Nonbinary gender in fiction: Difference between revisions
Added three more characters from Magic the Gathering. I didn't put Karn in the alien biology section as he was assigned male, and Magic features numerous gendered constructs. Rewrote Ashiok's section to better adhere to available sources. Sources probably aren't formatted correctly, as many come from untitled blog posts, and the automatic importer didn't like any of the sources.
imported>Sekhet mNo edit summary |
imported>AlchemistBat (Added three more characters from Magic the Gathering. I didn't put Karn in the alien biology section as he was assigned male, and Magic features numerous gendered constructs. Rewrote Ashiok's section to better adhere to available sources. Sources probably aren't formatted correctly, as many come from untitled blog posts, and the automatic importer didn't like any of the sources.) |
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===Board and card games=== | ===Board and card games=== | ||
* | * Magic the Gathering features multiple nonbinary characters. | ||
**Ashiok is a character of unknown gender, who explicitly resists categorisation.<ref>https://dougbeyermtg.tumblr.com/post/61002920437/the-german-card-of-ashiok-uses-the-pronoun-der<br /></ref><ref>https://dougbeyermtg.tumblr.com/post/102494647314/this-got-asked-to-maro-and-someone-pointed-out</ref><ref>https://dougbeyermtg.tumblr.com/post/102500055934/some-people-want-to-know-about-ashioks-gender</ref> Though some depictions of the character erroneously use “he” as a pronoun, Ashiok uses no pronouns.<ref>[https://wizardsmagic.tumblr.com/post/122805111811/ashioks-style-guide-entry Ashiok's Style Guide Entry—The Official Magic the Gathering Tumblr]</ref> | |||
**Karn is an [[agender]]<ref name=":0">https://markrosewater.tumblr.com/post/146423949568/karn-doesnt-care-use-whatever-you-like</ref> golem from the plane of Dominaria created by the planeswalker Urza as part of his experiments with time travel. Narration and other characters use he/him pronouns for Karn, though he has no pronoun preference.<ref name=":0" /> Although as a golem he has no sex, he was assigned male at creation. | |||
**Hallar the Firefletcher is an nonbinary elf from the Llanowar forest on the plane of Dominaria. They use an unknown elvish pronoun set which is described as "genderless" and reflecting their "ambiguous identity". The narration refers to them with they/them pronouns.<ref>https://wizardsmagic.tumblr.com/post/173041035761/dominaria-prerelease-is-fast-approaching-so-lets</ref> | |||
===Books and other literature=== | ===Books and other literature === | ||
*''Beyond Binary: Genderqueer and Sexually Fluid Speculative Fiction'' edited by Brit Mandelo | *''Beyond Binary: Genderqueer and Sexually Fluid Speculative Fiction'' edited by Brit Mandelo | ||
* ''River of the Gods'' and ''Cyberabad Days'' by Ian McDonald - India, 2050, with interesting subplots about [[Hijra]]. | *''River of the Gods'' and ''Cyberabad Days'' by Ian McDonald - India, 2050, with interesting subplots about [[Hijra]]. | ||
*''Luna: Wolf Moon'' and ''Luna: Moon Rising'', also by Ian McDonald | *''Luna: Wolf Moon'' and ''Luna: Moon Rising'', also by Ian McDonald | ||
* ''Crooked Words'' by K. A. Cook has several short stories about characters who are explicitly said to be nonbinary. The character Chris cultivates an androgynous appearance, and asks to be called by [[Pronouns#they|"they" pronouns]]. Chris is in the short stories "Blue Paint, Chocolate and Other Similes" and "Everything In A Name."<ref>K. A. Cook, ''Crooked Words.'' Unpaged.</ref> In "The Differently Animated and Queer Society," the queer-identified characters Pat and Moon go by "[[Pronouns#Ze|ze, hir]]" and "[[Pronouns#Ou|ou]]" pronouns, respectively.<ref>K. A. Cook, "The Differently Animated and Queer Society." ''Crooked Words.'' Unpaged.</ref> In "Misstery Man," the self-described non-binary character Darcy asks to be called by "[[Pronouns#Ey|ey and eir]]" pronouns.<ref>K. A. Cook, "Misstery Man." ''Crooked Words.'' Unpaged.</ref> | *''Crooked Words'' by K. A. Cook has several short stories about characters who are explicitly said to be nonbinary. The character Chris cultivates an androgynous appearance, and asks to be called by [[Pronouns#they|"they" pronouns]]. Chris is in the short stories "Blue Paint, Chocolate and Other Similes" and "Everything In A Name."<ref>K. A. Cook, ''Crooked Words.'' Unpaged.</ref> In "The Differently Animated and Queer Society," the queer-identified characters Pat and Moon go by "[[Pronouns#Ze|ze, hir]]" and "[[Pronouns#Ou|ou]]" pronouns, respectively.<ref>K. A. Cook, "The Differently Animated and Queer Society." ''Crooked Words.'' Unpaged.</ref> In "Misstery Man," the self-described non-binary character Darcy asks to be called by "[[Pronouns#Ey|ey and eir]]" pronouns.<ref>K. A. Cook, "Misstery Man." ''Crooked Words.'' Unpaged.</ref> | ||
* Greg Egan's novel ''Distress'' (1995) includes transgender humans who transition to a specific gender outside the binary that they call "asex", called by [[Pronouns#Ve|ve pronouns]].<ref>John McIntosh, "ve, vis, ver." [http://www.urticator.net/essay/0/30.html]</ref> | *Greg Egan's novel ''Distress'' (1995) includes transgender humans who transition to a specific gender outside the binary that they call "asex", called by [[Pronouns#Ve|ve pronouns]].<ref>John McIntosh, "ve, vis, ver." [http://www.urticator.net/essay/0/30.html]</ref> | ||
* In Kameron Hurley's fantasy novel, ''Empire Ascendant,'' all people in a consent culture get to choose which of the five gender roles they identify with. Hurley calls characters who are "ungendered" by singular they pronouns.<ref>Kameron Hurley, "Beyond He-Man and She-Ra: Writing nonbinary characters." | *In Kameron Hurley's fantasy novel, ''Empire Ascendant,'' all people in a consent culture get to choose which of the five gender roles they identify with. Hurley calls characters who are "ungendered" by singular they pronouns.<ref>Kameron Hurley, "Beyond He-Man and She-Ra: Writing nonbinary characters." https://intellectusspeculativus.wordpress.com/2014/09/03/guest-post-beyond-he-man-she-ra-writing-non-binary-characters-by-kameron-hurley/</ref> | ||
* In a short sci-fi story by Benjanun Sriduangkaew, "[http://clarkesworldmagazine.com/sriduangkaew_12_13/ Silent Bridge, Pale Cascade]" (2013), one of the characters is described as a "[[neutrois]]," and called by "they" pronouns.<ref>Alex Dally MacFarlane, "Post-Binary Gender in SF: ExcitoTech and Non-Binary Pronouns." June 3, 2014. ''Tor.'' | *In a short sci-fi story by Benjanun Sriduangkaew, "[http://clarkesworldmagazine.com/sriduangkaew_12_13/ Silent Bridge, Pale Cascade]" (2013), one of the characters is described as a "[[neutrois]]," and called by "they" pronouns.<ref>Alex Dally MacFarlane, "Post-Binary Gender in SF: ExcitoTech and Non-Binary Pronouns." June 3, 2014. ''Tor.'' http://www.tor.com/blogs/2014/06/post-binary-gender-in-sf-excitotech-and-non-binary-pronouns</ref><ref>Benjanun Sriduangkaew, "Silent Bridge, Pale Cascade." ''Clarkesworld Magazine.'' 2013. http://clarkesworldmagazine.com/sriduangkaew_12_13/</ref> | ||
