminine experiences, feeling like you belong in both categories or neither. This is a sign that the bigender meaning might apply to you.
7. You’ve Always Felt “Different”
Many bigender people report always feeling different from others, even before they had language to describe their experience. The bigender meaning can be the missing piece that helps explain these feelings.
Pronouns for Bigender People
There’s no “correct” set of pronouns for bigender people. The pronouns someone uses are personal and should be respected as part of their bigender identity.
Common pronoun options:
She/her/hers
He/him/his
They/them/theirs
A combination (e.g., she/they or he/they)
Neopronouns like ze/zir/zirs, xe/xem/xyrs, or fae/faer/faers
Important: Don’t assume someone’s pronouns based on their appearance or gender identity. The best practice is to introduce yourself with your name and pronouns, then ask for theirs. This is especially important when interacting with someone who is bigender.
Real Examples of Bigender in Conversations
Example 1: Coming Out
Person A: “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about my gender.”
Person B: “Oh? What did you figure out?”
Person A: “I think I’m bigender. Some days I feel like a man, other days like a woman.”
Meaning: Person A is coming out as identifying with two genders.
Why it was used: To share a personal identity revelation.
Example 2: Educational
Person A: “What does bigender mean?”
Person B: “It means someone who has two gender identities. They can feel both at once or alternate.”
Meaning: Person B is explaining the bigender meaning.
Why it was used: To educate someone about the term.
Example 3: Supportive Friend
Person A: “I’m nervous to tell my family I’m bigender.”
Person B: “I’m here for you no matter what. You deserve to be your authentic self.”
Meaning: Person B is offering support.
Why it was used: To provide emotional support.
Example 4: Social Media
Person A: “Finally feeling comfortable enough to share that I’m bigender.”
Person B: “Proud of you! Welcome to the community.”
Meaning: Coming out publicly on social media.
Why it was used: To celebrate identity.
Example 5: Explaining to Family
Person A: “So you’re telling me you’re both male and female?”
Person B: “Yes, I’m bigender. I have two gender identities, and they’re both part of who I am.”
Meaning: Person B is explaining their identity to family.
Why it was used: To clarify what being bigender means.
Example 6: Dating Profile
Person A: “Your profile says bigender. What does that mean?”
Person B: “It means I identify with two genders. I use they/them pronouns.”
Meaning: Explaining identity on a dating app.
Why it was used: To help others understand.
Example 7: Workplace Conversation
Person A: “I’d like to update my employee file to reflect my gender identity.”
Person B: “Of course. How would you like to identify?”
Person A: “I’m bigender and use they/them pronouns.”
Meaning: Updating workplace records.
Why it was used: To ensure proper identification.
Example 8: Mental Health
Person A: “I’ve been feeling so confused about my gender.”
Person B: “Have you looked into bigender? It might resonate with you.”
Meaning: Suggesting an identity to explore.
Why it was used: To offer a possible explanation.
Example 9: Online Community
Person A: “I just realized I’m bigender and it finally makes sense.”
Person B: “Welcome! There are so many of us. You’re not alone.”
Meaning: Connecting with the bigender community.
Why it was used: To find support and belonging.
Example 10: Therapy Session
Person A: “I’ve been exploring my gender identity and I think I might be bigender.”
Person B: “That’s a wonderful realization. Let’s talk about what that means for you.”
Meaning: Exploring identity in a therapeutic setting.
Why it was used: To process identity in a safe space.
Common Mistakes and Misunderstandings
Confusing Bigender with Bisexual
This is the most common mistake. Bigender is about gender identity (who you are). Bisexual is about sexual orientation (who you’re attracted to). They’re completely different, and understanding this is essential to grasping the bigender meaning.
Thinking It Must Be Male and Female
The two genders a bigender person identifies with don’t have to be male and female. They could be any combination, such as agender and female, masculine and genderqueer, or feminine and non-binary. This flexibility is a key part of the bigender meaning.
Assuming It Means You’re “Half” Each Gender
Being bigender doesn’t mean you’re 50% one gender and 50% another. Your experience might be 80% one and 20% another. There’s no formula, and each bigender person’s experience is unique.
Treating It as Confusion
Being bigender isn’t confusion. It’s a valid identity. Many bigender people have a clear sense of who they are—they just have two genders instead of one. Dismissing the bigender meaning as confusion is disrespectful.
Forgetting That Gender Expression Is Separate
A bigender person’s appearance (gender expression) doesn’t always match their identity. Someone who appears cisgender can still be bigender. This is a common misunderstanding about the bigender meaning.
Assuming Bigender Is the Same as Genderfluid
While both are non-binary identities, bigender typically involves two fixed genders, while genderfluid involves shifting identities. This distinction is important for understanding the bigender meaning.
Thinking You Can’t Be Transgender and Bigender
Bigender falls under the transgender umbrella. Many bigender people also identify as transgender. The bigender meaning includes this possibility.
Believing It’s a New or “Trendy” Identity
The concept of having two genders has existed for centuries, and the term bigender has been used since at least the 1970s. It’s not a trend—it’s a real identity.
