Demigender vs. Nonbinary: What’s the Difference?

Understanding gender identity can feel overwhelming, especially with the many terms used in the LGBTQ+ community today. But learning about these identities is an essential step in creating a more inclusive and affirming society.

Two gender identities that are often discussed together—but have distinct meanings—are demigender and nonbinary. While both exist outside the traditional male/female binary, they describe different relationships with gender.

In this article, we’ll explore:

• What Is Demigender? A look at demiboy, demigirl, and demifluid identities.
• What Is Nonbinary? Understanding the umbrella term for nonbinary gender identities.
• Pronouns and Expression: How demigender people express their identities.
• Symbols and Representation: The demigender flag, demiboy flag, and their meanings.
• Supporting Diverse Identities: How to affirm and support demigender and nonbinary individuals.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer understanding of these gender identities and how to be a supportive ally.

What Is Demigender? Understanding the Identity

Demigender is a gender identity for people who feel a partial connection to a certain gender rather than fully identifying as one. The term comes from the prefix “demi-“, meaning half or partial, combined with “gender.”

Demigender identities fall under the non-binary umbrella but are distinct in their experience of gender. While some nonbinary people don’t identify with any gender, demigender people still feel a connection—just not completely.

Key Aspects of Demigender Identity:

• A Partial Connection to a Gender – Demigender individuals feel connected to a gender but not fully.
• Not the Same as Agender – Unlike agender people, who don’t experience gender at all, demigender individuals have some connection to a particular gender.

Understanding demigender helps us recognize the vast diversity within LGBTQ+ identities. By learning these terms, we can create a more inclusive and affirming world for everyone.

Additional Reading: You might also want to learn about Heteroromantic Bisexuality Explained: When Love and Desire Diverge.

Demiboy, Demigirl, and Other Demigender Identities

Within the demigender spectrum, individuals may identify with different aspects of gender in varying degrees. Unlike binary gender identities, demiboy, demigirl, demifluid, and demiflux identities exist somewhere between full identification with a gender and a more fluid or partial connection.

What Does Demiboy Mean?

A demiboy is someone who partially but not fully identifies as male or with masculinity. They may:

• Feel a stronger connection to masculinity than other genders, but not completely identify as male.
• Identify as another gender in addition to being partially male.
• Have been assigned male at birth (AMAB) or assigned female at birth (AFAB) but still feel a partial connection to a masculine identity.

The demiboy flag consists of gray, light blue, and white stripes, symbolizing partial masculinity, neutrality, and gender nonconformity.

What Does Demigirl Mean?

A demigirl, demifemale, or demiwoman is someone who partially but not entirely identifies as female or with femininity. They may:

• Feel a stronger connection to femininity than other genders but not completely identify as a girl or woman.
• Identify as agender or nonbinary while still having some connection to femininity.
• Have been assigned female at birth (AFAB) or assigned male at birth (AMAB) and still relate to a particular gender in some way.

The demigirl flag features gray, pink, and white stripes, representing partial femininity and gender neutrality.

Additional Reading: Learn more about different gender identities in Exploring Two Spirit Gender: A Journey of Identity and Affirmation.

What Are Demifluid and Demiflux Identities?

• Demifluid: A person’s gender identity shifts between different partial identities, such as moving between demiboy, demigirl, or agender over time.
• Demiflux: A person experiences fluctuations in the intensity of their gender connection. For example, they may feel strongly connected to femininity one day and less so on another.

Deminonbinary: Where It Fits

A deminonbinary person has a partial connection to nonbinary identities rather than a binary gender. They may feel connected to some aspects of gender while rejecting strict labels.

Understanding these diverse gender identities helps create an inclusive, supportive society where people feel seen and validated.

What Is Nonbinary? Exploring the Umbrella Term

Nonbinary is an umbrella term encompassing gender identities that don’t fit within the traditional male-female binary. Individuals who identify as nonbinary may experience a gender that blends elements of both, neither, or falls outside these categories altogether. This term includes identities such as genderqueer, genderfluid, agender, and bigender. It’s important to note that while many nonbinary individuals also identify as trans, not all do. 

Demigender and Its Relation to Nonbinary

Demigender individuals feel a partial connection to a specific gender. For instance, a demiboy partially identifies with masculinity but doesn’t fully align with being male, while a demigirl partially identifies with femininity without fully being female. Some demigender people consider themselves nonbinary, given their experience outside the complete male-female identification. However, others may not adopt the nonbinary label, especially if they feel a stronger affinity toward a particular gender. This highlights the diversity and personal nature of gender identities.

