Individuals who have stepped out of the gender-binary boxes of male–female in identity, expressions, [Page 295]or both have had to develop innovative, individualized ways to consolidate their gender selves and craft expansive notions of gender, either on their own or collectively. “Gender creative” is an adjective phrase that describes both those individuals themselves and the activities they engage in to establish a more gender-inclusive environment. This entry elaborates on the origins of the term, its common usage, and its influence on contemporary understandings of gender development.

Gender creative is a term coined by Diane Ehrensaft and first described in detail in her 2011 book, Gender Born, Gender Made. By definition, it is an adjective to describe the developmental position in which the child (or adult) transcends ...