What does gender expansive mean? Oklahoma teen's death puts gender identity in spotlight
The death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict in the wake of a fight at an Owasso, Oklahoma, high school has drawn widespread attention after reports that the teen was long bullied for their gender identity, which friends have described as 'gender expansive.' But what does gender expansive mean?
Understanding Gender Expansive
According to national LGBTQ+ advocacy group PFLAG, gender expansive is an umbrella term that refers to individuals who don’t align with traditional gender categories or who expand ideas of gender expression or identity.
The term is commonly used when someone has identities that are outside of what is socially accepted and not conforming to social ideas of what gender should be.
Gender expansive is not synonymous with nonbinary, and even cisgender individuals can embrace the term. However, the more preferred term by the LGBTQ+ community is gender non-conforming.
The History of Gender Expansive
The concept of gender expansive has been around since at least 2012, when LGBTQ+ advocacy organization Human Rights Campaign conducted a survey of over 10,000 LGBTQ+ youth in the United States.
The survey aimed to understand the experiences of youth who didn't identify with traditional gender roles but were not confined to one gender narrative or experience.
The term 'gender-expansive' emerged from the report to classify these youth and provide a way to discuss gender outside of traditional understandings without putting their identity in a box.
The Impact of Gender Expansive
The tragic death of Nex Benedict, who was bullied for their gender identity described as gender expansive, has brought attention to the importance of understanding and respecting gender diversity.
The incident highlights the need for support systems and education to create a safe environment for individuals who don't conform to societal expectations of gender.
A recent survey by Pew Research Center showed a significant increase in young adults identifying as transgender or nonbinary, indicating a growing awareness and acceptance of gender diversity.
