The zodiac signs alternate between Yang (masculine, active, outward) and Yin (feminine, receptive, inward) energy. All fire and air signs are Yang; all earth and water signs are Yin.
Yang signs (Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius) are action-oriented and expressive. Yin signs (Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces) are responsive and reflective.
This has nothing to do with gender - everyone has both Yang and Yin signs in their chart, creating a balance of active and receptive energies.