Verigender

Verigender is a term that refers to someone's true gender identity that embodies the concepts of authenticity, truth, and self-discovery within one’s gender journey. Derived from the Latin root "veri-" meaning "truth," Verigender reflects a deeply personal alignment with one’s true self, emphasizing a gender experience that feels honest and genuine to the individual. This identity transcends conventional labels such as cisgender and transgender, offering a term that resonates with anyone whose gender identity is a personal truth, regardless of assigned or assumed categories. Importantly, Verigender moves beyond the colonial gender binary, embracing a non-restrictive understanding of gender as a spectrum and a personal journey.

Introduction

Verigender is a gender identity concept rooted in authenticity, self-discovery, and the rejection of binary gender constraints. Derived from the Latin root "veri-" meaning "truth," Verigender represents each individual’s unique, genuine gender identity, transcending traditional categories such as cisgender, transgender, and non-binary. Unlike identities restricted to specific experiences, Verigender is inclusive of everyone, as it acknowledges that each person has a true, self-defined gender.

At its core, Verigender challenges the colonial gender binary, which imposes restrictive male and female roles, and instead embraces a spectrum of diverse identities. This identity honors established gender experiences while recognizing that gender is deeply personal and fluid, not bound by social or binary constructs. Verigender is a space for people to explore and affirm their true selves, respecting all existing gender identities within a broader framework of inclusivity and self-affirmation.

Verigender's values of authenticity and liberation resonate across cultures and languages, making it an identity that aligns with various global perspectives on gender. It invites individuals from all backgrounds to embrace a more expansive, non-restrictive understanding of gender that honors both personal truth and cultural diversity.

Characteristics and Meaning

Verigender emphasizes:

• Authenticity: At its core, Verigender represents living in alignment with one's inner truth. This term supports a journey of embracing a gender identity that feels authentic and true to the individual, beyond societal or binary expectations.
• Self-Discovery and Transformation: Verigender captures a continuous process of self-discovery, allowing for evolution and fluidity within the identity. The term resonates with those who see their gender as an ongoing, deeply personal journey.
• Inclusivity Beyond Cis and Trans: Verigender includes individuals from all backgrounds, whether cisgender, transgender, or beyond, who feel that their gender identity transcends these conventional categories. It offers a non-restrictive space for individuals who value an honest and self-affirmed approach to gender.
• Liberation from the Colonial Binary: Verigender challenges and removes the restrictive colonial concept of gender as a fixed binary. It allows for a self-determined, expansive identity that honors gender diversity as a natural part of human experience.

History and Origins

Verigender was conceptualized by Videl Cameron on November 3, 2024, as a response to the limitations and divisive nature of current gender frameworks. Through numerous discussions and interactions, particularly with a close friend, Ava, Videl realized how the modern understanding of gender is deeply rooted in colonial ideas. These ideas impose a binary system that restricts gender to rigid categories tied to sex assigned at birth, supporting a framework that is incongruent with the fluid and diverse reality of gender.

Videl noticed that the terms cisgender and transgender inherently support this binary framework by separating identities based on adherence to, or deviation from, sex assigned at birth. By labeling one as "cis" (aligned with birth-assigned sex) and another as "trans" (deviating from it), this system reinforces divisions rather than embracing the spectrum of human gender experience. These labels can inadvertently perpetuate colonial constructs by imposing unnecessary separation and categories.

With this understanding, Videl sought to create Verigender—a framework that transcends these divisions and reflects gender as a genuine, self-defined experience. Verigender embraces all gender identities under one inclusive term, affirming that each person has a true gender, unbound by colonial restrictions. It honors the spectrum of gender, inspired by the many cultures worldwide that recognize more than two genders, thus breaking away from binary limitations. Verigender allows people to embrace their authentic identity without the need to fit into restrictive, binary-based categories, supporting a liberated and culturally resonant understanding of gender.

Key Principles and Values

Verigender is founded on principles that promote authenticity, inclusivity, and freedom from restrictive gender norms. These values emphasize a self-defined, culturally aware approach to gender, recognizing the importance of each person’s true identity without imposing colonial or binary constraints. The following principles capture the essence of Verigender:

• Authenticity: At its heart, Verigender champions authenticity as a fundamental value. It encourages individuals to explore and embrace their true gender identity, free from societal pressures or binary expectations. Verigender supports each person’s journey toward self-affirmation, recognizing that only the individual can determine their authentic gender.
• Inclusivity Beyond Cis and Trans: Verigender encompasses all genders under a unified framework, transcending the distinctions traditionally held between cisgender and transgender. By removing the binary categorization, Verigender acknowledges that gender exists on a spectrum, allowing everyone to express their identity without being confined to "cis" or "trans" labels. This inclusive approach fosters understanding and unity across diverse gender experiences.
• Liberation from Colonial Constraints: Verigender explicitly rejects the colonial gender binary that restricts identity to male and female roles tied to sex assigned at birth. By embracing a spectrum-based view of gender, Verigender recognizes and honors the many cultural traditions around the world that have long acknowledged more than two genders. It serves as a step toward decolonizing gender, advocating for a framework that respects cultural diversity and non-binary perspectives.
• Self-Discovery and Fluidity: Verigender respects that gender identity can be an evolving journey. It allows individuals to express their gender authentically, even if that means changes over time. This fluidity affirms that gender is not static and encourages self-exploration and growth, with the understanding that each person’s path is unique and valid.
• Unity and Shared Humanity: Verigender promotes unity by creating a space where all genders are embraced under one inclusive identity. It seeks to dissolve divisions between people by emphasizing shared humanity and genuine self-expression, creating a compassionate and accepting framework where each person’s identity is valued.

