Xenogender, Explained

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A definition, list of types, and more

Co-authored by Zoe Stoller and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: December 31, 2025 References

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What is xenogender?

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Types of Xenogenders

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Other LGBTQIA+ Terms

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Q&A

Gender identity is a person’s internal interpretation of their own gender. In other words, it’s how someone identifies with pronouns or gender expressions. There are many gender identities out there (with plenty still to explore), and one of the most inclusive types is known as xenogender. Xenogender is an umbrella term for when an individual identifies as something other than (or in addition to) a man or woman. They may see their gender as a cat, constellation, or color. Read on for a complete guide to this LGBTQIA+ term.

Xenogenders Definition

Xenogender is a nonbinary gender identity in which a person associates their identity with an animal, plant, or another topic or symbol instead of the traditional genders of “male” and “female.”

Section 1 of 3:

What is xenogender?

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Xenogender is a nonbinary gender identity. Xenogender is an umbrella term for individuals who don’t identify as a man or woman. Someone who identifies as xenogender resonates with and associates their gender with plants, animals, and/or other symbols.^{[1]
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Expert Source

Zoe Stoller
Licensed Social Worker and LGBTQ+ Identity Expert

Expert Interview} They don’t always use traditional pronouns like “he” or “she.”^{[2]
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- Symbol: A 3-striped rainbow with a bold star in the middle.
- Flag: Pastel rainbow stripes with a 3-striped rainbow and bold star symbol in the middle. Note that each xenogender type can have its own flag and symbol.
- Pronouns: Xenogender people typically use neopronouns like ze/zi/zirs, ey/em/eirs, xe/xem/xyrs, but this is up to the individual.^{[3]
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- History: “Xenogender” was first used on Tumblr by user Baaphomett in 2014.
- Origins: Xeno- means “alien” or “strange.”^{[4]
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- Short form: “Xip” describes a boy or girl who identifies as xenogender, while “xenan” describes a man or woman.
- Other classifications: “Xenine” is the adjective of xenogender, while “xenine” or “xenity” is the noun form.
- Those in the neurodivergent community often associate with xenogenders, but the term isn’t exclusive to that community.

Section 2 of 3:

Types of Xenogenders

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There are many sub-categories and types of xenogenders. Being an umbrella term, xenogender describes an overall nonbinary gender identity, whereas specific types of xenogenders detail the individual’s identity and what they identify as or with. Many people create their own xenogender labels, and some even collect and hoard them. Take a look at these examples of xenogenders below. Who knows? You may find yourself resonating with some of them!
- Abimegender: Identifying with a gender that’s deep and infinite, like space.
- Aesthetigender: Gender that embodies or identifies with an aesthetic or abstract concept.
- Aliengender: An identity that feels alien or nonhuman.
- Astralgender: A gender connected to space or the universe.
- Astrumgender: Gender that resonates with the stars and constellations.
- Boggender: A gender identity that can be compared to a swamp, bog, or marsh.
- Caelgender: A gender that shares characteristics with spaces, stars, and nebulas.
- Catgender: Identifying your gender as related to cats or felines (note that this is not the same as identifying as a cat).
- Colorgender: Identifying with certain colors and hues.
- Contigender: A gender that is constantly changing through space and time.
- Cosmicgender: A complex and vast gender that relates more to the cosmos than binary gender norms.
- Cryptogender: A gender that can’t describe or identify itself in human terms.
- Dryagender: Identifying closely with Greek nymphs and an empty forest.
- Egogender: A gender based on the self and has no other defining features.
- Energender: Identifying as a ball of energy that’s rapidly and constantly moving and changing.
- Ethegender: An ethereal or delicate gender that is unstable and cannot be fully understood.
- Gendervoid: Identifying as genderless.
- Mathgender: Genders that are described or conceptualized with mathematical or numerical concepts.
- Niveigender: A gender that identifies with snow and winter weather.
- Pyrogender: A gender that identifies with fire and extreme happiness.
- Robogender: Identifying with robots and mechanical movements and routines.
- Sciencegender: Genders that identify with scientific concepts.
- Staticgender: A gender that’s fuzzy and indiscernible, like TV static.
- Witchgender: Identifying with witchcraft and magic.

Section 3 of 3:

Other LGBTQIA+ Terms

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Learning LGBTQIA+ terminology and labels can help you resonate with those around you and be more inclusive.^{[5]
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Expert Source

Danielle Bezalel
Sex Educator

Expert Interview} Take a look at these common terms to better understand xenogender and the LGBTQIA+ community:^{[6]
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- Gender identity: How an individual perceives and calls themselves (as male, female, both, or neither).
- Gender expression: The outward appearance of someone’s gender identity, such as clothing, voice, and body language.
- Sexual orientation: An emotional, romantic, or sexual attraction to other people.
- Transgender: An umbrella term for those whose gender identity is different from the cultural expectations put on them at birth.
- Nonbinary: Those who don’t identify as male or female.^{[7]
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- Cisgender: When a person’s gender identity matches the sex assigned at birth.^{[8]
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  Harvard Medical School
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- Genderfluid: When a person’s gender expression or identity changes over time.

Community Q&A

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Can I use the name 'Bug' and the pronouns 'bug/bugs/bugself,' or would that be too confusing for others?

Ace

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Yes, that is perfectly acceptable. It may even make your name and pronouns easier for people to remember.

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I feel like I am a cis girl, but I recently found a xenogender that seems to fit me. I am confused because this xenogender is related to one of my favorite insects, which I use as my profile picture, making me wonder if I am simply attached to it.

It's Jeff!

Community Answer

Consider if you genuinely feel your gender is akin to that insect. If it resonates with you and your gender experience also feels feminine, you might choose to identify as an '(insect)girl' or a similar term.

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Can I create my own xenogender?

It's Jeff!

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Yes, you can create your own xenogender. However, it is advisable to first verify that the name or definition you choose does not already exist, as some terms like 'Icecreamgender' are already established.

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