* ''Stone Butch Blues'' by [[Leslie Feinberg]], a semi-autobiographical novel about a [[butch]] named Jess Goldberg, and the trials and tribulations she faces growing up in the United States before the Stonewall riots. Feinberg defines butch as a gender identity neither female nor male. | *''Stone Butch Blues'' by [[Leslie Feinberg]], a semi-autobiographical novel about a [[butch]] named Jess Goldberg, and the trials and tribulations she faces growing up in the United States before the Stonewall riots. Feinberg defines butch as a gender identity neither female nor male. | ||
*''Take Me There: Trans and Genderqueer Erotica'' edited by Tristan Taormino | *''Take Me There: Trans and Genderqueer Erotica'' edited by Tristan Taormino | ||
*In ''Surface Detail'', the character Yime Nsokyi is "neuter-gendered" and has an intersex body by choice. | * In ''Surface Detail'', the character Yime Nsokyi is "neuter-gendered" and has an intersex body by choice. | ||
*At the end of ''Freakboy'', the main character, Brendan Chase identifies themselves as [[genderfluid]]. The book is primarily about their transition, and does end on a depressing note regarding their gender." | *At the end of ''Freakboy'', the main character, Brendan Chase identifies themselves as [[genderfluid]]. The book is primarily about their transition, and does end on a depressing note regarding their gender." | ||
*In Sam Farren's novel ''Dragonoak: The Complete History of Kastelir'' (2015) and its sequel ''Dragonoak: The Sky Beneath the Sun'' (2015), several nonbinary characters play important roles. All of them use "they" pronouns and are only described in gender-neutral terms. Their gender is not their defining feature - the novel's fictional society treats nonbinary genders as just as normal as binary ones. The author also identifies as nonbinary. | *In Sam Farren's novel ''Dragonoak: The Complete History of Kastelir'' (2015) and its sequel ''Dragonoak: The Sky Beneath the Sun'' (2015), several nonbinary characters play important roles. All of them use "they" pronouns and are only described in gender-neutral terms. Their gender is not their defining feature - the novel's fictional society treats nonbinary genders as just as normal as binary ones. The author also identifies as nonbinary. | ||
* The main character in "Damsel Knight" by Sam Austin spends much of the book gender questioning, and ends questioning but also settled into an identity somewhere between male and female. She eventually chooses female pronouns and a male name. | *The main character in "Damsel Knight" by Sam Austin spends much of the book gender questioning, and ends questioning but also settled into an identity somewhere between male and female. She eventually chooses female pronouns and a male name. | ||
* Alex Fierro is a genderfluid character from the book series ''Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard'', by Rick Riordan. Alex switches between she/her and he/him pronouns, although expressing that she normally uses she/her pronouns. Alex first appears in the book ''The Hammer of Thor,'' and is the love interest of the main character of the series, Magnus Chase. During ''The Hammer of Thor'', Alex states "I'm gender fluid and transgender" (Riordan 54). | *Alex Fierro is a genderfluid character from the book series ''Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard'', by Rick Riordan. Alex switches between she/her and he/him pronouns, although expressing that she normally uses she/her pronouns. Alex first appears in the book ''The Hammer of Thor,'' and is the love interest of the main character of the series, Magnus Chase. During ''The Hammer of Thor'', Alex states "I'm gender fluid and transgender" (Riordan 54). | ||
*''Halfway Human'' by Carolyn Ives Gilman is from the perspective of Tedla, an adult nonbinary character in a high science fiction setting [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1082276.Halfway_Human]. It is worth noting that this portrayal deals with the genderless as a sub-class of people. | *''Halfway Human'' by Carolyn Ives Gilman is from the perspective of Tedla, an adult nonbinary character in a high science fiction setting [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1082276.Halfway_Human]. It is worth noting that this portrayal deals with the genderless as a sub-class of people. | ||
*'' Starless'' by Jacqueline Carey includes a major character who discovers their own identity and unique relationship with gender while tracelling all over their world in an effort to prevent an ancient consuming darkness. They encounter a number of different cultural expressions of gender and expected gender roles and eventually find their own place among them. | *'' Starless'' by Jacqueline Carey includes a major character who discovers their own identity and unique relationship with gender while tracelling all over their world in an effort to prevent an ancient consuming darkness. They encounter a number of different cultural expressions of gender and expected gender roles and eventually find their own place among them. | ||
*Min Lee in the ''Under My Skin'' series by A. E. Dooland is nonbinary and accepts he/him or she/her pronouns. | *Min Lee in the ''Under My Skin'' series by A. E. Dooland is nonbinary and accepts he/him or she/her pronouns. | ||
*A minor character in ''A Tyranny of Queens'' by [[Foz Meadows]] is nonbinary. | * A minor character in ''A Tyranny of Queens'' by [[Foz Meadows]] is nonbinary. | ||
*Jules, one of the main characters in ''Finna'' by [[Nino Cipri]], is nonbinary and uses [[singular they]]. | * Jules, one of the main characters in ''Finna'' by [[Nino Cipri]], is nonbinary and uses [[singular they]]. | ||
*In [[Sassafras Lowrey]]'s ''Roving Pack'', the protagonist, named Click, is [[genderfluid]] and uses [[ze/hir]] pronouns. | *In [[Sassafras Lowrey]]'s ''Roving Pack'', the protagonist, named Click, is [[genderfluid]] and uses [[ze/hir]] pronouns. | ||
*''Felix Ever After'' stars a [[demiboy]] and was written by [[Kacen Callender]] who is a demiboy as well. | *''Felix Ever After'' stars a [[demiboy]] and was written by [[Kacen Callender]] who is a demiboy as well. | ||
* Ben De Backer in ''I Wish You All The Best'' is nonbinary. (Their sister is accepting but the rest of the family isn't.)<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Nonbinary Teen Makes Their Way In The World In 'I Wish You All The Best' |last=Kontis |first=Alethea |work=NPR.org |date=1 June 2019 |access-date=9 May 2020 |url= https://www.npr.org/2019/06/01/726669344/a-nonbinary-teen-makes-their-way-in-the-world-in-i-wish-you-all-the-best}}</ref> The author, [[Mason Deaver]], is also nonbinary. | *Ben De Backer in ''I Wish You All The Best'' is nonbinary. (Their sister is accepting but the rest of the family isn't.)<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Nonbinary Teen Makes Their Way In The World In 'I Wish You All The Best' |last=Kontis |first=Alethea |work=NPR.org |date=1 June 2019 |access-date=9 May 2020 |url= https://www.npr.org/2019/06/01/726669344/a-nonbinary-teen-makes-their-way-in-the-world-in-i-wish-you-all-the-best}}</ref> The author, [[Mason Deaver]], is also nonbinary. | ||
