Gender expression

Definition

Gender expression is the external manifestation of an individual's gender identity through appearance, behavior, clothing, and other outward signs. It can vary widely and does not necessarily align with societal expectations of masculinity or femininity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gender expression is distinct from gender identity; it is about how individuals present themselves to the world.
2. Healthcare providers should respect a patient's gender expression by using their chosen name and pronouns.
3. In pharmacology, understanding a patient's gender expression can aid in delivering personalized care, especially when prescribing hormones or other medications.
4. Misalignment between prescribed medication and a person's gender expression can impact adherence to treatment plans.
5. Educating healthcare staff on diverse gender expressions can improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare disparities.

Review Questions

• How does gender expression differ from gender identity?
• Why is it important for healthcare providers to respect a patient's gender expression?
• What impact might misalignment between medication prescriptions and a person's gender expression have?

Related terms

Gender Identity: A person's internal sense of their own gender, whether male, female, both, neither, or somewhere along the gender spectrum.

Hormone Therapy: Medical treatment involving the administration of hormones to align an individual's physical characteristics with their gender identity.

Nonbinary: A term used to describe genders that do not fit within the traditional binary of male and female.