There is no single, fixed number of genders. While traditionally society recognized only two genders (male and female), it is now understood that gender is a spectrum with many identities that people may use to describe themselves. Some sources list dozens, others mention more than 70, and many believe the possibilities are essentially infinite because gender is deeply personal and fluid.

Contemporary Understanding of Gender

• Gender identity is a person's internal sense of who they are, which may not necessarily align with the sex assigned at birth based on anatomy.
• There are many recognized gender identities including male, female, transgender, non-binary, agender, pangender, genderqueer, two-spirit, and others.
• Cultural and historical contexts have recognized multiple genders, sometimes three, four, or more, reflecting different traditions beyond the Western binary model.

List Examples and Fluidity

• Some lists include over 20 common gender identities and others, like MedicineNet, enumerate up to 72 different genders, each with unique nuances (e.g., genderfluid, demigender, neutrois, etc.).
• Gender can be fluid and dynamic, meaning people might move between or combine gender identities over time.
• For many, gender is not limited to fixed categories but is an expansive, personal spectrum with countless variations.

Summary

In short, there is no definitive answer to how many genders there are because gender is complex, culturally variable, and evolving. Many affirm that the number of genders is broad and potentially infinite, respecting individuals' rights to define their own gender identities. This inclusive perspective is supported by multiple cultural, social, and academic sources up to 2025.