Gender Non-Conforming

Gender Non-Conforming (GNC), also known as Gender Variant or Gender Diverse, is a term used to describe individuals who do not follow traditional gender norms that are expected of them. It is commonly used to describe gender expression, but it can also refer to behavior, preferences and roles. It can describe the fashion, actions and ideas of an individual, and there is no concrete definition. The term is used based on personal experiences and identity.

Gender Non-Conforming Symbol — The gender non-conforming symbol

Sometimes, the term "gender non-conforming" is used to describe anyone who is not cisgender, but this idea is not entirely accurate. Anyone can be gender non-conforming, regardless of gender identity. Some may also use this term as a gender identity on its own.

Examples of gender non-conformity include:

A man who shows emotions and tenderness
A woman wearing a suit on their wedding day
A man wearing makeup
A woman who pursues a career instead of marriage and/or motherhood
A man who shaves
A non-binary individual who uses typically gendered language
A woman who uses he/him or a man who uses she/her

While anyone can fit under a simple definition of gender non-conformity, the term is used for individuals who intentionally subvert gender norms. Gender non-conformity is also based on cultural norms, for example, a man in a dress may be seen as gender non-conforming or wearing traditional garb depending on the cultural context.

History & Coining[]

Despite the belief that this is a new way to express gender, gender non-conformity has existed throughout history. The first recorded use of the term comes from Lisa M. Diamond, Susan B. Bonner and Janna Dickenson in 1991, in which they wrote that gender non-conformity refers to how an individual's appearance, behavior, interests or subjective sense of self deviate from traditional masculinity or femininity.

Flags & Symbols[]

Gender Non-Conforming ZucchiniMachini — The GNC flag by ZucchiniMachini

The most common gender non-conforming flag was created by an unknown individual. The meaning behind the flag is also unknown.

Gender Non-Conforming Homesick Moonstone — The GNC flag by Homesick Moonstone

An alternative gender non-conforming flag was created by Reddit user ZucchiniMachini on the QueerVexillology subreddit. The boundary between pink and blue represents gender norms and the white chevron represents the dismantling of gender roles.

Another alternative flag was created by LGBTA Wiki user Homesick Moonstone on March 12, 2020. The black represents neutrality, the blue represents masculine women, the pink represents feminine men, the purple represents androgyny, and the yellow represents other presentations.

Gender Non-Conforming CandySkyez — The GNC flag by CandySkyez

Another alternative flag was created by LGBTA Wiki user CandySkyez on December 31, 2021. The pink and purple represent women who are gender non-conforming, the blue and purple represent men who are gender non-conforming, and the white represents non-binary individuals who are gender non-conforming. The yellow stripe represents the blurring of gender norms and unity within the gender non-conforming community.

The gender non-conforming symbol was created by LGBTA Wiki user WiiFyneLM on November 3, 2021. The circle has altered Mars and Venus symbols, representing the deviation from gender norms.