Making Xenogenders

(Or another kind of label, new flag for an existing label, etc...)

Are you coining a gender or orientation? Or designing a flag for a new or existing one? Consider this your tutorial!

A Carrd written with love by Ez. Feel free to send me any other resources you want me to add!

Defining It

A series of questions to help you define the term better:

  • Does this already exist? (You can search the documents I've made, linked in the next box, to look for keywords.) If it does, is there anything particularly different about the term you're coining? What are the benefits of using this label, compared to the other existing one?

  • Is this label exclusive to anyone? Is it only for ND people, or open to anyone?

  • What metaphors could people who identify as this use to describe their experience?

Gender natures are a method of describing nonbinary genders. For example, in addition to the other words used in it's description, gendersolus is described as AGIN, meaning that it's agender-in-nature.

Naming It

It's important to make sure that the name of this label isn't already in use, so it doesn't cause any confusion.

I've made huge lists of nonbinary genders and orientations, specifically for this purpose. You can use the search function to quickly check that the label you're coining doesn't already exist or that the name isn't already in use.

When naming a gender, too, remember that it doesn't have to just be -gender. There are plenty of options.

Making A Flag

  • Look at other pride flags - Don't directly take a flag and recolor it, especially if the term you're coining isn't related, but try to gain inspiration from the kinds of designs other people make.

  • Flags don't all have to look the same. Some examples of unique flags are MOGAI, bellusromantic, and quoi.

  • Including symbols is a good way to make your flag stand out. High quality, free-for-commercial-use vectors of all types of things can be found on Pixabay.

  • Avoid extremely bright or clashing colors. Not only can these cause people eye strain, but some people with photosensitive epilepsy can have seizures triggered by that eye strain. Pride flags should be accessible.

  • It's a good idea to make sure the flag includes colors that could feasibly made into merchandise like printed flags. Pantone's color finder is a good place to start.

  • Medibang Paint and GIMP seem to be popular for flag making. Here's a tag of other free art programs.

Posting Your Term

  • Try to include pronunciation, flag meanings, date of original coining, exclusivity, and anything else you think might be important for people to know about the term.

  • On Tumblr, use #mogaireal and #xenogender tags (if applicable). DNI banners are also a good idea.

  • Avoid using colored text or typing quirks.

  • Too nervous to post in case you get hate? Let me post it for you!