* In the fantasy books ''Divided Worlds'' and ''The Ascension of Lark'', by Jennifer Ridge, the character Lark is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns. There is an author's note at the end of ''Divided Worlds'' which specifically describes Lark as "non-binary and androgynous". | *In the fantasy books ''Divided Worlds'' and ''The Ascension of Lark'', by Jennifer Ridge, the character Lark is nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns. There is an author's note at the end of ''Divided Worlds'' which specifically describes Lark as "non-binary and androgynous". | ||
* In Blanca & Roja, by Anna-Marie McLemore, the character Page is genderqueer.<ref name="Paxson">{{Cite web |title=Light And Dark, Characters Shine In 'Blanca & Roja' |last=Paxson |first=Caitlyn |work=NPR.org |date=10 October 2018 |access-date=17 May 2020 |url= https://www.npr.org/2018/10/10/655871750/light-and-dark-characters-shine-in-blanca-roja}}</ref> | *In Blanca & Roja, by Anna-Marie McLemore, the character Page is genderqueer.<ref name="Paxson">{{Cite web |title=Light And Dark, Characters Shine In 'Blanca & Roja' |last=Paxson |first=Caitlyn |work=NPR.org |date=10 October 2018 |access-date=17 May 2020 |url= https://www.npr.org/2018/10/10/655871750/light-and-dark-characters-shine-in-blanca-roja}}</ref> | ||
* In ''The Black Tides of Heaven'' by nonbinary author [[JY Yang]], gender is not assigned at birth and children get to choose at a gender confirmation later in life. One of the characters, Akeha feels at home with the childhood nonbinary designation.<ref name="Casey">{{Cite web |title=8 Fiction Books with Non-Binary Characters |author=Casey |work=Autostraddle |date=27 November 2018 |access-date=25 May 2020 |url= https://www.autostraddle.com/8-fiction-books-with-non-binary-characters-439192/}}</ref> | *In ''The Black Tides of Heaven'' by nonbinary author [[JY Yang]], gender is not assigned at birth and children get to choose at a gender confirmation later in life. One of the characters, Akeha feels at home with the childhood nonbinary designation.<ref name="Casey">{{Cite web |title=8 Fiction Books with Non-Binary Characters |author=Casey |work=Autostraddle |date=27 November 2018 |access-date=25 May 2020 |url= https://www.autostraddle.com/8-fiction-books-with-non-binary-characters-439192/}}</ref> | ||
*In ''The Brilliant Death'' by Amy Rose Capetta, one of the main characters, Cielo, is nonbinary. (Another main character, who is cis, has to [[crossdress]] for a disguise.)<ref name="Casey" /> | *In ''The Brilliant Death'' by Amy Rose Capetta, one of the main characters, Cielo, is nonbinary. (Another main character, who is cis, has to [[crossdress]] for a disguise.)<ref name="Casey" /> | ||
* ''Long Macchiatos and Monsters'', by Alison Evans, is a romance between a trans guy and a genderqueer person.<ref name="Casey" /> | *''Long Macchiatos and Monsters'', by Alison Evans, is a romance between a trans guy and a genderqueer person.<ref name="Casey" /> | ||
* ''An Unkindness of Ghosts'', by [[Rivers Solomon]]. The author has said "Aster is an [[intersex]] [[butch]] [[lesbian]], but maybe [[agender]]. Theo is a nonbinary trans woman. These are my interpretations, but arguments could certainly be made for other classifiers."<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190625035918/https://www.oif.ala.org/oif/?p=15918|url=https://www.oif.ala.org/oif/?p=15918|date=10 October 2018|archive-date=25 June 2019|title=An Interview with Author Rivers Solomon|last=Falck|first=Alex}}</ref> | *''An Unkindness of Ghosts'', by [[Rivers Solomon]]. The author has said "Aster is an [[intersex]] [[butch]] [[lesbian]], but maybe [[agender]]. Theo is a nonbinary trans woman. These are my interpretations, but arguments could certainly be made for other classifiers."<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190625035918/https://www.oif.ala.org/oif/?p=15918|url=https://www.oif.ala.org/oif/?p=15918|date=10 October 2018|archive-date=25 June 2019|title=An Interview with Author Rivers Solomon|last=Falck|first=Alex}}</ref> | ||
*''Lizard Radio'' by [[Pat Schmatz]]<ref name="Casey" /> | *''Lizard Radio'' by [[Pat Schmatz]]<ref name="Casey" /> | ||
*''First Spring Grass Fire'', by [[Rae Spoon]], tells the story of a nonbinary kid growing up in the 80s and 90s in Calgary, Canada.<ref name="Casey" /> | *''First Spring Grass Fire'', by [[Rae Spoon]], tells the story of a nonbinary kid growing up in the 80s and 90s in Calgary, Canada.<ref name="Casey" /> | ||
* Sal in ''Mask of Shadows'' and ''Ruin of Stars'', by Linsey Miller, is genderfluid. | * Sal in ''Mask of Shadows'' and ''Ruin of Stars'', by Linsey Miller, is genderfluid. | ||
* Lelia in ''The Lost Coast'', by Amy Rose Capetta, is a nonbinary gray-asexual, and described as such in the text. | *Lelia in ''The Lost Coast'', by Amy Rose Capetta, is a nonbinary gray-asexual, and described as such in the text. | ||
* The 2019 YA book ''In the Silences'' has many characters who self-define as nonbinary, including the protagonist.<ref>{{cite book|title=In the Silences|year=2019|last=Roberts|first=Ann|publisher=Bella Books|ISBN=9781642471267}}</ref> | *The 2019 YA book ''In the Silences'' has many characters who self-define as nonbinary, including the protagonist.<ref>{{cite book|title=In the Silences|year=2019|last=Roberts|first=Ann|publisher=Bella Books|ISBN=9781642471267}}</ref> | ||
* The novel ''Somebody Told Me'' (by bigender author [[Mia Siegert]]) has a bigender protagonist who goes by Alexis and/or Aleks.<ref name="Lerner">{{Cite web |title=A Book Trailer, Podcast, and Mia Siegert's Playlist for Somebody Told Me |author= |publisher=Lerner Publishing Group |work=The Lerner Blog |date=May 2020 |access-date=5 July 2020 |url= https://lernerbooks.blog/2020/05/a-book-trailer-podcast-and-mia-siegerts-playlist-for-somebody-told-me.html}}</ref> | *The novel ''Somebody Told Me'' (by bigender author [[Mia Siegert]]) has a bigender protagonist who goes by Alexis and/or Aleks.<ref name="Lerner">{{Cite web |title=A Book Trailer, Podcast, and Mia Siegert's Playlist for Somebody Told Me |author= |publisher=Lerner Publishing Group |work=The Lerner Blog |date=May 2020 |access-date=5 July 2020 |url= https://lernerbooks.blog/2020/05/a-book-trailer-podcast-and-mia-siegerts-playlist-for-somebody-told-me.html}}</ref> | ||
===Comics/Webcomics/Graphic Novels=== | === Comics/Webcomics/Graphic Novels=== | ||
*''[http://erinptah.com/catperson/ But I'm A Cat Person]'' by Erin Ptah - Urban fantasy webcomic featuring a [[bigender]] character - Timothy/Camellia Mattei - as well as numerous 'Beings' who are able to take on both male and female forms. Also features various LGB characters. Updates three times a week. | *''[http://erinptah.com/catperson/ But I'm A Cat Person]'' by Erin Ptah - Urban fantasy webcomic featuring a [[bigender]] character - Timothy/Camellia Mattei - as well as numerous 'Beings' who are able to take on both male and female forms. Also features various LGB characters. Updates three times a week. | ||
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*''[http://jobsatisfactioncomic.tumblr.com/ Job Satisfaction]'' by Jey Barnes - a slice of life webcomic about two queer nonbinary demon summoners - Lemme and Sinh - who live together. The comic is rated PG-13 and updates once a week. | *''[http://jobsatisfactioncomic.tumblr.com/ Job Satisfaction]'' by Jey Barnes - a slice of life webcomic about two queer nonbinary demon summoners - Lemme and Sinh - who live together. The comic is rated PG-13 and updates once a week. | ||