Similar Gender Identities and Terms
Here are words and concepts that are similar to or related to the bigender meaning:
| Term | Meaning | Difference from Bigender |
|---|---|---|
| Non-binary | Not exclusively male or female | Broader umbrella term |
| Genderfluid | Gender identity shifts over time | More than two genders; shifting rather than fixed |
| Pangender | Identifies with multiple/all genders | More than two genders |
| Agender | No gender or gender-neutral | Has zero genders |
| Genderqueer | Non-normative gender identity | Broader, more political term |
| Transgender | Not identifying with assigned gender at birth | May identify with one gender |
| Androgyne | Expression not strictly feminine/masculine | More about expression than identity |
| Two Spirit | Native American third gender concept | Cultural-specific term |
| Trigender | Identifying with three genders | One more than bigender |
| Demigender | Partial connection to a gender | Less “full” identification |
The Bigender Pride Flag
There are several versions of the bigender pride flag.
Original flag (2014): Created by a Tumblr user. Features pink shades (female), blue shades (male), and a white or white-gray stripe (neutral/agender genders). The pink and blue bands are at the top and bottom to “represent a sense of separation, yet coexistence between masculinity and femininity.” This flag has become a symbol of the bigender meaning.
Alternative flags: Some newer versions add yellow (representing genders beyond the binary) or black (representing asexual and agender people). There’s no official single flag, and many people design their own versions to reflect their personal experience of being bigender.
How to Support Bigender People
Use Correct Pronouns
Ask someone their pronouns and use them consistently. If you make a mistake, apologize briefly and correct yourself. This respect is fundamental to supporting someone who is bigender.
Don’t Make Assumptions
Don’t assume someone’s gender identity based on their appearance. A bigender person might “appear” completely cisgender, but that doesn’t invalidate their identity.
Educate Yourself
Learn about bigender and other identities. Read articles, listen to bigender voices, and be open to learning. Understanding the bigender meaning is the first step to being a good ally.
Be Affirming
Use affirming language. Tell bigender people that you see them and respect their identity. Simple statements like “Thank you for sharing that with me” can mean a lot.
Respect Privacy
Coming out is personal. Don’t share someone’s identity without their permission. Let them control their own narrative about being bigender.
Challenge Misinformation
When you hear misconceptions about the bigender meaning, gently correct them. Education is key to creating a more inclusive world.
FAQs
What does bigender mean in simple terms?
Bigender means a person identifies with two genders. These genders can be experienced separately, at the same time, or in combination. The two genders don’t have to be male and female.
What is the difference between bigender and genderfluid?
Bigender means having two fixed gender identities. Genderfluid means your gender identity shifts over time and may include more than two genders. This distinction is important for understanding the bigender meaning.
What is the difference between bigender and bisexual?
Bigender is a gender identity (who you are). Bisexual is a sexual orientation (who you’re attracted to). They are completely different aspects of identity.
Is bigender the same as non-binary?
Bigender falls under the non-binary umbrella. Non-binary is a broader category for people who don’t identify exclusively as male or female. A non-binary person may not have two distinct genders, while a bigender person does.
What pronouns do bigender people use?
Bigender people use various pronouns—she/her, he/him, they/them, combinations like she/they, or neopronouns. There’s no single set of pronouns. Ask each person what they use.
Is bigender a transgender identity?
Yes, bigender falls under the transgender umbrella because bigender people don’t identify with the gender they were assigned at birth. However, not all bigender people use the “trans” label for themselves.
How do I know if I’m bigender?
Signs include feeling like you have two gender identities, experiencing gender dysphoria, wanting to express yourself in multiple ways, and feeling like your gender doesn’t fit neatly into one category.
What does the bigender flag look like?
The original bigender flag has pink shades (female), blue shades (male), and a white or white-gray stripe (neutral/agender). There are several alternative versions, and there’s no official single flag.
Can you be both bigender and genderfluid?
Yes! Some people identify as both. While bigender typically means two fixed genders and genderfluid means shifting genders, a person can experience both simultaneously.
Is bigender a new term?
The term has been used since at least the 1970s. It spread more widely in the 2000s and is now recognized on platforms like Facebook and OKCupid. The concept of having two genders has existed much longer.
When did bigender become recognized?
Bigender has been recognized by LGBTQ+ organizations since at least the 1990s. In 2014, Facebook added bigender as a gender option, increasing mainstream awareness.
What if someone doesn’t identify with any gender labels?
That’s completely valid. Some people don’t use labels at all. The most important thing is to respect how someone identifies and what they’re comfortable with.
How can I support a bigender person?
Use their correct pronouns, don’t make assumptions about their identity based on appearance, educate yourself, be affirming, and respect their privacy. Understanding the bigender meaning helps you be a better ally.
Are there famous bigender people?
Yes, there are notable out bigender people including writers R.B. Lemberg and James-Beth Merritt, who wrote a memoir about living as a bigender person.
What causes someone to be bigender?
There’s no single cause. Gender identity is a complex aspect of human experience. Being bigender is simply a valid way that some people experience gender.
Conclusion
Understanding the bigender meaning is an important step toward creating a more inclusive world. Bigender describes people who have two gender identities—whether they experience them separately, simultaneously, or in combination. The two genders don’t have to be male and female, and how someone experiences being bigender is deeply personal.
By learning about bigender and other gender identities, you become a better ally and create space for people to be their authentic selves. Whether you’re exploring your own identity or supporting someone else, knowledge and compassion are essential.
If you’re questioning your gender, remember there’s no rush to label yourself. Explore at your own pace. And if you’re supporting a bigender person, the most important things are respect, affirmation, and using the right pronouns.
The bigender meaning continues to evolve as more people share their experiences and visibility increases. Every person who lives authentically as bigender helps others understand that gender is wonderfully diverse and that having two gender identities is a beautiful way to experience life.