Worldwide LGBTQIA+ Gender Identity Recognition

The global LGBTQIA+ community is comprised of many groups; however, it will typically fall into one of two main categories, sexuality or gender. From the various research and population estimates over the years, it is believed that the largest groups within the global community fall within the sexuality category. Gender identities, though typically smaller groups, have historically been underrepresented; however, this has been changing. With high-profile or well-known individuals coming out as transgender, genderfluid, inside or outside the gender spectrum, more mainstream media news services have showcased these lesser-known LGBTQIA+ groups.

Gender is made of two components, anatomy and definition. Anatomy is how someone is born, typically male, female or intersex. In contrast, a definition is what we learn about what it means to be male or female. Gender definitions are taught and will vary depending on the culture, society, traditions or history. As we grow up, we are being taught what it means to be a specific gender, resulting in some people not identifying with their gender or sex assigned at birth. Many instead identify as the opposite sex, shifting from masculine or feminine or not identifying as either gender. Once individuals become aware of their true identity, the challenge is to secure legal recognition from society and governments.

Gender and how we identify are not only in official documentation or how people address us, but also in the words we use to describe people, objects, or possessions. Most languages have masculine and feminine words, and possession is based on whether you identify as male or female. Even English gender titles feature a masculine influence, with male, men or man in female gender titles. The use of non-gendered pronouns helps people who cannot identify with a binary male/female description, those who shift within the gender spectrum, or those who feel gender pronouns do not represent them.

Over the past 50 years, as the LGBTQIA+ community and gender identities have become better understood, more countries have created laws and protections designed to help people from non-traditional gender identities. Anti-discrimination legislation ensures LGBTQIA+ individuals are not discriminated against and provides legal recognition for individuals who want to align their documentation to reflect their true identity. Gender recognition rules vary by country; however, countries typically recognise a change of gender when a person undergoes sterilisation or sex reassignment surgery.