*''[http://kyleandatticus.tumblr.com/ Kyle & Atticus]'' by Sfé R Monster - Webcomic about the adventures of a genderqueer teenager, Kyle, and their robot friend, Attticus. Currently on hiatus. | *''[http://kyleandatticus.tumblr.com/ Kyle & Atticus]'' by Sfé R Monster - Webcomic about the adventures of a genderqueer teenager, Kyle, and their robot friend, Attticus. Currently on hiatus. | ||
* [http://nwain.com Nwain: The Knight Who Wandered Dream] by Terrana Cliff - Fantasy webcomic with nonbinary main character, a knight from a culture with five genders. Extensively animated. PG-13. Updates when able. | *[http://nwain.com Nwain: The Knight Who Wandered Dream] by Terrana Cliff - Fantasy webcomic with nonbinary main character, a knight from a culture with five genders. Extensively animated. PG-13. Updates when able. | ||
*''[http://rainlgbt.smackjeeves.com/comics/ Rain]'' by Jocelyn Samara - A light-hearted high-school webcomic that follows a trans girl and her friends, including Ky(lie), an AFAB genderfluid character who alternates between presenting as male and female. Also features a range of other LGBTQ characters. Updates three times a week. | *''[http://rainlgbt.smackjeeves.com/comics/ Rain]'' by Jocelyn Samara - A light-hearted high-school webcomic that follows a trans girl and her friends, including Ky(lie), an AFAB genderfluid character who alternates between presenting as male and female. Also features a range of other LGBTQ characters. Updates three times a week. | ||
*''[http://www.robot-hugs.com/ Robot Hugs]'' - semi-autobiographical webcomic by an author of nonbinary gender, which frequently addresses nonbinary issues and other aspects of gender politics. Also frequently covers the subject of mental health. Updates twice weekly. | *''[http://www.robot-hugs.com/ Robot Hugs]'' - semi-autobiographical webcomic by an author of nonbinary gender, which frequently addresses nonbinary issues and other aspects of gender politics. Also frequently covers the subject of mental health. Updates twice weekly. | ||
* The 'New 52' version of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secret_Six_(comics)#New_52 Secret Six] introduces new character Kami / Porcelain, who is genderfluid and has been shown presenting as male, female and androgynously. | *The 'New 52' version of [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Secret_Six_(comics)#New_52 Secret Six] introduces new character Kami / Porcelain, who is genderfluid and has been shown presenting as male, female and androgynously. | ||
*''[http://www.discordcomics.com/shades-cover/ Shades of A (NSFW)]'' by Tab Kimpton - Webcomic that focuses on [[asexuality|asexual]] relationships, as well as exploring various aspects of kink, and features a prominent nonbinary character (JD). Contains nudity and BDSM. Updates twice a week. | *''[http://www.discordcomics.com/shades-cover/ Shades of A (NSFW)]'' by Tab Kimpton - Webcomic that focuses on [[asexuality|asexual]] relationships, as well as exploring various aspects of kink, and features a prominent nonbinary character (JD). Contains nudity and BDSM. Updates twice a week. | ||
*[http://www.mspaintadventures.com/?s=6 Homestuck] introduced an androgynous character named Davepetasprite^2 [http://www.mspaintadventures.com/?s=6&p=009779] that was formed by the fusion of two other characters. They establish that they are confused about their gender but happy to be what they've become and start using gender neutral pronouns (they/them). It also has other androgynous characters like Calliope. | *[http://www.mspaintadventures.com/?s=6 Homestuck] introduced an androgynous character named Davepetasprite^2 [http://www.mspaintadventures.com/?s=6&p=009779] that was formed by the fusion of two other characters. They establish that they are confused about their gender but happy to be what they've become and start using gender neutral pronouns (they/them). It also has other androgynous characters like Calliope. | ||
* ''[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2019/02/05 Phoebe and her Unicorn]'' by Dana Simpson has a nonbinary character named Infernus, the Unicorn of Death. Phoebe uses the pronoun "neigh" for Infernus.<ref>[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2019/02/09]</ref> | *''[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2019/02/05 Phoebe and her Unicorn]'' by Dana Simpson has a nonbinary character named Infernus, the Unicorn of Death. Phoebe uses the pronoun "neigh" for Infernus.<ref>[https://www.gocomics.com/phoebe-and-her-unicorn/2019/02/09]</ref> | ||
*''[http://tapastic.com/series/6ses 6ses]'' by Kagome features an agender protagonist. | *''[http://tapastic.com/series/6ses 6ses]'' by Kagome features an agender protagonist. | ||
*''[http://tapastic.com/series/Eri Eri the Cyborg]'' by Ren features an agender protagonist. | *''[http://tapastic.com/series/Eri Eri the Cyborg]'' by Ren features an agender protagonist. | ||
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*''On a Sunbeam'' by Tillie Walden has a nonbinary character<ref name="Casey" /> | *''On a Sunbeam'' by Tillie Walden has a nonbinary character<ref name="Casey" /> | ||
===Movies=== | ===Movies === | ||
* In "The Kings of Summer," Biaggio asserts that he doesn't see himself as "having a gender." | *In "The Kings of Summer," Biaggio asserts that he doesn't see himself as "having a gender." | ||
*In ''John Wick 3,'' the Adjudicator is nonbinary and played by Asia Kate Dillon, who is also nonbinary.<ref>"[https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2019/05/27/asia-kate-dillon-john-wick-non-binary/ Asia Kate Dillon suggested their John Wick 3 character be non-binary]", Pink News, 27 May 2019.</ref> | *In ''John Wick 3,'' the Adjudicator is nonbinary and played by Asia Kate Dillon, who is also nonbinary.<ref>"[https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2019/05/27/asia-kate-dillon-john-wick-non-binary/ Asia Kate Dillon suggested their John Wick 3 character be non-binary]", Pink News, 27 May 2019.</ref> | ||
* In "0009: The Sharks Make Contact", although not a single character's gender is ever explicitly mentioned, the characters Raisorshoorkle (the main protagonist), Shoogledocking (the main villain) and the Iki God (the overarching creator, who is named after the director) go by they/them pronouns. The Iki God went by she/her pronouns in the previous movie, "0000: A Shark Odyssey". A sequel titled "0010: The Sharks Make Contact - Part 2", came out in December of 2019.<ref>"[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10315070/]"</ref> They will return in the shared universe film "Forevers 2: Age of Teeth" in December of 2020.<ref>"[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11434668/fullcredits/]"</ref> | *In "0009: The Sharks Make Contact", although not a single character's gender is ever explicitly mentioned, the characters Raisorshoorkle (the main protagonist), Shoogledocking (the main villain) and the Iki God (the overarching creator, who is named after the director) go by they/them pronouns. The Iki God went by she/her pronouns in the previous movie, "0000: A Shark Odyssey". A sequel titled "0010: The Sharks Make Contact - Part 2", came out in December of 2019.<ref>"[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt10315070/]"</ref> They will return in the shared universe film "Forevers 2: Age of Teeth" in December of 2020.<ref>"[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11434668/fullcredits/]"</ref> | ||
