What Is Agender? Agender Meaning and Gender Identity Terms

Agender means a lack of gender. Cisgender people (those whose assigned gender matches their gender identity) exist on a traditional gender binary of male and female, and agender people represent a gender-nonconforming identity. Binary people are more likely to associate certain qualities, styles of dress, and energies with their gender. Agender or gender-free people do not prescribe to those gender norms or any particular gender.

Agender individuals sometimes fall under the “T” (transgender) section of the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) acronym. In longer acronyms, such as LGBTQIA, in which the “I” stands for intersex, the “A” can stand for agender, asexual, or ally. The agender flag has seven horizontal stripes: black, gray, white, lime green, white, gray, and black.

The terms “agender” and “nonbinary” fall under the umbrella term “transgender” and describe a person whose gender identity does not align with the gender binary of male and female. Agender people are genderless, whereas a nonbinary person might identify somewhere along the gender spectrum.

Like agender, gendervoid describes people who do not associate with gender. The void in gendervoid might imply that people lack a gender, or there is a negative space where gender might be. Sometimes gendervoid people desire to fill the void, and that search can lead to a longer gender journey. It’s essential to know some people are aware of and completely comfortable with their lack of gender, which is a crucial part of their identity. Also, it is important to note gender terminology is constantly evolving.

Agender refers to one’s gender, whereas asexual describes a sexual orientation. Both relate to one’s identity and are part of the LGBT community, but they differ in their meanings. Asexual and agender identities differ in what the “a-” prefix defines. Agender people fit under the transgender umbrella and are similar to gender-nonconforming people insofar as they might not identify with their assigned gender at birth. Asexual people might experience and relate to gender but not experience sexual attraction toward others, regardless of gender.

Agender people can use any pronouns. People with nonbinary identities might opt for gender-neutral pronouns, such as they/them, instead of he/him or she/her. Trans, agender, gender-fluid, and nonbinary people might also use neopronouns, which are pronouns that do not point to a single gender. Some neopronoun examples include xe/xir or ze/zir.

To support agender people, consider the following tips:

1. 1. Be an ally. If you notice transphobic comments, actions, or a general sense of disrespect, be an ally. You can gently de-escalate the situation or step in with less aggressive rhetoric. You might say, “I think people are entitled to identify how they choose,” or “Someone’s gender expression does not affect my own.” These supportive comments can help others feel visible and protected by allies.
2. 2. Honor their identity. Trust that someone’s identity matches who they are and validate them by treating them as such.
3. 3. Treat others with respect. This golden rule always applies to people of all identities and can help you foster greater trust and care.
4. 4. Use the correct pronouns. Using someone’s correct pronouns is a form of respect. Since gender is a construct, many people are on their own journey to forming an identity, and pronouns can confirm that identity and be something a person tries to see if it fits their expression.

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