#gendermaverick

Hey anon, thanks for sending me your question. :-)

So, the answer to your question is a bit complicated. The words have an intertwined history, but they ultimately are distinct.

Below, I will talk about the history of each term and then compare and contrast them at the end of the post.

Let's start with a timeline of the two terms.

[Image ID: an image of a timeline of the terms "maverique" and "gendermaverick". The image includes a centered, wavy line with 8 points that are colored in a rainbow gradient from orange to green corresponding to a section of text for each event plotted on the timeline. The image reads: "5/31/2014 - coining of maverique. The term "maverique", created by Vesper, made it's official debut with the first iteration of it's definition. 06/15/2014 -first reworking of maverique definition. Vesper does the first reworking of the definition of maverique and created a maverique pride flag. 06/16/2014 - Haxaaya Proposes a Variant: Gendermaverick. Tumblr user Haxaaya contacts Vesper regarding the proposal of the term "gendermaverick", a gender that draws from both maverique and genderfuck experiences. 06/18/2014 - first definition of gendermaverick. The first iteration of the "gendermaverick" definition is posted by Haxaaya. Vesper responds with feed back, articulating a lack of similarity between terms. 06/18/2014 - first reworking of gendermaverick definition. Follow Vesper's feedback, Haxaaya attempted to refine the term and posted a revised definition. 06/21/2014 - final iteration of maverique's definition. Vesper posted the final revision of their term, "maverique". 07/06/2014 - final iteration of gendermaverick's definition. Haxaaya posted the final revision of the definition of their term, "gendermaverick", including both a formal and simplified definition. 07/08/2014 - gendermaverick pride flag created. Haxaaya created a gendermaverick pride flag, which was submitted to tumblr blog Pride-Flags-For-Us." In the bottom right corner, the image reads: "Graphic by Gent (Gneder-Jargon)". ./. End ID]

History of The Term Maverique

[PT: History of The Term Maverique ./. End PT]

"Maverique" was coined by Vesper on their blog, Queer As Cat (link) [PT: Queer As Cat ./. End PT] , back in 2014. It appears that it's definition has been rewritten by Vesper three different times while they tried to find the correct wording.

Their first iteration (link) [PT: first iteration ./. End PT] of Maverique was:

a non-binary gender characterized by an  unconventional and unothodox internal sense of self and the interrelationship between that sense of self and society. maveriques feel no connection with concepts of femininity or masculinity, but instead feel a sense of gender which is completely independent of conventional ideas of gender; a sense of gender which is entirely its own. a maverique’s sense of gender is strong, leaving little room for apathy or neutrality. there is no middle ground, as maverique is a point between nothing. there is no gray area, as maverique is not a shade on a palette. maveriques are mavericks, plain and simple, but please– don’t forget the “-ique”.

[PT: a non-binary gender characterized by an unconventional and unothodox internal sense of self and the interrelationship between that sense of self and society. maveriques feel no connection with concepts of femininity or masculinity, but instead feel a sense of gender which is completely independent of conventional ideas of gender; a sense of gender which is entirely its own. a maverique’s sense of gender is strong, leaving little room for apathy or neutrality. there is no middle ground, as maverique is a point between nothing. there is no gray area, as maverique is not a shade on a palette. maveriques are mavericks, plain and simple, but please– don’t forget the “-ique”. ./. End PT]

This first definition can be summed up as:

a non-binary gender identity that is not connected to femininity, masculinity or neutrality (atrinary).

a strong, specific sense of gender that is definitively not apathetic or neutral.

a distinct quality, not being between any other genders or vague/unclear in nature.

conceptually nonconformist (unorthodox), existing out of the bounds of cultural norms (unconventional).

definitively involving the dynamic of one's maverique gender and how it is functions in greater society and within oneself

[PT: a non-binary gender identity that is not connected to femininity, masculinity or neutrality (atrinary).a strong, specific sense of gender that is definitively not apathetic or neutral.a distinct quality, not being between any other genders or vague/unclear in nature.conceptually nonconformist (unorthodox), existing out of the bounds of cultural norms (unconventional).definitively involving the dynamic of one's maverique gender and how it is functions in greater society. ./. End PT]

The second iteration (link) [PT: second iteration ./. End ID] of the definition was:

a non-binary gender characterized by autonomy and inner conviction regarding a sense of gender which is unorthodox, unconventional and entirely independent of conventional concepts of gender.

[PT: a non-binary gender characterized by autonomy and inner conviction regarding a sense of gender which is unorthodox, unconventional and entirely independent of conventional concepts of gender. ./. End PT]

This second definition can be summed up as:

an autonomous gender identity held with a sense of conviction.