<br /> | <br /> | ||
===Plays=== | ===Plays=== | ||
=== Table Top Games / Role Playing Games === | *In Taylor Mac's off-Broadway show ''Hir'', the character Max is [[genderqueer]] and [[transmasculine]], using ze/hir pronouns.<ref name="Scheck">{{Cite web |title='Hir': Theater Review |last=Scheck |first=Frank |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=11 August 2015 |access-date=2 May 2020 |url= https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/taylor-macs-hir-theater-review-838231}} '''Note: Article misgenders character.''' </ref> | ||
*In [[Rhiannon Collett]]'s play ''Wasp'', the protagonist Wasp is [[genderqueer]] and is to be played by only nonbinary actors.<ref name="mqli_Wasp">{{Cite web |title=Wasp |author= |work=Marquis Literary |date= |access-date=9 May 2020 |url= http://mqlit.ca/plays/wasp/}}</ref> | |||
===Table Top Games / Role Playing Games=== | |||
* [https://astrolago-press.myshopify.com/products/faerie-fire-digital-edition Faerie Fire a 5e Supplemental], is a D&D 5th edition supplemental. It features queer characters to add to any D&D 5e experience. | * [https://astrolago-press.myshopify.com/products/faerie-fire-digital-edition Faerie Fire a 5e Supplemental], is a D&D 5th edition supplemental. It features queer characters to add to any D&D 5e experience. | ||
** Monarch (non-binary, uses they/them): "The ageless and paint-smeared Monarch has held the seat of fey power ever since the schism. How they inherited the throne is unknown." | **Monarch (non-binary, uses they/them): "The ageless and paint-smeared Monarch has held the seat of fey power ever since the schism. How they inherited the throne is unknown." | ||
** Tallisin Vos (genderfluid, uses he/him): "Tallisin splits his time between two physical forms: a fey man and a vixen, both of which are equally his true identity." | **Tallisin Vos (genderfluid, uses he/him): "Tallisin splits his time between two physical forms: a fey man and a vixen, both of which are equally his true identity." | ||
===TV (live-action)=== | ===TV (live-action)=== | ||
* The Canadian magical-realism comedy series ''The Switch'' ([https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/theswitchtv/the-switch-a-fantastic-transgender-comedy-0 still in development]) features a non-binary character, Chris, who uses "zie/zir" pronouns, and works as an assassin. | *The Canadian magical-realism comedy series ''The Switch'' ([https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/theswitchtv/the-switch-a-fantastic-transgender-comedy-0 still in development]) features a non-binary character, Chris, who uses "zie/zir" pronouns, and works as an assassin. | ||
*The Netflix sci-fi series ''The Umbrella Academy'' features Klaus, who according to the actor is "not necessarily a man, he's kind of just this creature that's not bound by traditional societal norms like 'man', 'woman', 'masculinity', 'femininity'. He just sort of… is.” Klaus is played by a cis man and called "he" throughout.<ref>"[https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/02/225048/umbrella-academy-klaus-robert-sheehan-ex-girlfriend-dating-sexuality Get Ready To Stan ''The'' ''Umbrella Academy's'' Robert Sheehan]", Rachel Paige, February 22 2019, ''Refinery29''.</ref> | *The Netflix sci-fi series ''The Umbrella Academy'' features Klaus, who according to the actor is "not necessarily a man, he's kind of just this creature that's not bound by traditional societal norms like 'man', 'woman', 'masculinity', 'femininity'. He just sort of… is.” Klaus is played by a cis man and called "he" throughout.<ref>"[https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/02/225048/umbrella-academy-klaus-robert-sheehan-ex-girlfriend-dating-sexuality Get Ready To Stan ''The'' ''Umbrella Academy's'' Robert Sheehan]", Rachel Paige, February 22 2019, ''Refinery29''.</ref> | ||
*The Amazon mini-series ''Good Omens'' features the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and Pollution (who replaced Pestilence at some point in the past few centuries) is nonbinary, and is referred to as "sir" by another character and with they/them pronouns by the narrator. They are played by Lourdes Faberes. | *The Amazon mini-series ''Good Omens'' features the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, and Pollution (who replaced Pestilence at some point in the past few centuries) is nonbinary, and is referred to as "sir" by another character and with they/them pronouns by the narrator. They are played by Lourdes Faberes. | ||
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*On ''One Day at a Time'', Syd (played by Sheridan Pierce) is the nonbinary romantic partner of Elena. Syd uses [[singular they]] pronouns and is uncomfortable with binary-gendered terms such as "girlfriend".<ref name="Heim">{{Cite web |title=What is "non-binary"? Learn from our favorite TV characters|last=Heim |first=Bec |work=Film Daily |date=26 March 2020 |access-date=24 April 2020 |url= https://filmdaily.co/news/non-binary-tv-characters/}}</ref> | *On ''One Day at a Time'', Syd (played by Sheridan Pierce) is the nonbinary romantic partner of Elena. Syd uses [[singular they]] pronouns and is uncomfortable with binary-gendered terms such as "girlfriend".<ref name="Heim">{{Cite web |title=What is "non-binary"? Learn from our favorite TV characters|last=Heim |first=Bec |work=Film Daily |date=26 March 2020 |access-date=24 April 2020 |url= https://filmdaily.co/news/non-binary-tv-characters/}}</ref> | ||
*The comedy-drama miniseries ''Fucking Adelaide'' (aka ''F*!#ing Adelaide'') features a [[genderfluid]] child, Cleo, played by nonbinary actor [[Audrey Mason-Hyde]].<ref name="Tedmanson">{{Cite web |title=How non-binary teenager Audrey Mason-Hyde is breaking down gender identity stereotypes, one label at a time |last=Tedmanson |first=Sophie |work=Vogue Australia |date=1 January 2019 |access-date=3 May 2020 |url= https://www.vogue.com.au/culture/lifestyle/how-nonbinary-teenager-audrey-masonhyde-is-breaking-down-gender-identity-stereotypes-one-label-at-a-time/news-story/9c213c8adcd6395a7ff8abf41592e4d3}}</ref> | *The comedy-drama miniseries ''Fucking Adelaide'' (aka ''F*!#ing Adelaide'') features a [[genderfluid]] child, Cleo, played by nonbinary actor [[Audrey Mason-Hyde]].<ref name="Tedmanson">{{Cite web |title=How non-binary teenager Audrey Mason-Hyde is breaking down gender identity stereotypes, one label at a time |last=Tedmanson |first=Sophie |work=Vogue Australia |date=1 January 2019 |access-date=3 May 2020 |url= https://www.vogue.com.au/culture/lifestyle/how-nonbinary-teenager-audrey-masonhyde-is-breaking-down-gender-identity-stereotypes-one-label-at-a-time/news-story/9c213c8adcd6395a7ff8abf41592e4d3}}</ref> | ||
