What Is an Example of Androgyny?

Androgyny refers to having a blend of masculine and feminine traits in behavior, demeanor, or attire. Learn about example traits

Androgyny refers to having a blend of masculine and feminine traits in behavior, demeanor, or attire. It often refers to biological intersex physicality, particularly in terms of human sexuality.

An example of androgyny is when a female possesses both stereotypically female and stereotypically male characteristics—she may dress in clothing typically associated with a man, or express herself in a more aggressive or assertive manner.

Androgynous man

Examples of characteristics an androgyenous man may have include:

• Communication: Listens empathically and actively without feeling the need to resolve the issues of others and makes discreet physical touch with both men and women to convey warmth and appreciation.
• Expression: Recognizes feelings as a basic and necessary aspect of a fully functioning person, expresses the need to be comforted when feeling hurt, fearful, vulnerable, or helpless, and accepts the risks and vulnerabilities that come with exposing emotions.
• Attitudes: Accepts vulnerabilities and flaws inherent in everyone, demands the right to work towards self-actualization, and appreciates an identity that is not defined by employment. Preserves self-assurance in the face of failure and learns how to customize experiences. Creates support networks and close connections with other men, and shares skills, feelings, and needs without being competitive.
• Behaviors: Actively fosters and supports others' efforts to change and regards sexuality as a personalized trait rather than a goal-oriented trait.

Androgynous woman

Examples of characteristics an androgyenous woman may have include:

• Communication: Uses posture, vocal tone, speech, and eye contact to send a message, saying what they mean. Deals with anger directly, does not laugh or tolerate interruptions after making a serious statement, and rejects sentiments of misery and victimization.
• Expression: Expresses thoughts and feelings accurately and forcefully, uses feedback to let others know they have been heard correctly, leaves an opening for a dialogue between the two positions. 
• Attitudes: Uses authority to elicit cooperation, social power to elicit partnerships, and is proactive in troubleshooting and employing entrepreneurial skills. Responds to situations impersonally and takes risks to solve difficulties without being overwhelmed by emotions.
• Behaviors: Exhibits decision-making and analytical abilities, comprehends the big picture, and applies creativity to synthesize ideas.