Nonbinary

Introduction

Nonbinary is an umbrella term used to refer to those who do not strictly adhere to the traditional gender binary (the traditional gender binary refering to the dichotomy of male and female). As implied by the nature of being an umbrella term, being "nonbinary" is a vast and varied experience. The genders and experiences within the nonbinary community are unique and diverse. The nonbinary community has a rich and varied history across the world. Many indigenous cultures have 3rd (or more) genders, such as the Native Americans' "Two-Spirit" gender role.

Some nonbinary people use broad, vague labels to define their gender identities. Others seek out precise labels to explain their experiences in detail to others. There is a lot of overlap between nonbinary identities, and you can easily find various nonbinary people who have nothing in common with one another (gender wise, though I assume if you grabbed a bunch of random people, they would have other traits that are unrelated other than gender). Particularly online, some nonbinary people will search for (or simply coin) hyperspecific terms to describe their own unique experiences with gender; in an effort to seek out others with the same experience.

Some nonbinary people present androdgynous, while others prefer to lean into their masculinity or femininity. The styles of hair and clothes worn by nonbinary people will vary wildly from person to person. Everyone has their own journey to explore their gender presentation; playing with aesthetics to best communicate their inner selves to the world. To be nonbinary is to find your own unique combination to satistfy the conditions of gender euphoria.

Some nonbinary people use gender-neutral pronouns as a method of gender-affirmation, however some still use he or she. Others still use their own unique combinations. They/them pronouns are commonly associated with nonbinary people in the english language, but it is all down to personal preference and how everyone chooses to socially communicate their gender identities. Some nonbinary people will keep the names that they were born with. Others will choose new names to better represent themselves.

There are numerous terms used for and by those who are nonbinary across cultures and languages. Though not considered mainstream, finding your identity as a non-binary person can be freeing. Like any gender journey, to discover that you are nonbinary is to defy gender roles. Defy the expectations. To simply be as you are without adhering to what was expected of you when you were born. To reach out to what was truly inside of you, waiting to be nurtured.

While there are some binary transgender people who try on the nonbinary experience as a stepping stone of their gender transitions; for countless people to be nonbinary is the destination. The end result. The ideal result. The best case scenario. Most nonbinary people are typically read as either male or female to the general public (who make assumptions about anyone they come across and assume that they must be correct) but the assumptions of others don't have to define who a person is. To be gender diverse is to be yourself, even when things seem against you.

General Questions

Is nonbinary the same thing as intersex?
No.

Are all nonbinary people transgender?
While non-binary is generally included under the transgender umbrella, there are some non-binary individuals who do not identify as transgender.

Do nonbinary people undergo HRT?
It depends on the individual person. As with anyone who is transgender, whether or not someone decides to take estrogen or testosterone, it is all down to personal preference and transition goals.

Do nonbinary people get gender-affirming surgeries?
It depends on the individual person. As with anyone who is transgender, whether or not someone decides to get surgery depends on their personal transition goals. Some nonbinary people who undergo gender-affirming surgeries identify as salmacian.

How can I support a nonbinary person in my life?
Just use whatever their preferred name and pronouns are!
Don't make a big deal about it (unless they are). Nonbinary people are, well, people! Virtually everyone on the planet has a preferred name and pronouns. Nonbinary people shouldn't be singled out and be treated like a spectacle simply because they chose to customize their gender experience a bit differently than most people.
Correct other people their pronouns. If you are talking about a nonbinary person with other people who aren't using the proper name and pronouns, correct them on it. Even if the nonbinary person in question isn't there. If the other person seems confused, try explaining it in the terms that the nonbinary person uses for themself. Its not hard to stick up for someone just because they aren't there. A lot of the times, nonbinary people spend a lot of unnecessary time having to explain the basics their identities to other people. If you can help out, go for it.
Note - Do not do that last point if the nonbinary person is closeted and does not want other people knowing about their gender identity.

Some Common Nonbinary Identities

Agender - Not identifying with experiencing or having a gender.
Bigender - Identifying as 2 genders, either alternating between the two or simultaneously.
Demiboy/Demiman - Identifying partially as a boy/man.
Demigirl/Demiwoman - Identifying partially as a girl/woman.
Genderfluid - A gender identity wherein the gender changes over time.
Genderqueer - An umbrella term similar in meaning to nonbinary.
Gendervoid - When one has a void where a gender would be.
Neutrois - When one's gender is neutral or null.
Xenogender - An umbrella term used to refer to when someone uses a concept other than male or female; such as plants or animals; to describe their gender identity

The Nonbinary Flag

The non-binary flag has four stripes in four colors.

The top yellow stripe represents individuals whose genders do not exist within the traditional gender binary.

The second stripe is white, representing individuals who identify with multiple genders.

The third stripe is purple, representing individuals who identify as a blend of male and female.

The fourth and final stripe is black, represending agender individuals.

Additional Resources

The Transgender Dictionary

Nonbinary

Introduction

General Questions

Some Common Nonbinary Identities

The Nonbinary Flag

Additional Resources

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The Transgender Dictionary

Nonbinary

Introduction

General Questions

Some Common Nonbinary Identities

The Nonbinary Flag

Additional Resources

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