These principles guide Verigender’s mission to provide an inclusive, authentic, and liberated space for all people to express their true gender. By centering authenticity, inclusivity, and decolonization, Verigender fosters a progressive, supportive understanding of gender as a fluid and individual experience.

Symbolism and Flag

Verigender flag

The Verigender flag features a soft gradient background of serene greens, blues, and creams, symbolizing peace, inclusivity, and the fluid nature of gender. This palette reflects the harmonious and expansive qualities of the Verigender identity, which transcends traditional binary constraints.

At the center of the flag is a circular emblem that incorporates elements from the male (♂) and female (♀) symbols, merged in a way that conveys unity and balance within gender diversity. Flowing abstract lines, dots, and organic shapes fill the circle, creating a sense of movement and interconnection. These elements represent the journey of self-discovery, transformation, and the intricate layers of personal identity that Verigender encompasses.

The design’s fluid lines and connected dots symbolize a departure from rigid binary structures, embracing a broader, interconnected understanding of gender. This central emblem suggests an ever-evolving identity that honors authenticity and truth in one’s self-defined gender experience, emphasizing Verigender’s commitment to liberation from conventional labels and embracing a unique, individual path.

Overall, the flag captures Verigender's values of self-alignment, resilience, and freedom, inviting those who identify with it to find strength in their authentic journey.

Differences from Other Gender Identities

Verigender is distinct from both cisgender and transgender identities in a fundamental way: it is not confined to any single segment of the population. Rather, Verigender is an inclusive term that applies to everyone, encompassing each person’s authentic gender identity. In essence, Verigender represents an individual's personal truth regarding their gender, whatever that truth may be, and however it may align or contrast with conventional labels.

Whereas cisgender generally refers to individuals whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth, and transgender refers to those whose gender identity does not align with their assigned sex, Verigender transcends these categories by addressing the deeper concept of one’s genuine, self-defined gender. This identity is based on authenticity rather than on alignment with assigned roles or binary norms.

Overlap with Other Identities: Verigender also overlaps with other gender identities in the sense that it provides an umbrella for all gender experiences. Verigender does not replace or redefine established gender identities such as non-binary, genderqueer, agender, and others. Instead, it respects and includes them, acknowledging that these identities represent authentic gender experiences for many. Verigender functions as an inclusive framework where each of these established identities can exist, fully recognized and respected, as facets of a person's true gender.

Beyond the Colonial Gender Binary: One of the core distinctions of Verigender is its deliberate move away from the restrictive gender binary that was instituted and enforced by colonial systems. This binary has historically imposed rigid male and female roles, often denying or erasing the legitimacy of other gender experiences. Verigender explicitly rejects this binary, instead embracing a perspective that sees gender as diverse, expansive, and self-determined. In doing so, Verigender recognizes and respects the various gender identities that cultures around the world have historically held, many of which existed outside the binary framework prior to colonization.

By validating all forms of gender identity and removing the colonial binary constraint, Verigender provides a space where everyone—whether cis, trans, non-binary, or any other identity—can explore, express, and honor their authentic gender. This inclusivity supports the idea that each person has a Verigender, a true gender that they align with and define for themselves, allowing for a harmonious co-existence of all identities within this expansive framework.

Identity in Practice

For those who identify with Verigender, the term offers a grounding framework that honors their unique experience of gender beyond traditional categories. It represents a meaningful connection to the values of authenticity and transformation, embracing the complexity of individual gender journeys. Verigender allows people to embody an authentic gender identity that aligns with their inner self, unrestricted by labels like cis or trans, and unbound by binary limitations.

Verigender Community

The Verigender community offers an inclusive space for individuals who resonate with the concept of self-authenticity and evolving gender experiences. This community celebrates a shared understanding that gender is a fluid and personal journey, affirming the right to a genuine identity beyond conventional labels and colonial binaries. It supports a vision of gender as diverse, expansive, and individually meaningful.

Verigender in Different Languages

Verigender’s concept of an authentic, self-defined gender identity resonates across cultures and languages. Below is a list of translations and adaptations for "Verigender" that align with its core principles of truth, inclusivity, and liberation from the colonial binary. Each translation aims to convey the idea of one’s genuine, individual gender identity.