* In the drama ''David Makes Man'', the character Mx Elijah/Ms Elijah (played by nonbinary actor [[Travis Coles]]) is [[genderqueer]] and [[gender nonconforming]]<ref name="OWN">{{Cite web |title=Meet Mx. Elijah {{!}} David Makes Man |author=OWN |work=YouTube |date=8 August 2019 |access-date=20 June 2020 |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtX0OwY5X4I}}</ref>, and according to Coles, has no pronoun preference.<ref name="DavidMakesMan">{{Cite web |title='David Makes Man' star Travis Coles on Ms Elijah and representation of Black queer people |author=MEAWW |work=YouTube |date=10 August 2019 |access-date=20 June 2020 |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ItZzo2-0gA}}</ref> | *In the drama ''David Makes Man'', the character Mx Elijah/Ms Elijah (played by nonbinary actor [[Travis Coles]]) is [[genderqueer]] and [[gender nonconforming]]<ref name="OWN">{{Cite web |title=Meet Mx. Elijah {{!}} David Makes Man |author=OWN |work=YouTube |date=8 August 2019 |access-date=20 June 2020 |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtX0OwY5X4I}}</ref>, and according to Coles, has no pronoun preference.<ref name="DavidMakesMan">{{Cite web |title='David Makes Man' star Travis Coles on Ms Elijah and representation of Black queer people |author=MEAWW |work=YouTube |date=10 August 2019 |access-date=20 June 2020 |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ItZzo2-0gA}}</ref> | ||
* The second season of ''Good Trouble'' has a nonbinary character named Joey played by Daisy Eagan. Joey, who uses [[they/them]] pronouns, is dating the lesbian character Alice, and asks to be called "partner" instead of "girlfriend".<ref name="Gilchrist">{{Cite web |title='Good Trouble' Tackles Coming Out as Nonbinary — While Dating! |last=Gilchrist |first=Tracy E. |work=The Advocate |date=17 July 2019 |access-date=20 June 2020 |url= https://www.advocate.com/television/2019/7/16/good-trouble-tackles-coming-out-nonbinary-while-dating}}</ref> | *The second season of ''Good Trouble'' has a nonbinary character named Joey played by Daisy Eagan. Joey, who uses [[they/them]] pronouns, is dating the lesbian character Alice, and asks to be called "partner" instead of "girlfriend".<ref name="Gilchrist">{{Cite web |title='Good Trouble' Tackles Coming Out as Nonbinary — While Dating! |last=Gilchrist |first=Tracy E. |work=The Advocate |date=17 July 2019 |access-date=20 June 2020 |url= https://www.advocate.com/television/2019/7/16/good-trouble-tackles-coming-out-nonbinary-while-dating}}</ref> | ||
* Mo, a main character on ''Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist'', is genderfluid.<ref>https://lezwatchtv.com/character/mo-3/</ref> | * Mo, a main character on ''Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist'', is genderfluid.<ref>https://lezwatchtv.com/character/mo-3/</ref> | ||
===Webseries=== | ===Webseries === | ||
*In ''Carmilla'', the character Lafontaine is nonbinary and goes by they/them/their pronouns. They have been confirmed as nonbinary by the show's creators, and have hinted at it through the series though it has never been a major plot point. They are played by nonbinary actor [[Kaitlyn Alexander]]. | *In ''Carmilla'', the character Lafontaine is nonbinary and goes by they/them/their pronouns. They have been confirmed as nonbinary by the show's creators, and have hinted at it through the series though it has never been a major plot point. They are played by nonbinary actor [[Kaitlyn Alexander]]. | ||
*''[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdi8HPMwFpYIf3qQlv7A0fg?&ab_channel=Couple-ish Couple-ish]'', a light-hearted rom-com webseries, features a nonbinary main character (Dee). Dee goes by they/them/their pronouns, and explicitly describes themselves as nonbinary in one episode. | *''[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdi8HPMwFpYIf3qQlv7A0fg?&ab_channel=Couple-ish Couple-ish]'', a light-hearted rom-com webseries, features a nonbinary main character (Dee). Dee goes by they/them/their pronouns, and explicitly describes themselves as nonbinary in one episode. | ||
*The short webseries ''These Thems'' features a [[genderqueer]] character named Vero, played by nonbinary actor [[Vico Ortiz]].<ref name="TheseThems">{{Cite web |title='These Thems' Is the Must-See Comedy That Centers Nonbinary People |last=Gilchrist |first=Tracy E. |work=The Advocate |date=26 February 2020 |access-date=13 May 2020 |url= https://www.advocate.com/television/2020/2/26/these-thems-must-see-comedy-centers-nonbinary-people}}</ref> | *The short webseries ''These Thems'' features a [[genderqueer]] character named Vero, played by nonbinary actor [[Vico Ortiz]].<ref name="TheseThems">{{Cite web |title='These Thems' Is the Must-See Comedy That Centers Nonbinary People |last=Gilchrist |first=Tracy E. |work=The Advocate |date=26 February 2020 |access-date=13 May 2020 |url= https://www.advocate.com/television/2020/2/26/these-thems-must-see-comedy-centers-nonbinary-people}}</ref> | ||
* The webseries ''[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX1W43ZgDnWErDCU_6ejOBLln1NozzBj7 Dinette]'' is a remake of the 1982 movie ''Diner'', but with a non-male cast instead of the original's all-male cast. The character Jaq is nonbinary and is played by nonbinary writer [[Jude Dry]].<ref name="Mosthof">{{Cite web |title='Dinette' Gives Queer Women and Nonbinary Characters a Place to Go |last=Mosthof |first=Mariella |work=INTO |date=2 December 2018 |access-date=1 June 2020 |url= https://www.intomore.com/culture/dinette-gives-queer-women-and-nonbinary-characters-a-place-to-go}}</ref> | *The webseries ''[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLX1W43ZgDnWErDCU_6ejOBLln1NozzBj7 Dinette]'' is a remake of the 1982 movie ''Diner'', but with a non-male cast instead of the original's all-male cast. The character Jaq is nonbinary and is played by nonbinary writer [[Jude Dry]].<ref name="Mosthof">{{Cite web |title='Dinette' Gives Queer Women and Nonbinary Characters a Place to Go |last=Mosthof |first=Mariella |work=INTO |date=2 December 2018 |access-date=1 June 2020 |url= https://www.intomore.com/culture/dinette-gives-queer-women-and-nonbinary-characters-a-place-to-go}}</ref> | ||
* In ''School Spirit: An Unlikely Webseries'', the character Charley Condomine is [[demigender]].<ref name="lezw_Char">{{Cite web |title=Charley Condomine |author= |work=LezWatch.TV |date= |access-date=16 June 2020 |url= https://lezwatchtv.com/character/charley-condomine/}}</ref> | *In ''School Spirit: An Unlikely Webseries'', the character Charley Condomine is [[demigender]].<ref name="lezw_Char">{{Cite web |title=Charley Condomine |author= |work=LezWatch.TV |date= |access-date=16 June 2020 |url= https://lezwatchtv.com/character/charley-condomine/}}</ref> | ||
===Video games=== | ===Video games=== | ||
* In ''Crypt of the Necrodancer,'' the game's artist stated that the unlockable character Bolt is genderqueer and uses they/them pronouns; this was further confirmed by the game's official Twitter. | *In ''Crypt of the Necrodancer,'' the game's artist stated that the unlockable character Bolt is genderqueer and uses they/them pronouns; this was further confirmed by the game's official Twitter. | ||
