Origins of Gender Symbols
The symbols for male and female actually originate from astronomy and alchemy. They were originally shorthand for the classical planets and the metals associated with them.
Mars and Venus
- Male (♂): Represents the planet Mars and the metal Iron. The symbol depicts the shield and spear of the Roman god of war.
- Female (♀): Represents the planet Venus and the metal Copper. The symbol depicts the hand mirror of the Roman goddess of love and beauty.
- Mercury (☿): Often associated with the concept of the "hermaphrodite" or gender fluidity in alchemy, representing a hybrid state.
Modern Inclusivity
In recent decades, these symbols have been combined and modified to represent the spectrum of gender identity. For example, the Transgender Symbol (⚧) combines the elements of Mars, Venus, and a combined stroke to represent transition and non-binary identities.