What Does the Term AFAB Mean?

Last updated on August 30, 2024 by Isabella Claire

In recent years, discussions surrounding gender identity have become increasingly prevalent, resulting in the emergence of various terms to facilitate a more inclusive discourse. One such term is AFAB, which stands for “assigned female at birth.” This abbreviation is used to describe individuals who were identified as female at the time of their birth based on physical characteristics, regardless of how they self-identify later in life.

AFAB Meaning and Origin

Key Takeaways

  • AFAB stands for “Assigned Female At Birth,” referring to someone who was designated as female when they were born, regardless of their current gender identity.
  • AFAB applies to various individuals, including cisgender women, transgender men, and non-binary or genderqueer individuals, promoting a more nuanced understanding of gender experience.
AFAB Meaning Pin
AFAB Meaning – Created by 7ESL

What Does AFAB Stand For?

AFAB stands for “assigned female at birth.” It is used to describe a person who was identified as female based on their physical body at birth, regardless of their current or future gender identity. This term is often used in discussions surrounding sex, gender, and LGBTQ+ matters.

Origin and Context of AFAB

The terms AFAB and AMAB (assigned male at birth) have been increasingly used in recent years to acknowledge the difference between biological sex and gender identity, and to provide visibility and support for transgender and nonbinary individuals within the LGBTQ+ community. The use of these terms helps dismantle the binary understanding of gender and highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting each person’s identity.

Related Terms to AFAB

  • AMAB: Assigned Male at Birth, which describes a person who was identified as male based on their physical body at birth, regardless of their gender identity.
  • Nonbinary: Refers to a gender identity that is not exclusively male or female, or is outside the gender binary of male and female.
  • DFAB and DMAB: These terms, standing for “designated female at birth” and “designated male at birth”, are alternative phrasings that essentially convey the same meaning as AFAB and AMAB.
  • Gender Identity: This is an individual’s personal understanding or experience of their gender, which might be different from the one assigned at birth based on their sex.
  • Transgender: A term for individuals whose gender identity is different from the one assigned to them at birth.
  • Gender Nonconforming – Refers to a person whose gender expression does not align with traditional gender norms, regardless of their assigned sex at birth.
  • Gender Dysphoria – Psychological distress resulting from a discrepancy between a person’s gender identity and their assigned sex at birth.
  • Cisgender (Cis) – A person whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth; for example, an AFAB person who identifies as a woman.
  • Intersex – A person born with physical sex characteristics (genitalia, chromosomes, or reproductive organs) that do not fit typical definitions of male or female.
  • Transmasculine – An AFAB person who identifies more with masculinity, which may include transgender men and some non-binary people.
  • Transfeminine – An AMAB person who identifies more with femininity, which may include transgender women and some non-binary people.
  • Feminine-of-center – A term used to describe individuals, including some AFAB people, who identify or express themselves more toward the feminine side of the gender spectrum.
  • Masculine-of-center – A term used to describe individuals, including some AFAB people, who identify or express themselves more toward the masculine side of the gender spectrum.
  • Genderqueer – An identity or umbrella term for gender identities that are not exclusively male or female, and may be used by AFAB people who feel their gender does not align with their assigned sex.
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