Language	Translation / Term	Meaning or Explanation
Spanish	Verdadero Género	Translates to "True Gender," emphasizing authenticity and one’s genuine gender identity.
French	Genre Véridique	"Véridique" means "truthful" or "authentic," capturing the concept of a true, self-determined gender.
German	Wahrhaftiges Geschlecht	Combines "Wahrhaftiges" (truthful) with "Geschlecht" (gender), highlighting gender as a personal truth.
Portuguese	Gênero Verdadeiro	Emphasizes "True Gender" as one’s authentic self.
Italian	Genere Veritiero	"Veritiero" relates to truth, suggesting an honest and self-defined gender experience.
Japanese	真性ジェンダー (Shinsei Jendā)	Uses "真性" (Shinsei), meaning "true nature" or "authentic," combined with the English loanword for gender.
Mandarin Chinese	真实性别 (Zhēnshí Xìngbié)	Combines "真实" (Zhēnshí), meaning "real" or "authentic," with "性别" (Xìngbié) for gender.
Hindi	सत्य लिंग (Satya Ling)	"सत्य" (Satya) means "truth" or "authenticity," paired with "लिंग" (Ling) for gender, focusing on one’s true self.
Arabic	الجنس الحقيقي (Al-Jins Al-Haqiqi)	Translates to "The True Gender," emphasizing genuine self-alignment and authenticity.
Russian	Истинный Гендер (Istinniy Gender)	"Истинный" (Istinniy) means "true" or "genuine," aligning with the concept of an authentic gender identity.
Greek	Αληθινό Φύλο (Alithinó Fýlo)	"Αληθινό" means "true" or "authentic," with "Φύλο" for gender, emphasizing authenticity.
Polish	Prawdziwa Płeć	"Prawdziwa" means "true," and "Płeć" means gender, highlighting a genuine gender identity.
Turkish	Gerçek Cinsiyet	"Gerçek" means "real" or "true," and "Cinsiyet" is gender, aligning with the idea of a true, self-defined gender.
Finnish	Aito Sukupuoli	"Aito" means authentic or true, and "Sukupuoli" means gender, emphasizing a genuine self-identity.
Hungarian	Valódi Nem	"Valódi" means true, and "Nem" refers to gender, focusing on an authentic sense of self.
Thai	เพศแท้จริง (Phet Thae Jing)	"แท้จริง" (Thae Jing) means true or authentic, with "เพศ" (Phet) for gender, emphasizing genuine gender identity.
Korean	진실한 성별 (Jinsilhan Seongbyeol)	"진실한" (Jinsilhan) means true or honest, combined with "성별" (Seongbyeol) for gender.
Tagalog (Filipino)	Tunay na Kasarian	"Tunay" means true or authentic, and "Kasarian" means gender, emphasizing a true self.
Czech	Pravé Pohlaví	"Pravé" means real or true, and "Pohlaví" means gender, capturing authenticity in one’s gender identity.
Dutch	Echt Geslacht	"Echt" means real or true, and "Geslacht" means gender, focusing on a genuine identity.
Swedish	Sann Könsidentitet	"Sann" means true, and "Könsidentitet" means gender identity, reflecting authenticity.
Malay/Indonesian	Jantina Asli	"Asli" means real or true, with "Jantina" meaning gender, focusing on an authentic identity.
Bengali	সত্য লিঙ্গ (Satya Lingga)	"সত্য" (Satya) means truth, and "লিঙ্গ" (Lingga) means gender, emphasizing an authentic identity.
Vietnamese	Giới Tính Thật	"Thật" means true or authentic, paired with "Giới Tính" for gender.
Diné (Navajo)	Bee Baa Nídínígíí	Meaning "Being True to Oneself," conveying authenticity and personal alignment.
Inuktitut (Inuit)	ᐱᒃᓴᐅᑎᐅᒍᑦ ᑕᕆᒪᓂᖅ (Piksautiuqut Tarimaniq)	"ᐱᒃᓴᐅᑎᐅᒍᑦ" (Piksautiuqut) means "truthful," with "ᑕᕆᒪᓂᖅ" (Tarimaniq) for essence.
Zulu	Ubuthina Bensiko	"Ubuthina" means authenticity or truth, and "Bensiko" means essence, aligning with true self.
Swahili	Ukweli wa Jinsia	"Ukweli" means truth, and "Jinsia" means gender, focusing on a genuine identity.
Igbo (Nigeria)	Ezi Nmekọahụ	"Ezi" means true, and "Nmekọahụ" refers to personhood, emphasizing true identity.
Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe)	Debwewin Ininiwag	"Debwewin" means truth or genuine, with "Ininiwag" for people, aligning with true identity.
Lakota	Wóiyaksape Táku	"Wóiyaksape" means wisdom or truth, with "Táku" meaning self, for true identity.
Xhosa	Ubunzulu Behlathi	"Ubunzulu" means depth or truth, and "Behlathi" refers to essence, highlighting deep authenticity.
Norwegian	Ekte Kjønn	"Ekte" means true or real, and "Kjønn" means gender, emphasizing a genuine identity.
Ukrainian	Справжня Стать (Spravzhnya Stat)	"Справжня" (Spravzhnya) means true, and "Стать" (Stat) is gender, focusing on authenticity.
Tamil	உண்மை பாலினம் (Unmai Palinam)	"உண்மை" (Unmai) means truth, and "பாலினம்" (Palinam) means gender, emphasizing authenticity.

Term coined by Videl