Final answer:
Gender identity is one's personal sense of their own gender, which may differ from their sex assigned at birth. It is distinct from gender expression, which is external, and sexual orientation, which is about attraction to others.
Step-by-step explanation:
Gender Identity vs. Gender Expression and Sexual Orientation
Gender identity is an individual's personal sense of their own gender, which may be male, female, a blend of both, neither, or another gender entirely. It is important to differentiate gender identity from gender expression and sexual orientation. Gender expression relates to how an individual presents their gender to others, through behavior, clothing, hairstyle, and voice, for example. On the other hand, sexual orientation is about who a person is physically, romantically, and/or emotionally attracted to. Gender identity is internal and deeply-felt, and may or may not align with the sex assigned at birth, while gender expression can be seen externally and sexual orientation is independent of both gender identity and expression.
Individuals whose gender identity and sex assigned at birth align are referred to as cisgender. Those whose gender identity and assigned sex do not align might identify as transgender. It is crucial not to conflate gender identity with gender expression or sexual orientation; each is a distinct aspect of a person's identity.
While many people are aware of the terms transgender and cisgender, assumptions based on these identities, such as sexual orientation or specific gender expressions, should be avoided as they are not indicative of these attributes.