Separate from existing conventional concepts of gender (atrinary).

conceptually nonconformist (unorthodox), existing out of the bounds of cultural norms (unconventional).

[PT: an autonomous gender identity held with a sense of conviction. Separate from existing conventional concepts of gender (atrinary). conceptually nonconformist (unorthodox), existing out of the bounds of cultural norms (unconventional). ./. End ID]

The third (and last) iteration (link) [PT: third (and last) iteration ./. End PT] of the definition is:

a gender characterized by autonomy and inner conviction regarding a sense of self that is entirely independent of male/masculinity, female/femininity or anything which derives from the two while still being neither without gender nor of a neutral gender.

[PT: a gender characterized by autonomy and inner conviction regarding a sense of self that is entirely independent of male/masculinity, female/femininity or anything which derives from the two while still being neither without gender nor of a neutral gender. ./. End ID]

This current definition can be summed up as:

an autonomous gender identity held with a sense of conviction.

a specific, atrinary gender identity.

[PT: an autonomous gender identity held with a sense of conviction. a specific, atrinary gender identity. ./. End ID]

History of The Term Gendermaverick

[PT: History of The Term Gendermaverick ./. End PT]

Approximately 2 weeks after the coining of the term "Maverique", user Haxaaya contacted Vesper to propose a related term (link) [PT: propose a related term ./. End PT] to Maverique called "Gendermaverick".

The definition for Gendermaverick (link) [PT: definition for Gendermaverick ./. End PT] is as follows:

Gendermaverick: a non-traditional (and non-binary) gender experience characterized by both the innate sense of disconnect and independence from binary gender and the intent to subvert society’s expectations of gender. (See also: maverique and genderpunk/genderf*ck)

[PT: Gendermaverick: a non-traditional (and non-binary) gender experience characterized by both the innate sense of disconnect and independence from binary gender and the intent to subvert society's expectations of gender. (See also: maverique and genderpunk/genderf*ck) ./. End PT]

This definition can be summed up as:

a non-binary gender that is non-traditional and subversive.

a gender identity involving a sense of disidentification and sovereignty from the gender binary.

[PT: a non-binary gender that is non-traditional and subversive. a gender identity involving a sense of disidentification and sovereignty from the gender binary. ./. End PT]

According to the coiner of Gendermaverick, the term was intended to be the same as Maverique, but with an added element of "deliberate and direct intent to challenge gender expectations".

Vesper provided feedback, stating that gendermaverick (using the quoted definition above) and maverique have little in common, as maverique isn't an active type of genderfuckery nor does it involve a sense of disconnection from binary gender. Explaining, rather, that maverique is a specific, autonomous atrinary identity that involves an innate inner conviction of their gender in the face of how their outherine identity is deemed deviant/anomalous by society at large and how that is internalized by the individual themselves.

Not long after, the definition for Gendermaverick was redefined by the coiner (link) [PT: the definition for Gendermaverick was redefined by the coiner. ./. End PT]:

Gendermaverick: a distinctly unorthodox (and non-binary) gender experience characterized by a self-determined and autonomous sense of anomalous disconnect and/or independence from traditional binary gender. Furthermore, gendermaverick is an identity undertaken/used with the intention of deliberate subversion of society’s sense of binary gender. (See also: maverique and genderpunk/genderf*ck)

[PT: Gendermaverick: a distinctly unorthodox (and non-binary) gender experience characterized by a self-determined and autonomous sense of anomalous disconnect and/or independence from traditional binary gender. Furthermore, gendermaverick is an identity undertaken/used with the intention of deliberate subversion of society’s sense of binary gender. (See also: maverique and genderpunk/genderf*ck) ./. End PT]

This second revision summed up is:

A non-binary gender that is conceptually nonconformist (unorthodox).

A gender identity that is autonomous in nature (AUIN) and self-determined.

A gender identity involving a sense of disidentification and sovereignty from the gender binary.

A gender that is non-traditional and subversive with regards to the gender binary.

[PT: A non-binary gender that is conceptually nonconformist (unorthodox). A gender identity that is autonomous in nature (AUIN) and self-determined. A gender identity involving a sense of disidentification and sovereignty from the gender binary.a gender that is non-traditional and subversive with regards to the gender binary. ./. End PT]

The last formal definition given by the coiner (link) [PT:last formal definition given by the coiner ./. End PT] was:

Gendermaverick (dictionary version): an unorthodox gender experience characterized by a self-determined sense of anomalous disconnect from binary gender, often combined with the intention to subvert conventional notions of binary gender (see also: maverique and genderpunk) Gendermaverick (understandable version): a non-traditional gender that you decide the meaning of for yourself, but which is definitely disconnected from binary gender (i.e. man or woman). it can be also be thought of as a gender that intends to mess with society’s notions of a binary gender. (similar concepts are maverique and genderpunk)

