AFAB (Assigned Female at Birth) and AMAB (Assigned Male at Birth) are acronyms referring to the gender binary that is imposed on persons at birth without their consent. These gender assignments are based on a binary interpretation of complex human biological and anatomical characteristics.
Framing & Perspectives
AFAB and AMAB are used to describe the binary social gender and legal sex assigned to newborns. However, trans activists highlight that gender is not simply a matter of being born „male“ or „female“ (Juliaserano, n.d.). These categories are assigned by others, and many people reject these assignments as they do not align with their lived experiences (translanguagaprimer, n.d.).
Beyond the binary gender system of the global minority, there are multiple understandings of gender. Recognizing that the binary gender concept is neither adequate to represent the complexity of gender nor universally inherent in organizing all societies (Oyěwùmí, 1997). Simplifying gender in a binary way, to justify social hierarchies, is a political process and a political choice (Fausto-Sterling, 2000; Fausto-Sterling, 2008; Jordan-Young & Karkazis, 2019; Vaid-Menon, 2020). This rigid binary system was often imposed on non-Western cultures, particularly through colonialism (Oyěwùmí, 1997; Thomas, 2007; Lugones, 2013). Rather than embracing the complexity and multiplicity of gender, the dominant binary system is rooted in colonial practices, biological essentialism), and patriarchal and heterosexual norms (Fausto Sterling, 2000; Lugones, 2013).
AFAB and AMAB can be used for describing common experiences based on the gender assigned at birth (translanguageprimer, n.d.). However, using these acronyms can sometimes shift the focus away from a person’s current gender, and place it back on their birth assignment (Serano, 2016). Terms like “transmasc” or “transfemme” might feel more accurate and comfortable for people to describe their gender experiences. It’s important to recognize that comfort with these terms varies from person to person. While one trans person may feel comfortable with the AFAB/AMAB acronyms, another might not. Therefore, it’s crucial to respect and use the terms that each person identifies with.
Relevance
To emphasize the lack of consent in gender assignment at birth, some people use the acronyms CAMAB (Coercively Assigned Male at Birth) and CAFAB (Coercively Assigned Female at Birth) (Juliaserano, n.d.). To include intersex individuals, the term AGAB/IS (Assigned Gender at Birth/Intersex) can be used (translanguageprimer, n.d.).
AGAB: Assigned Gender at Birth
GAAB: Gender Assigned at Birth
FAAB: Female Assigned at Birth
MAAB: Male Assigned at Birth
Keywords: LGBTQ+ Topics, Binary Gender, Social Hierarchies, Biological Essentialism
Connected terms: Acronym “LGBTQIAPN+”, Queer, Transgender, Body Image, Bodily Autonomy, Cisgender, Gender-Based Violence, Queer Theory, Internalized Sexism, “Toxic” Masculinity, Body Liberation
References
Fausto-Sterling, A. (2000). Sexing the body: Gender politics and the construction of sexuality. Basic books.
Fausto-Sterling, A. (2008). Myths of gender: Biological theories about women and men. Basic Books.
Jordan-Young, R. M., & Karkazis, K. (2019). Testosterone: An unauthorized biography. Harvard University Press.
Juliaserano. (n.d.). Julia’s trans, gender, sexuality, & activism glossary. Trans Glossary. https://www.juliaserano.com/terminology.html
Lugones, M. (2013). The coloniality of gender. In Globalization and the decolonial option (pp. 369-390). Routledge.
Oyěwùmí, O. (1997). The invention of women: Making an African sense of western gender
discourses. U of Minnesota Press.
Serano, J. (2016). Outspoken: A decade of transgender activism and trans feminism. Switch Hitter Press.
Thomas, G. (2007). The sexual demon of colonial power: Pan-African embodiment and erotic schemes of empire. Indiana University Press.
The Trans Language Primer (n.d.). Retrieved 25.11.2024 from https://translanguageprimer.com
Vaid-Menon, A. (2020). Beyond the gender binary. Penguin.
