“Non-Binary” is an umbrella term for anyone who feels that their gender cannot be neatly placed into the category of “man” or “woman”, what we often call the “gender binary”. If someone’s gender is outside of the gender binary, they might use the term “non-binary” to describe themselves.
Some people might prefer other terms like “genderqueer”, “gender non-conforming” or “genderfluid” depending on their preferences and how they understand their own gender.
Why do non-binary people use so many different words?
Every non-binary person has a different experience with gender and will use the word(s) that best match their gender(s). Not every non-binary person you meet will use the same words, and they can mean different things to different people. It’s really important to respect the words that someone uses or wants you to use.
Here of some examples of words non-binary people use and what they can mean:
- Genderqueer: someone whose gender doesn’t fit into the categories of man or woman
- Genderfluid: someone whose gender changes over time or day to day
- Agender: someone who doesn’t have a gender, neither a man nor a woman
- Bigender: someone who has at least two genders, either both a man and a woman, or somewhere in the middle
- Transmasc: a person assigned female at birth whose gender fits somewhere on the masculinity spectrum
- Transfemme: a person assigned male at birth whose gender fits somewhere on the femininity spectrum
- Gender non-conforming, someone who dresses or acts in way that is different from how society expects they will based on their gender
These are just some examples and non-binary people can also use many other words! It’s a good idea to only use words to talk about someone after they tell you that they’re okay with them.
Are nonbinary people transgender?
It depends! The term “transgender” means that a person experiences or feels their gender is different to the sex they were assigned at birth. Many non-binary people feel that this relates to their experience of gender. There’s also non-binary people who don’t feel the term “transgender” fits their experience! Both experiences can be common and there is no one correct way to identify.
Do non-binary people change their names?
Some transgender and non-binary people use a different name than the one their parents gave them when they were born. The name that they don’t use anymore is sometimes called their “dead name”.
Calling someone by their dead name can be very hurtful and is disrespectful. If someone asks you to call them by a new name, it’s important to use that name.
What pronouns do non-binary people use?
Pronouns are the way you talk about someone when you’re not saying their name. Not all non-binary people use the same pronouns and not all non-binary people change their pronouns from the ones assigned to them.
Some non-binary people might use “they/them” pronouns, rather than “he” or “she”. For example, “Alex went to get some water. They are so nice!”. Other people might use a mix like she/they or they/he. They might be comfortable with you using either one in the set or they might want you to deliberately use both! Some non-binary people might use any or all pronouns. Others might not use any pronouns. Instead, you would refer to them by using their name.
You may also hear non-binary people use pronouns “ze” (pronounced zee) and “hir” (pronounced hear). These pronouns were created as an alternative to “she”, “he”, and “they”. For example, “Alex went to get some water. Ze is so nice!”
Sometimes learning to use new pronouns takes a little practice. Using the right pronouns is an important part of respecting a non-binary person. If you’re not sure which pronouns someone uses, you can ask!
Do non-binary people take hormones or have surgery?
Some non-binary people take hormones or have surgery to help them feel more comfortable in their bodies. Others don’t feel like they need hormones or surgery. It’s important to respect someone’s identity whether or not they choose hormones or surgery.
Sometimes non-binary people can have a hard time finding a doctor who will prescribe them hormones or perform surgery. Most doctors and other medical professionals aren’t trained on how to treat them. This means that non-binary people sometimes have to live without the medical care they need.
Whatever their pronouns, gender, or healthcare needs, all experiences of being non-binary are valid! No matter what, it’s important to respect everyone’s identity.
