Which of the following refers to an individual's inherent qualities of being male, female, or something else?

The concept that refers to an individual's inherent qualities of being male, female, or something else is gender identity. Gender identity is a personal conception of oneself as it relates to gender and can encompass a range of identities beyond just male and female, reflecting a person's understanding and experience of their gender. This understanding can be deeply rooted in one's inner sense of self, regardless of biological sex assigned at birth.

Gender role pertains to societal expectations about how individuals should behave based on their perceived gender and does not directly address an individual's intrinsic sense of identity. Sexual orientation refers to whom someone is attracted to, which is separate from their understanding of their own gender identity. Social identity generally encompasses broader aspects of a person’s identity related to various social categories (like race, ethnicity, and community affiliations) and may overlap with gender identity but does not specifically define the inherent qualities of being male, female, or another gender. Thus, the correct choice identifies the specific and personal aspect of an individual's gender experience.