Nervous about writing with a character who is genderfluid? Unsure how to juggle pronouns? Confused to all heck and back just what genderfluidity is? Looking for the nearest Starbucks? If you're here for the last one, I can't help you, but as for the rest you're in the right place! This right here is a quick primer on genderfluidity, the language involved in it, and how to best approach writing with a genderfluid character!

This is not the end all be all guide, and all the information below is formed by my own experience, and also largely aimed at writing with London Little in particular--different people and different characters might have different needs! Every experience is unique. With that in mind, let's get started!

WHAT IS IT?

Genderfluidity is when your gender is fluid, shifting back and forth across the gender spectrum. Someone who is genderfluid could identify as a man one day, a woman the next, both at the same time, or some other gender identity all together. It falls under the nonbinary umbrella: someone who does not fit directnly into the male or female gender dichotomy. Some people who are nonbinary identify as being trans--someone who does not identify with the gender they were assigned at birth--while others do not. London does identify as trans.

WHICH PRONOUNS ARE USED?

This will vary from person to person. Some change their pronouns to suit their gender as needed, others use only one set, others use multiple sets of pronouns. For London, he/him and she/her pronouns are both appropriate and should be used in equal amounts. London can be called a man and a woman, as both are perfectly accurate.

When referring to London, there are two ways that tend to be the most straight forward. The first is to alternate pronouns between paragraphs--she/her in one, then he/him in the next, then back to she/her. The other way is to switch pronoun use only after London has been referred to by proper name again. Using two different pronouns in the same sentence without the proper name reference can get confusing, especially if other people are being referenced! Try out the methods and see what works best for you and your writing style. CLICK HERE for a good sample of referencing a genderfluid character.

It's how you express your gender identity through speech, clothes, make-up, and body language. How you present your gender isn't always straightforward. A man can wear a skirt but still identify as a man. A woman can have a beard and still be a woman. Likewise, people outside of the genderbinary can present in a multitude of ways, which may or may not align with societal ideals of gender. London tends to prefer feminine clothes, but this doesn't mean he's any less a man. Or, when London does dress masculine, that she identifies any less as a woman.

WHAT SHOULD I AVOID DOING/SAYING?

The same sort of things you would avoid with anyone else! Asking really personal questions about transitioning is considered pretty rude, as is asking someone about their body, or ignoring using their correct pronouns. As a general rule, the word 'passing' is pretty loaded within the nonbinary and trans communities and should be avoided. It's okay to ask questions, just make sure you're being respectful and noninvasive! Basically, if you wouldn't ask your grandma something along those lines, you probably shouldn't ask a nonbinary or trans person those questions either.

No problem! CLICK HERE to hit me up on my screened post.