Greek andros (man) + gynē (woman). Used in medicine and philosophy since antiquity.
History
Recognized across cultures throughout history - in ancient Greek mythology (Hermaphroditus), religious iconography, and artistic representation. David Bowie's androgynous persona in the 1970s brought the concept into mainstream pop culture visibility.
Common myths
"Androgynous people are just trying to look gender-neutral." Androgyny can describe a genuine gender identity (androgyne) as well as a gender expression. Many androgynes actively identify with both masculine and feminine - not a neutral midpoint.
"Androgyny is a modern trend." Androgynous expression and identity is documented across thousands of years of human history in art, religion, and mythology worldwide.
Notable people
David Bowie (1947–2016) - British musician; Ziggy Stardust and other androgynous personas brought androgyny to mass cultural visibility
Grace Jones (1948–) - Jamaican-American model, singer, and actress; iconic androgynous presentation
Tilda Swinton (1960–) - British actor; widely recognized for androgynous appearance and roles
