Gender Identity

What is gender identity?

Gender identity is a person’s internal sense of their own gender. It refers to how a person identifies themselves in terms of their gender and can be different from the sex they were assigned at birth. Gender identity can be binary, such as male or female, or non-binary, meaning a person may identify as something other than male or female.

Everyone has the right to identify their own gender, and it can be a complex and personal aspect of a person’s identity. Some people may identify as cisgender, meaning their gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth. In contrast, others may identify as transgender, meaning their gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. HBR’s diversity and inclusion research documents that organizations with explicit gender identity protections in their non-discrimination policies have 35% higher LGBTQ+ employee retention and report measurably stronger inclusion scores.

How do societal expectations affect gender identity?

Societal expectations can significantly impact how individuals understand and express their gender identity. Societal expectations about gender roles, behaviors, and appearances can influence how individuals perceive their gender identity and how they present themselves to others.

For example, societal expectations about femininity and masculinity can influence how individuals understand and express their gender identity. Some individuals may feel pressure to conform to societal expectations about their gender, such as dressing or behaving in a certain way, to be accepted and recognized as their true gender identity.

On the other hand, societal expectations can make it difficult for some individuals to understand and express their gender identity. For example, societal expectations may not recognize or acknowledge non-binary gender identities, making it difficult for individuals who identify as non-binary to express their gender in a way that feels authentic.

How do laws and policies affect gender identity?

Laws and policies can have a significant impact on how individuals are able to understand and express their gender identity. Some laws and policies may be specifically designed to protect the rights of transgender and non-binary individuals, while others may have a more general impact on how individuals are able to understand and express their gender identity.

In some countries and regions, laws and policies may be in place that prohibit discrimination on the basis of gender identity in the workplace, schools, and other areas. These laws can help to create a more inclusive environment for people of all gender identities, and can ensure that individuals are able to understand and express their gender identity without fear of discrimination.

Laws and policies that allow individuals to change their legal name and gender marker on identification documents without undergoing gender reassignment surgery, can also help individuals to be recognized and respected in their gender identity. SHRM’s LGBTQ+ workplace guidance provides specific policy language, accommodation frameworks, and training recommendations for creating gender identity inclusive workplaces.

Gender identity inclusive workplaces attract and retain talent that values authenticity and dignity. Organizations using pre-employment assessments ensure every hire is grounded in verified skills. A data-driven hiring plan reduces mis-hire risk, while strong talent acquisition practices focused on skills-based hiring help organizations attract and retain top talent.

Frequently asked questions