Nonbinary: Difference between revisions

[[File:Non-binary Pride Flag.png|thumb|180x180px|Non-binary pride flag]]

'''Non-binary''' gender is an umbrella term covering any [[gender identity]] or [[Gender expression|expression]] that does not fit within the [[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]] 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]] 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.

Identities that fall under the non-binary umbrella include, but are not limited to:

*'''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]]

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]] 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]]' narrative. Some feel that there is no social role or body to 'transition' to and so simply focus on being themselves.

Some non-binary people may choose or need to present an [[Androgyny|androgynous]] or [[gender neutral]] gender expression; perhaps choosing to hide, remove or blend [[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 non-binary people may choose or need to present a 'clashing' combination of [[gender cues]] that are incongruous, challenging or shocking to those who expect others to fit the [[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''.

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

Some non-binary people prefer to expand on or subvert what is considered socially acceptable for their [[assigned gender]]. This may involve preferring binary [[pronouns]] while [[crossdressing]], blending or mixing [[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 gender|assigned at birth]].