No, a baby cannot be biologically unisex. Babies are born with either male or female biological sex characteristics. However, a baby can be raised in a gender-neutral way, often referred to as raising a "theyby," allowing the child to explore their gender identity without societal pressures. This approach focuses on avoiding gender stereotypes in clothing, toys, and activities. The concept of "unisex" in this context refers to the parenting style and not the child's biological sex.
Understanding the Terms
- Biological Sex: This refers to the biological characteristics (chromosomes, hormones, anatomy) that determine whether someone is assigned male or female at birth.
- Gender Identity: This is an individual's internal sense of being male, female, both, neither, or somewhere else along the gender spectrum. This develops over time and isn't determined at birth.
- Gender Expression: This is how someone outwardly presents their gender through clothing, behavior, and other means. It can align with or differ from their gender identity and biological sex.
- Theyby: A neologism for a baby raised in a gender-neutral way, allowing them to explore their gender identity on their own terms. This parenting style emphasizes avoiding gender stereotypes. (Source: Theyby (plural theybies) and non-binary baby are neologisms for a baby or child raised in a way that is gender-neutral).
Several sources highlight the increasing trend towards gender-neutral parenting and products (e.g., gender-neutral baby clothes, toys, and nursery decor). While a baby's biological sex is determined at birth, how that child's gender is perceived and developed is influenced significantly by their environment and upbringing. (Source: Does this baby quilt look gender neutral? I'm second guessing ...; The Perfect Gender Neutral Baby Room Colors - My Homier Home; 150 Unisex & Gender-Neutral Names for Your Baby | Pampers)
Many resources also emphasize that a child's gender identity is complex and personal and cannot be predicted at birth. (Source: How to tell if your baby may be non-binary? What will they do - Quora) The term "non-binary baby" often reflects the parent's intention to raise their child without imposing gender expectations, not a statement about the child's biological sex. (Source: What Is a Non-binary Baby?)
