Gender Expression

Gender expression refers to how a person outwardly expresses their gender through their behavior, mannerisms, voice, and appearance. Gender expression is critical to understand in the context of higher education. Although most people express their gender(s) in a variety of ways, it is how others perceive these expressions that affects interpersonal and institutional interactions. In turn, these interactions have potential cognitive, social, emotional, psychological, and physical repercussions, depending on whether they affirm, dismiss, or disparage one’s gender expression. This entry introduces the concept of gender expression and differentiates it from the concepts of assigned sex, gender identity, and sexuality. It then discusses the spectrums and manifestations of gender expression, its complexities, and evolving conversations about it.