What term describes the gender that an individual most closely identifies with?

The term that describes the gender an individual most closely identifies with is gender identity. This concept refers to a person's internal sense of their own gender, which may or may not correspond with the sex assigned to them at birth. Gender identity is a deeply personal experience and can encompass a variety of identities, including male, female, both, neither, or something outside of the binary understanding of gender.

In contrast, gender expression relates to how an individual presents their gender through external means such as clothing, behavior, and personal aesthetics. Gender role refers to the social and cultural expectations associated with masculinity and femininity. Gender fluidity describes a flexible approach to gender that may change over time or vary in different contexts. Understanding these distinctions helps clarify the specific concept of gender identity as the core of an individual's self-recognition and declaration of their gender.