* In ''Transistor'', the gender marker for Bailey Gilande in her character file is 'X', commonly used by, or in regards to, non-binary people. | *In ''Transistor'', the gender marker for Bailey Gilande in her character file is 'X', commonly used by, or in regards to, non-binary people. | ||
* ''[https://www.choiceofgames.com/versus-the-lost-ones/ VERSUS: The Lost Ones]'' by Zachary Sergi (published in 2015 by Choice of Games LLC) is a sci-fi interactive novel where it's possible to play a nonbinary character. The player's character, Thomil, comes from a planet where everyone telepathically shares their thoughts and feelings with one another. A couple chapters into the story, the player is asked about their character's gender. They can choose from six options: a cisgender woman, transgender woman, cis man, trans man, intersex, or "I don't subscribe to any gender categories". Choosing the last option sets Thomil's stats to say "Gender: Not Applicable," and brings up these remarks in the narrative: "You are both genders, but you are also neither gender. You believe gender defies categorization, operating on a kind of sliding scale-- one that can change every day. You've come across [foreign planets'] texts about other cultures where such thinking is considered taboo or even sacrilegious, but in a society where everyone can quite literally share their thoughts and experiences, it's fairly impossible not to accept others once you understand who they truly are. Besides, even the most staunchly 'male' or 'female' cisgenders admit that sometimes they feel more 'masculine' or 'feminine' at different times. You just take that kind of thinking to a whole new level." The narration in ''VERSUS'' makes clear that this is not an undisclosed gender or a fantasy sex, but a nonbinary gender identity. Though Thomil comes from a sci-fi setting where where this and other transgender identities are accepted, this is a realistic depiction of a nonbinary person. | *''[https://www.choiceofgames.com/versus-the-lost-ones/ VERSUS: The Lost Ones]'' by Zachary Sergi (published in 2015 by Choice of Games LLC) is a sci-fi interactive novel where it's possible to play a nonbinary character. The player's character, Thomil, comes from a planet where everyone telepathically shares their thoughts and feelings with one another. A couple chapters into the story, the player is asked about their character's gender. They can choose from six options: a cisgender woman, transgender woman, cis man, trans man, intersex, or "I don't subscribe to any gender categories". Choosing the last option sets Thomil's stats to say "Gender: Not Applicable," and brings up these remarks in the narrative: "You are both genders, but you are also neither gender. You believe gender defies categorization, operating on a kind of sliding scale-- one that can change every day. You've come across [foreign planets'] texts about other cultures where such thinking is considered taboo or even sacrilegious, but in a society where everyone can quite literally share their thoughts and experiences, it's fairly impossible not to accept others once you understand who they truly are. Besides, even the most staunchly 'male' or 'female' cisgenders admit that sometimes they feel more 'masculine' or 'feminine' at different times. You just take that kind of thinking to a whole new level." The narration in ''VERSUS'' makes clear that this is not an undisclosed gender or a fantasy sex, but a nonbinary gender identity. Though Thomil comes from a sci-fi setting where where this and other transgender identities are accepted, this is a realistic depiction of a nonbinary person. | ||
* In ''Long Story Game'' the character you play use whichever pronouns from 'she/her', 'he/him' and 'them/they', the physical depiction of the character can also be changed to suit the gender of choice. | *In ''Long Story Game'' the character you play use whichever pronouns from 'she/her', 'he/him' and 'them/they', the physical depiction of the character can also be changed to suit the gender of choice. | ||
* In ''Read Only Memories'' the character TOMCAT uses they/them pronouns. While it is not directly stated in-game that TOMCAT is nonbinary, artist and director John James has stated in an interview that TOMCAT "is gender fluid"<ref>Jesse Tannous, "Read Only Memories Director discusses LGBTQ themes in gaming." June 20, 2015. ''The Examiner.'' https://web.archive.org/web/20151023215026/http://www.examiner.com/article/read-only-memories-director-discusses-lgbtq-themes-gaming</ref>.The game also includes other non-binary characters, including the robot Turing and the protagonist if the player chooses so. [[File: ROM pronouns 1.png|thumb|A screenshot of pronoun selection in ''Read Only Memories''. Selecting 'more options' allows you to choose from 'ze/zir/, 'xe/xir', or your own custom pronouns.]] | *In ''Read Only Memories'' the character TOMCAT uses they/them pronouns. While it is not directly stated in-game that TOMCAT is nonbinary, artist and director John James has stated in an interview that TOMCAT "is gender fluid"<ref>Jesse Tannous, "Read Only Memories Director discusses LGBTQ themes in gaming." June 20, 2015. ''The Examiner.'' https://web.archive.org/web/20151023215026/http://www.examiner.com/article/read-only-memories-director-discusses-lgbtq-themes-gaming</ref>.The game also includes other non-binary characters, including the robot Turing and the protagonist if the player chooses so. [[File: ROM pronouns 1.png|thumb|A screenshot of pronoun selection in ''Read Only Memories''. Selecting 'more options' allows you to choose from 'ze/zir/, 'xe/xir', or your own custom pronouns.]] | ||
* In ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nights_into_Dreams... NiGHTS into Dreams]'' the character "NiGHTS is neutral, and therefore has no gender. The impressions of the character with regards to gender are totally up to the player" according to Takashi Iizuka, the lead designer of the game.<ref>Mike Taylor, "Interview: Takashi Iizuka Talks NiGHTS" December 5, 2007. ''Nintendo Life'' http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2007/12/interview_takashi_iizuka_talks_nights</ref> | *In ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nights_into_Dreams... NiGHTS into Dreams]'' the character "NiGHTS is neutral, and therefore has no gender. The impressions of the character with regards to gender are totally up to the player" according to Takashi Iizuka, the lead designer of the game.<ref>Mike Taylor, "Interview: Takashi Iizuka Talks NiGHTS" December 5, 2007. ''Nintendo Life'' http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2007/12/interview_takashi_iizuka_talks_nights</ref> | ||