[PT: Gendermaverick (dictionary version): an unorthodox gender experience characterized by a self-determined sense of anomalous disconnect from binary gender, often combined with the intention to subvert conventional notions of binary gender (see also: maverique and genderpunk). Gendermaverick (understandable version): a non-traditional gender that you decide the meaning of for yourself, but which is definitely disconnected from binary gender (i.e. man or woman). it can be also be thought of as a gender that intends to mess with society’s notions of a binary gender. (similar concepts are maverique and genderpunk) ./. End PT]

The coiner, in an anonymous ask, also described Gendermaverick as, "a deliberately unorthodox/anomalous non-binary gender".

The most recent revision can be summed up as:

a non-binary gender that is conceptually nonconformist (unorthodox).

a gender identity that is self-determined.

a feeling of inconsistency and/or deviance coupled with a disconnected from the gender binary.

a gender that is non-traditional and subversive with regards to the gender binary.

additionally, related to self-definition and genderfuckery.

[PT: a non-binary gender that is conceptually nonconformist (unorthodox). a gender identity that is self-determined. a feeling of inconsistency and/or deviance coupled with a disconnected from the gender binary. a gender that is non-traditional and subversive with regards to the gender binary. additionally, it is related to self-definition and genderfuckery. ./. End PT]

Comparing & Contrasting Maverique With Gendermaverick

[PT: Comparing & Contrasting Maverique With Gendermaverick ./. End PT]

After reviewing all this information, I have developed an interpretation of the terms Maverique and Gendermaverick. I am Neutrois, not Maverique or Gendermaverick, so I am not speaking from any sort of personal experience, but rather making sense of and summarizing what I found from both coiners in regards to the respective terms they coined. If a Maverique and/or Gendermaverick individual has insight to provide, I would love to hear from them.

Maverique is:

a distinct, specific atrinary (ATRIN) gender that is autonomous in nature (AUIN).

not a lack of gender (AGIN) , vague (VAIN), neutral/neutrine (NIN/NEUIN) nor apathetic (APIN).

not located between any other gender or group of genders.

a gender involving a sense of conviction regarding one's sense of self that is unorthodox and unconventional in it's concept and internalization.

[PT: a distinct, specific atrinary gender that is autonomous in nature (AUIN). not a lack of gender (AGIN) , vague (VAIN), neutral/neutrine (NIN/NEUIN) nor apathetic (APIN). a gender involving a sense of conviction regarding one's sense of self that is unorthodox and unconventional in it's concept and internalization. ./. End PT]

Gendermaverick is:

an autonomous (AUIN, abinary (ABIN) gender involving an anomalous disconnect (WIN) from the gender binary.

gender non-conforming (GENOIN), subversive, non-traditional and/or unorthodox in it's nature.

[PT: an autonomous (AUIN, abinary (ABIN) gender involving an anomalous disconnect (WIN) from the gender binary. gender non-conforming (GENOIN), subversive, non-traditional and/or unorthodox in it's nature. ./. end PT]

Both maverique and gendermaverick are:

abinary (ABIN) gender identities.

autonomous in nature (AUIN).

genders that challenge the existing paradigm of the gender binary and it's derivative identities in some way.

[PT: abinary (ABIN) gender identities. autonomous in nature (AUIN). genders that challenge the existing paradigm of the gender binary and it's derivative identities in some way. ./. End PT]

Maverique and gendermaverick differ in that:

maverique is definitively atrinary (ATRIN), whereas gendermaverick is described as abinary (ABIN), but not specified as atrinary.

maverique definitively involves a sense of conviction regarding one's sense of self, gendremaverick does not.

gendermaverick definitively involves gendrfuckery and/or gender non-conformity, maverique does not.

gendermaverick involves an innate disconnection from the gender binary, maverique does not.

[PT: maverique is definitively atrinary (ATRIN), whereas gendermaverick is described as abinary (ABIN), but not specified as atrinary. maverique definitively involves a sense of conviction regarding one's sense of self, gendremaverick does not. gendermaverick definitively involves gendrfuckery and/or gender non-conformity, maverique does not. gendermaverick involves an innate disconnection from the gender binary, maverique does not. ./. End PT]

Ultimately, Maverique and Gendermaverick are pretty different from each other. Aside from the similarities listed above and an intertwined etymology, they are not all that alike.

TLDR;

Maverique was coined by Vesper. Not long after this coining, tumblr user Haxaaya created the term "Gendermaverick", articulating that it was near identical to Maverique, with the added characteristic of being deliberate and direct in it's intent to challenge gender expectations. As each coiner elaborated on their respective terms, it became apparent that the terms were distinct. Aside from both genders being abinary and subversive in some sense, they both are both different experiences. Their etymology and early history are enmeshed, but ultimately, each identity are notably distinct in concept.

