The Transgender Dictionary
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Binarism

(also: enbyphobia, exornormativity, exorsexism)

Table of Contents

Introduction

Binarism refers to a system in which there are only two extreme options. In the context of this page, we will be discussing binarism in terms of gender. Specifically, binarism in terms of discrimination against nonbinary people and the outdated falsehood that there are only two genders.

General Information

Binarism is the idea that there are only 2 genders, and the subsequent discrimination against anyone who deviates from the gender binary.

In many places, nonbinary people are unfortunately not legally recognized as such. While some nonbinary people are lucky enough to be able to have their gender marker changed to "X" (a third-gender alternative to M and F), many more nonbinary people are unable to do so due to various transphobic laws.

The lack of legal recognition of nonbinary people is not restricted to life, however. It is not uncommon for nonbinary people to worry about their correct names or genders to be accurately reflected in their obituaries.