S-x, Gender, and Gender Identity
S-x, gender, and gender identity are commonly used terms that are often conflated and used interchangeably. Despite the mass confusion (and misinformation) on these terms, they are all different terms and have very distinct definitions.
What is S-x?
S-x refers to the biological and physiological characteristics, such as reproductive organs, chromosomes, and hormones, that would be used to classify someone as male, female, or intersex. S-x Assigned At Birth refers to the decision someone makes to classify someone as male, female, or intersex based on their biological and physiological makeup ( this is typically done by a medical provider).
An individual is typically assigned one of three different s-xes: AFAB/FAAB: Refers to someone who was designated female at birth. AMAB/MAAB: Refers to someone who was designated male at birth. Intersex: Refers to someone born with any variation in s-xual characteristics (e.g., chromosomal, physical, etc.) that are used to designate someone as male or female.
What is Gender?
Gender is a social construct that refers to the norms, roles, and expectations of behaviors for men, women, and other genders. This can include things like job/career choices, responsibilities, clothing, and mannerisms. Gender Identity refers to someone’s innate sense of their own gender. Gender Expression refers to the ways we choose to outwardly share or show our gender identity to the world. This can include things like our hair, clothes, personal style, and so much more.
What is Gender?
Gender identity labels are expansive and constantly evolving. Some commonly used gender identity labels are man, woman, non-binary, and genderqueer.
Cis/Cisgender: Cis is a latin prefix which means “on the same side of.” When used in front of gender, as in cisgender, the term means someone whose sex assigned at birth and gender identity are on the same side.
Trans/Transgender: Trans is a Latin prefix that means “beyond, across, or on the other side of.” When used in front of gender, as in transgender, the term means someone whose sex assigned at birth is beyond or across from their gender identity.
What is Gender?
Woman: This refers to someone whose gender identity is a woman.
Man: This refers to someone whose gender identity is a man. Non-binary: This refers to someone whose gender identity falls within or outside of the gender binary.
Non-binary people can feel as though their identity encompasses both masculine and feminine characteristics, a mixture, or neither. Non-binary people may also identify as trans. Non-binary can also be used as an umbrella term to describe people of diverse gender identities, such as non-binary, genderqueer, Two-spirited, and gender fluid.
Understanding My Own Gender
Our gender is an important part of who we are, but it’s also complicated. Because of this, it’s important to do what we can to understand what it means to us. Understanding our own gender identity can take a lot of time and self-reflection. Below are some questions to help you reflect on your gender: Without labels, how would you describe your gender identity to another person? What does being _____ gender mean to you? How would you ideally like to express your gender? Is this different than how you express your gender currently? If there were specific norms for different genders, would they behave differently?
Exploring My Own Gender
Exploring our gender and what it means to us is another critical component of understanding our gender for ourselves. Here are some tips for exploring your gender identity: Try out new pronouns or prefixes such as (Mx., Ms. Mr.) Test out a new name or nickname. Play around with makeup. Try out a new haircut or hairstyle. Try on new clothes or a new style of clothing. Explore a new hobby such as a sport, art, or creativity. Read books or take in media (e.g., podcasts) that help you explore your gender.
While our physical offices are located in South Loop and Lakeview neighborhoods in Chicago, Illinois for in-person sessions, we also welcome and serve clients for online therapy from anywhere in Illinois and Washington, D.C. Clients from the Chicagoland area may choose in-office or online therapy and usually commute from surrounding areas such as River North, West Loop, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Rogers Park, Logan Square, Pilsen, Bridgeport, Little Village, Bronzeville, South Shore, Hyde Park, Back of the Yards, Wicker Park, Bucktown and many more.
This page is also part of the Roamers Therapy Glossary; a collection of mental-health related definitions that are written by our therapists.
While our offices are currently located at the South Loop neighborhood of Downtown Chicago, Illinois, we also welcome and serve clients for online therapy from anywhere in Illinois and Washington, D.C. Clients from the Chicagoland area may choose in-office or online therapy and usually commute from surrounding areas such as River North, West Loop, Gold Coast, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lake View, Rogers Park, Logan Square, Pilsen, Bridgeport, Little Village, Bronzeville, South Shore, Hyde Park, Back of the Yards, Wicker Park, Bucktown and many more. You can visit our contact page to access detailed information on our office location.