Agender is another word for non-binary. People who are Agender feel neither female nor male or both female and male. With the self-designation Agender it is possible to carry exactly this kind of self-identification outward.
Meanwhile, more and more celebrities are coming out as agender. They act as role models in this context and show many sufferers that they are not alone.
The overlap with individuals who define themselves as genderfluid should also not be forgotten. Some define themselves as both agender and genderfluid if, for example, they identify as a man in phases and as a woman again in other phases.
Can you tell when a person is agender?
On the basis of physical characteristics, such as the genitals, the type of clothing and behavior, can not yet be identified, whether a person is agender or not. Because: This is a clear form of self-identification.
This means that a person born with male sexual characteristics may well be agender. This term is always about how the person in question sees himself.
This is a clear difference from intersexuality, where affected individuals may be born with two (or no) sexual characteristics, for example.
What does it mean to be agender in today's world?
Many people who realize that they do not feel they belong to either (or both) genders react insecurely in the first step. Many are afraid to come out because of the fear of discrimination.
And since it is not possible to tell whether a person is agender or not, they often continue to lead a kind of double life. The psychological strain that arises in this context should in no way be underestimated.
However, those who have come out as agender often feel this as a relief and also show this to the outside world - for example, on the basis of a largely neutral style of dress.
Which celebrities have come out as agender lately?
More and more celebrities are also showing the outside world that they have no use for classic gender images. Among the most famous examples are Demi Lovato, Elliot Page, Sara Ramírez and Cara Delevigne.
Among other things, the latter is also a good example of how quickly the boundaries between genderfluid and agender can become blurred. In an interview, the artist stated that some days she feels more feminine and some days more masculine.
Agender and his critics
People who are agender have to deal with many different prejudices. Time and again, people who represent the classic role models say that agender is merely a "trend. Sentences like "That wouldn't have happened in the past!" are also not uncommon in this context.
On the other side are those for whom it is a noticeable relief to have finally found a word for the feeling that has often surrounded them for years.
If you are an agender and would like to change your gender entry, you have found the right contact person at the registry office. However, some procedures have to be gone through for a change. In addition, applicants must usually be able to show proof from their doctor.
Of course, a corresponding change does not have to be made. However, affected persons who feel better when their identification has been documented in this way have the appropriate options. In this day and age, many are calling for the procedure to be made simpler. A lot could happen here in the coming years.
When I read the question I first thought of an agenda ^^ did not know that there are so many.