Gender & identity

Gender non-conforming

AlsoGNCgender nonconforminggender variantgender creativeGNC persongender nonconformitygender non-conformity

Definition

Describes a person whose appearance, behaviour or interests do not match what their society expects for their gender.

At a glance

  • Gender non-conforming describes expression, behaviour or interests that differ from social expectations.
  • It is about expression, not identity.
  • Cisgender, trans and non-binary people can all be gender non-conforming.
  • Non-conforming people can face harassment, so the term appears in research and anti-discrimination work.
  • It is sometimes shortened to GNC.

In detail

Gender non-conformity is about expression, not identity. A cisgender woman with a shaved head who works as a welder, or a cisgender man who loves ballet and wears skirts, might both be described as gender non-conforming.

Some trans and non-binary people are also gender non-conforming, but many are not. Non-conforming people of all identities can face harassment, so the term is often used in research and anti-discrimination work.

In a sentence

  • As a gender non-conforming kid, I preferred football boots to party dresses.
  • The school's anti-bullying policy now mentions gender non-conforming pupils.

Not to be confused with

  • Transgender

    Transgender is about identity; gender non-conforming is about expression, and many GNC people are cisgender.

Common questions

Is gender non-conforming the same as non-binary?

No. Non-binary is a gender identity. Gender non-conforming describes how someone expresses themselves compared with social expectations. A cisgender person can be gender non-conforming, and many non-binary people dress in ways that are not seen as unusual.

Does being gender non-conforming mean someone is gay?

No. Expression does not determine orientation. People of every sexual orientation can be gender non-conforming.

Related terms