Have you ever come across the term AMAB online? Maybe you saw this in someone’s bio, or even read it on a job application? If so, then you may be wondering what it means. AMAB is one of the many LGBTQ+ acronyms that help people to identify themselves. This post unpacks the meaning and origin of this expression.
Meaning
The term AMAB means that a person was assigned to the male gender at the time of their birth. Typically this term is used for people who no longer identify as male or those who identify as having no gender at all.
Those within the LGBTQ+ place a high value on the use of precise terms. This is mainly in part because the language has a dramatic effect on how the people around us perceive our existence. The vocabulary that comes with being anything but gay or straight, male or female can get confusing, not only to those experiencing it, but also to those interacting with them. AMAB is a human who was born with a penis or male genitalia, but no longer feels or identifies as such. More information can be found in the video (here).
Example Usage of AMAB
“I prefer to be referred to as AMAB, instead of being called once a man”.
“It is offensive you say that I was born a man, I am AMAB, and that’s what I want to be called”.
“It is important to use terms such as AMAB or AFAB to avoid being defamatory”.
“There is no such thing as a natal male, I am AMAB, so please keep that in mind”.
Origin of AMAB
A lot of new terms have hit the knowledge banks in recent years, and terms that relate to human identity and sexuality are included. AMAB and AFAB are among the new terms that are up for discussion. These terms are new, but their premise of them is not. Previously, CAMAB was used in lieu of AMAB. CAMAB, which means coercively assigned male at birth, was created by trans people who identify as women. It was created to help separate them into a feminine gender role when being faced with male domestic violence. Later, Trans humans then went on to develop AFAB and AMAB. The terms have been around for about the last 14 years ever since binary restraints have lifted.
The terms used for the LGBTQ+ community are always shifting and updating as more people come to terms with their truth. As more people delve deep within to understand who they are and how they identify, these terms are further refined to add more nuances that enrich the human experience. While AMAB and AFAB are currently the most suitable term for those to whom they are assigned, better, more accurate terms make be developed in the future.
Phrases Similar to AMAB
- Agender
- Binary
- Affirmed gender
- Bigender
- AFAB
- Non-Binary
- Butch
- Closeted
- Boi
Phrases Opposite to AMAB
- Cis
- Conforming
- Straight
What is the Correct Saying?
The proper saying is – Assigned male at birth.
Ways People May Incorrectly Say AMAB
Some ways that AMAB is used incorrectly are:
- AMAB is basically the same as being a biological male.
- Don’t call me a crosser dresser, I am AMAB, so that means I am a woman.
- Being AMAB and being male-bodied are the same thing.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase AMAB
Some ways that AMAB is used correctly are:
- I am AMAB, and also am transfeminine.
- I may look like a hulked-out dude, but I am actually AMAB and identify as such.
- Don’t let the outer package confuse you about what’s within, I’m AMAB.
- Being part of the pride community is not all about being gay. In fact, I am AMAB, and that is my truth aside from any sexual preference.