Additional Reading: You might also want to check out Queerplatonic Relationships: What They Are and Why They Matter.

Distinctions Among Agender, Genderfluid, and Nonbinary Identities

• Agender: Individuals who identify as agender see themselves as having no gender. They don’t align with any gender identity and often describe themselves as gender-neutral or genderless.
• Genderfluid: Those who are genderfluid experience a gender identity that changes over time. Their gender may shift between male, female, a mix of both, or other genders, reflecting a dynamic and flexible experience.
• Nonbinary: This broad category includes any gender identity that doesn’t fit strictly into male or female. Nonbinary individuals may identify with multiple genders, no gender, or a different gender altogether.

Understanding these distinctions is crucial in respecting and validating each person’s unique experience with their gender identity.

Pronouns and Identity: How Demigender People Express Themselves

Using correct pronouns is a fundamental way to affirm someone’s gender identity. For demigender and nonbinary individuals, being addressed with appropriate pronouns fosters a sense of respect and inclusion. Misusing pronouns, even unintentionally, can lead to feelings of invalidation and distress. Respecting pronouns is part of creating a supportive and accepting environment, which positively impacts well-being and reduces mental health risks. 

Common Pronoun Choices

Demigender individuals may choose pronouns that best reflect their gender experience. Some common choices include:

• They/Them: A widely used gender-neutral option.
• He/Him or She/Her: Some demiboys may prefer “he/him,” and some demigirls “she/her,” aligning with their partial identification with masculinity or femininity.
• Neopronouns: Pronouns like “ze/hir” or “xe/xem” that are not traditionally associated with any gender.

Additional Reading: Read more about Why Gender Pronouns Matter.

It’s essential to ask individuals which pronouns they use, as assumptions can lead to misgendering. For example, introducing yourself with your pronouns can create an open space for others to share theirs: “Hi, I’m Alex, and I use they/them pronouns.” 

By actively engaging in respectful pronoun usage, we contribute to a more inclusive and supportive environment for all gender identities.

Navigating Identity: How to Support Demigender and Nonbinary People

Supporting individuals who identify as demigender or nonbinary is crucial in fostering an inclusive and affirming environment. Here’s how you can be an effective ally:

How to Be an Ally

• Educate Yourself: Learn about diverse gender identities to understand the experiences of demigender and nonbinary individuals.
• Use Correct Pronouns: Respect and use the pronouns that individuals identify with. If unsure, politely ask.
• Challenge Biases: Address and correct misconceptions or prejudiced remarks about gender identities.
• Provide Support: Offer a listening ear and validate their experiences without judgment.

Additional Reading: Learn What Is Minority Stress and How Does It Affect LGBTQ+ Individuals?

Mental Health Challenges

Exploring one’s gender identity can lead to unique mental health challenges:

• Gender Dysphoria: Distress arising from a mismatch between one’s assigned gender at birth and their true identity.
• Increased Risk of Mental Health Issues: Studies indicate that LGBTQ+ individuals face higher rates of anxiety and depression due to societal stigma.
• Barriers to Care: Discrimination and lack of knowledgeable healthcare providers can hinder access to appropriate mental health services.

Resources for Self-Discovery

For those questioning their gender identity, consider the following resources:

• Support Groups: Connecting with others through local LGBTQ+ centers or online communities can provide a sense of belonging.
• Educational Materials: Websites like The Trevor Project offer information and support for LGBTQ+ youth.
• Professional Counseling: Therapists specializing in gender identity can offer personalized guidance and support.

Remember, everyone’s journey with gender identity is unique. Approaching each person’s experience with empathy and respect is key to being a supportive ally.

Exploring Gender Identity? Therapy Can Help You Feel Seen and Validated

Exploring your gender identity—whether you identify as demigender, nonbinary, queer, or another identity—can be an emotional and deeply personal journey. As a therapist specializing in LGBTQ+ mental health, I provide a safe, affirming space where you can navigate your identity without fear of judgment.

How I Can Help:

• Support for demigender people, including demiboy, demigirl, and demiflux identities.
• A compassionate, evidence-based approach to managing gender dysphoria and self-discovery.
• A space to explore how you feel connection to the concept of gender, even if you don’t fully identify with one gender.
• Therapy for those questioning whose gender identity doesn’t align with their assigned gender at birth.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Get in touch today!