Nonbinary: Difference between revisions

'''Non-binary''' gender is an umbrella term covering any [[Gender Identity|gender identity]] or [[Gender Expression|expression]] that does not fit within the [[Gender Binary|gender binary]]. The label may also be used by individuals wishing to identify as falling outside of the gender binary without being any more specific about the nature of their gender.

As an umbrella term, non-binary has similar scope to [[Genderqueer|genderqueer]] with most nonbinary-identifying individuals also considering themselves genderqueer. However the terms have different meanings and connotations. The term genderqueer predates non-binary by at least a decade.

Kye Rowan designed the non-binary flag in 2014, shown at right. This flag is meant to "represent non-binary folk who did not feel that the [[Genderqueer flag|genderqueer flag]] represented them. This flag was intended to go alongside Marilyn Roxie's genderqueer flag rather than replace it. The flag consists of four stripes. From top to bottom: yellow represents those whose gender exists outside of and without reference to the binary as yellow is often used to distinguish something as its own. White represents those who have many or all genders as white is the photological presence of color and/or light. The purple stripe represents those who feel their gender is between or a mix of female and male as purple is the mix of traditional boy and girl colors. The purple also could be seen as representing the fluidity and uniqueness of non-binary people. The final black stripe represents those who feel they are without gender, as black is the photological absence of color and/or light." The non-binary flag and the genderqueer flag are both options for non-binary people to use to symbolize themselves, and take different approaches to how to symbolize non-binary genders.

*[[Agender|'''Agender''']] aka '''Genderless''', '''Non-gender''' - Having no gender identity or no gender to express (Similar and sometimes used interchangeably with Gender Neutral and/or Neutrois).

*[[Androgyne|'''Androgyne''']] aka '''Androgynous gender''' - Identifying or presenting between the binary options of man and woman or masculine and feminine (Similar and sometimes used interchangeably with Intergender).

*[[Multigender|'''Multigender''']] (may also include [[Androgyne]]) - Moving between two or more different gender identities at different times/situations, Or having more than one gender identity at one time. Some multigender identities are [[Bigender|'''Bigender''']], [[Polygender|'''Polygender''']], and [[Genderfluid|'''Genderfluid''']].

*[[Gender Neutral|'''Gender Neutral''']] aka '''Neutral Gender''' - Having a neutral gender identity and/or expression, or identifying with the preference for [[Gender Neutral Language|gender neutral language]] and [[Pronouns|pronouns]].

*[[Genderqueer|'''Genderqueer''']] aka '''Gender Queer''' - Non-normative gender identity or expression. While genderqueer originated as an inclusive umbrella term, it is also considered by many to be an individual identity.

*[[Intergender|'''Intergender''']] - Having a gender identity or expression that falls between the two binary options of man and woman or masculine and feminine

*[[Neutrois|'''Neutrois''']] - Belonging to a non-gendered or neutral gendered class, usually but '''not always''' used to indicate the desire to hide or remove gender cues

*'''Non-binary''' or '''Nonbinary''' - Identifying with the umbrella term covering all people with gender outside of the binary, without defining oneself more specifically. Is also used as an individual identity in itself. you could be [[Butch|Non-binary Butch]] or [[Femme|Non-binary Femme]]

*[[Transgender|'''Transgender''']] - Identifying with the umbrella term covering all gender identities or expressions that transgress or transcend (go beyond the limits of) society’s rules and concepts of gender (Transgender is a wide umbrella term also covering people who hold [[Binary Gender|binary gender]] identities and expressions but who transgress gender by transitioning between the binary genders).

==Non-Binary presentation and expression==

There is no single or 'correct' way to perform a non-binary gender. Most non-binary people are primarily motivated by the desire to be comfortable and true to themselves rather than attempting to follow any particular gender role. Non-binary people may or may not experience [[Gender Dysphoria|gender dysphoria]] or may experience only bodily or social dysphoria. Non-binary is a wide umbrella term covering a large number of gender identities and expressions. Whichever way any particular non-binary person needs or chooses to present, express or perform their gender is as valid as any other.

Not all non-binary people experience gender dysphoria or follow the '[[Transition|transition]]' narrative. Some feel that there is no social role or body to 'transition' to and so simply focus on being themselves.

===Androgynous or Gender Neutral Presentation===

Some non-binary people may choose or need to present an [[Androgyny|androgynous]] or [[Gender Neutral|gender neutral]] gender expression; perhaps choosing to hide, remove or blend [[Gender Cues|gender cues]]. This is personal to each individual and is not any ''more non-binary'' than any other way of expressing a nonbinary gender.

Some nonbinary people experience bodily dysphoria relating to certain primary or secondary [[Sexual Characteristics|sexual characteristics]]. The act of obscuring, removing or replacing these sexual characteristics in order to reduce gender dysphoria may result in physical androgyny without the individual having set out to specifically obtain an androgynous presentation.

Some non-binary people may choose or need to present a 'clashing' combination of [[Gender Cues|gender cues]] that are incongruous, challenging or shocking to those who expect others to fit the [[Gender Binary|gender binary]]. For example, combining a beard with makeup and a padded bra. This practice of transgressively breaking the rules of gender presentation is known as ''[[Clothing|genderfuck]]'', ''genderfucking'' or sometimes ''genderpunk''.

===Gender Neutral Language===

Some non-binary people prefer to be referred to using [[Gender Neutral Language|gender neutral language]] and [[Pronouns|pronouns]]. Some choose a [[gender neutral titles|gender neutral title]] such as Mx or Misc for formal communications. Others may opt for no title.

===Expanding or Subverting Binary Gender Roles and Language===

Some non-binary people prefer to expand on or subvert what is considered socially acceptable for their [[Assigned at Birth|assigned gender]]. This may involve preferring binary [[Pronouns|pronouns]] while [[Crossdressing|crossdressing]], blending or mixing [[Gender Cues|gender cues]] or otherwise subverting the expectations society places on that gender role. Some may consider this to be a political act, for others this is simply an expression of self identity or personality.

Some non-binary people have no preference for gender neutral language but instead have a preference against the language and pronouns associated with the gender they were [[Assigned at Birth|assigned at birth]].