Gender identity facts for kids

Gender identity is how a person feels about their own gender. It's a deep, personal sense of being a boy, a girl, both, or neither.

Sometimes, a person's gender identity is the same as the sex they were assigned at birth (like being born a boy and feeling like a boy). Other times, it can be different.

Everywhere in the world, societies have ideas about gender. These ideas help people understand themselves and how they fit in with others. Most places usually see gender as either male or female.

However, some people don't feel like they completely fit into the gender they were assigned at birth. These people might identify as transgender, non-binary, or genderqueer. Some cultures also have ideas about a third gender.

A person's gender identity usually starts to form when they are very young, often by age three. After this age, it's very hard to change. If someone tries to change it, it can lead to a feeling of discomfort or distress called gender dysphoria. Both a person's biology and their experiences in society can play a part in how their gender identity forms.

Understanding Gender Identity

What is Gender?

Gender is more than just being male or female. It includes how you see yourself and how society expects people to act based on their gender. It's different from your biological sex, which is about your body parts.

How is Gender Identity Different from Sex?

• Sex is usually decided at birth based on physical traits, like body parts. Doctors might say "male" or "female."
• Gender identity is how you feel inside. It's your own sense of being a boy, a girl, both, or neither. It's about who you know yourself to be.

Different Ways People Identify

What Does Transgender Mean?

A person is transgender if their gender identity is different from the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, someone assigned male at birth might know they are a girl. Someone assigned female at birth might know they are a boy.

What is Non-binary?

Some people feel that they are not just a boy or just a girl. They might feel like both, neither, or somewhere in between. These people might identify as non-binary or genderqueer. It means their gender identity doesn't fit into the usual "male" or "female" boxes.

What is a Third Gender?

In some cultures around the world, there are ideas about a third gender. This is a gender category that is separate from male or female. It's a way for some people to identify within their culture.

When Does Gender Identity Form?

Gender identity usually starts to develop very early in life. Most children have a clear sense of their gender by the time they are about three years old. This sense of self is very strong and personal.

Why is Gender Identity Important?

Understanding gender identity helps us respect everyone for who they are. It's important for people to be able to express their true selves. When people can live as their true gender, they often feel happier and more comfortable.

See also

In Spanish: Identidad de género para niños