3.3. Gender expression
Gender expression refers to how you present yourself to the outside world. This includes clothing, hairstyle, body hair, makeup, movements, walking style, voice, etc. Gender expression varies across time, culture, and place. Think back to the quiz you took in 1.3, where you learned that heels were also worn by men and skirts and robes are also for men in some cultures.
Someone’s gender expression is often confused with their gender identity or sexual/romantic attraction. But your expression does not have to say anything at all about how you feel or who you are attracted to!
For example: Jan is a man who enjoys wearing skirts and dresses. He has also grown a beard, which he has been cultivating for years. He is happily married to his wife, and they have two children.
Jan’s expression says nothing about his attraction or gender identity. It simply reflects what he enjoys wearing.