-- Gent

Xenomaverique (xenaverique, xiaverique, or xenomav): being xenogender and maverique; xiaspec/xenoic maveriques.

Gendermaverick flag

the definition of gendermaverick says “the main (and pretty much only) difference between maverique and gendermaverick is that gendermaverick involves a deliberate and direct intent to challenge gender expectations”. so really there isn’t much of a difference at all!

the difference between nymhs & maverique is that nymhs is “ambiguous or undefined”, while maverique isnt ambiguous - it’s a specific gender.

Extended Gender Pride icons ↪ edited by me, drawn by Keith Haring

Demigirl, Demigender, Demiboy Genderfae, Xenogender, Genderfaun Gendermaverick, Neutrois, Aporagender

credit not needed, but appreciated! transparent itself is posted here

If you’re someone like me who feels trapped by gender conventions and strict binaries, then you might benefit from the idea of being a gender maverick.

A gender maverick is someone who approaches gender with radical conviction and autonomy, refusing to let existing categories, binaries, or expectations dictate how they understand or express their own gender. They might choose autonomy over conformity, take solace in gender ambiguity, or engage with their gender in a more creative way. Think of those who are genderqueer, genderpunk, gendercreative, binarypunk, gendermaverick (the actual gender identity with a similar name), or any other identity centered around the queering, reshaping, and recontextualizing of gender on a wholly personal level.

How do those identities differ from being a gender maverick? I would say that being a maverick is the overarching concept that unifies the -queer and -punk labels, pushing the limits on how we can redefine gender concepts and break down gender constructs. I use the word “maverick” here because it denotes independence - in this case, from gendered governance.

Here are some ways you can think like a gender maverick:

The first step to thinking like a gender maverick is to break away from all binaries, not just the male/female binary. This would include concepts like AMAB or AFAB, sex terms such as male or female, presentation terms like masculine or feminine, and even modality terms like cisgender or transgender. When faced with two options, you have the ability to say “No thanks!” You don’t even need to choose a third option: Opting out entirely is part of the maverick mindset too.

Don’t assume your gender has to follow a linear path. Think of terms like FtM or MtF, which can imply that you are moving from one point on a spectrum in a straight line to another point on the opposite end. This might give the impression that your transition is to only be experienced linearly, that the only way you can do it is to go from point A to point B, but it can be a lot more complicated than that. It might also help to let go of the idea that the nonbinary identity is an incomplete one, that someone who is nonbinary just hasn’t made it to one of those linear points yet. Nonbinary transition is a real thing that we experience, and it doesn’t ever go in the direction people would assume.

While labels are a great way to help explain your particular gender and all its complexities, you don’t need to treat them as limitations. Reshape labels to fit your needs. Push the boundaries of a label rather than trying to follow a strict set of “rules” to force yourself to fit into the definition of a label. Labels are tools for communication and they are yours, so why not make them fit you in the way that you need them to?

Your gender presentation does not need a name. Don’t worry about what gender an outfit gives off and instead, focus more on what makes you feel comfortable. This can extend to pronouns as well - try pronouns that feel right, not just pronouns that “match” your gender. We all know that pronouns do not equal gender. Experiment with different clothing styles, different ways of being addressed, and even different names, but don’t worry about what to call any of it.

Get weird with it! Allow yourself the opportunity to look into contradictory labels, neopronouns, hyperspecific labels, dozens or hundreds of labels, unexpected presentation, or the refusal of all labels - yes, even the refusal of pronouns. It's okay if your gender doesn't make immediate sense to everyone. Playing with gender in unexpected ways can be a powerful way to maintain autonomy over your identity instead of shaping yourself around other people's expectations.

Make your own word for your gender if existing ones are lacking. We can’t always find that one perfect term that sums up all of how we experience gender, so why not coin something yourself? That way, your gender is yours and fits exactly how you need it to. If you need to, you could even coin multiple terms for yourself. Many gender terms were created because someone couldn't find language that described their experience, so they coined their own to fill the gap.

Stop trying to find a category for your gender. Yes, even broader categories like nonbinary or abinary can be disregarded if they feel too restrictive. How you feel about your gender is more important than where it fits, and it helps to see your gender as something that can exist without falling into boxes.

View your gender as your “inner mythology.” This is your story, so you should tell it your own way, and that means you should shape your gender to fit your personal narrative. Nobody can tell you who you are but you. Keep exploring and reaching new self-discovery milestones, but remember that it doesn’t always have to be about finding new labels or pronouns. Simply understanding yourself is often more than enough.