* The dating sim ''The Office Type'' (scheduled for release mid-to-late 2020) has equal numbers of male, female, and nonbinary characters for the player to romance. Every character's bio, even the cis ones, lists their pronouns. The nonbinary characters listed so far are Syl ([[demiboy]]), Benny ([[agender]]), Cal ([[demigirl]]), Toni ([[aporagender]]), Ty ([[anogender]]), Addie ([[egogender]]), Bee ([[genderfluid]]), and Mx. Hura Stapleton ([[bigender]]). There are also binary trans women and binary trans men among the cast.<ref>[https://www.heavythoughtstudios.com/projects/ Heavy Thought Studios - Projects]</ref> | *The dating sim ''The Office Type'' (scheduled for release mid-to-late 2020) has equal numbers of male, female, and nonbinary characters for the player to romance. Every character's bio, even the cis ones, lists their pronouns. The nonbinary characters listed so far are Syl ([[demiboy]]), Benny ([[agender]]), Cal ([[demigirl]]), Toni ([[aporagender]]), Ty ([[anogender]]), Addie ([[egogender]]), Bee ([[genderfluid]]), and Mx. Hura Stapleton ([[bigender]]). There are also binary trans women and binary trans men among the cast.<ref>[https://www.heavythoughtstudios.com/projects/ Heavy Thought Studios - Projects]</ref> | ||
*One of the player characters in the upcoming ''Borderlands 3'', FL4K, is an emergent AI who uses they/them pronouns and wears a pin with the non-binary flag. | *One of the player characters in the upcoming ''Borderlands 3'', FL4K, is an emergent AI who uses they/them pronouns and wears a pin with the non-binary flag. | ||
*In ''Tokyo Afterschool Summoners'', the player can set the protagonist's gender to male, female, or "other", regardless of which appearance they choose. The character Arc is also referred to with they/them pronouns in the official English translation. | *In ''Tokyo Afterschool Summoners'', the player can set the protagonist's gender to male, female, or "other", regardless of which appearance they choose. The character Arc is also referred to with they/them pronouns in the official English translation. | ||
*In the MMORPG ''Runescape'', there is an NPC who can change the player character's avatar from male to female or female to male, as well as change the player's skin color. The NPC also switches their own avatar's "sex" at 10-second intervals. They are officially called "The Makeover Mage", but in a 2006 letter they wrote "My name is Pete, or Peta, depending on my mood", implying they may be [[genderfluid]], [[bigender]], or some other type of nonbinary.<ref>https://runescape.wiki/w/Makeover_Mage</ref> | *In the MMORPG ''Runescape'', there is an NPC who can change the player character's avatar from male to female or female to male, as well as change the player's skin color. The NPC also switches their own avatar's "sex" at 10-second intervals. They are officially called "The Makeover Mage", but in a 2006 letter they wrote "My name is Pete, or Peta, depending on my mood", implying they may be [[genderfluid]], [[bigender]], or some other type of nonbinary.<ref>https://runescape.wiki/w/Makeover_Mage</ref> | ||
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===Audio=== | ===Audio=== | ||
* In the ''[[Gender in Doctor Who|Doctor Who]]'' audio dramas by Big Finish, the character of Zagreus is an alien entity who inhabits various minds and bodies. Zagreus is played by one male actor and one female actress, and changes pronouns depending on each stolen body. | |||
*In the ''[[Gender in Doctor Who|Doctor Who]]'' audio dramas by Big Finish, the character of Zagreus is an alien entity who inhabits various minds and bodies. Zagreus is played by one male actor and one female actress, and changes pronouns depending on each stolen body. | |||
=== Board and card games === | |||
* The aetherborn race from Magic the Gathering's Kaladesh setting are sexless and typically [[agender]].<ref>James Wyatt, [https://media.wizards.com/2017/downloads/magic/Plane-Shift_Kaladesh.pdf Plane-Shift Kaladesh], pg. 16</ref> Agender aetherborn use they/them pronouns, including a secondary character for the Kaladesh arc, Yahenni.<ref>Alison Luhrs, [https://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/magic-story/born-aether-2016-09-21 Born of Aether]</ref> | |||
===Books and other literature=== | ===Books and other literature=== | ||
* The Children of the Triad fantasy novel series by Laurie Marks includes a genderless species. The books are ''Delan the Mislaid'' (1989), ''The Moonbane Mage'' (1990), and ''Ara's Field'' (1991). The title character and protagonist of the first book is a member of that species.<ref>''All our worlds: Diverse fantastic fiction.'' | *The Children of the Triad fantasy novel series by Laurie Marks includes a genderless species. The books are ''Delan the Mislaid'' (1989), ''The Moonbane Mage'' (1990), and ''Ara's Field'' (1991). The title character and protagonist of the first book is a member of that species.<ref>''All our worlds: Diverse fantastic fiction.'' http://doublediamond.net/aow</ref> | ||
* Sayuri Ueda's science fiction novel ''The Cage of Zeus'' (2011) is about genetically engineered characters with a fictional sex and non-binary gender.<ref>Sayuri Ueda, ''The Cage of Zeus.'' 2011.</ref> | *Sayuri Ueda's science fiction novel ''The Cage of Zeus'' (2011) is about genetically engineered characters with a fictional sex and non-binary gender.<ref>Sayuri Ueda, ''The Cage of Zeus.'' 2011.</ref> | ||
*''[http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/466375.Commitment_Hour Commitment Hour]'' by James Alan Gardner features a culture who switch between male and female sexes once a year until their 21st birthday, when they are asked to choose whether they want to stay forever as male, female, or both. | *''[http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/466375.Commitment_Hour Commitment Hour]'' by James Alan Gardner features a culture who switch between male and female sexes once a year until their 21st birthday, when they are asked to choose whether they want to stay forever as male, female, or both. | ||
* The ''Culture'' series by Iain M. Bank is centred around a postgender civilisation. | *The ''Culture'' series by Iain M. Bank is centred around a postgender civilisation. | ||
** As described in ''Excession'', the humans are able to change sex by just thinking it, and nanomachines alter their anatomy accordingly over a period of a few days. It is described as common for couples to take turns bearing children. | **As described in ''Excession'', the humans are able to change sex by just thinking it, and nanomachines alter their anatomy accordingly over a period of a few days. It is described as common for couples to take turns bearing children. | ||
*''Bone Dance'' by Emma Bull. Character: the protagonist, Sparrow, is canonically described as "sexless" and "genderless." The exact details of their identity [http://practicalandrogyny.com/raq/bonedanc.shtml are a matter of debate (spoilers)]. | *''Bone Dance'' by Emma Bull. Character: the protagonist, Sparrow, is canonically described as "sexless" and "genderless." The exact details of their identity [http://practicalandrogyny.com/raq/bonedanc.shtml are a matter of debate (spoilers)]. | ||
* M. C. A. Hogarth's science-fiction series about the Jokka, an alien species that can randomly change sex twice at puberty, with three sexes, and three corresponding gender roles: female, male, and neuter. The neuters can't reproduce, but since they're the least vulnerable to succumbing to "mind death" (a kind of stroke that afflicts any member of their species if they exert themselves too hard), their place in society is to do work that requires a hardy body and a good memory. Several main characters don't like the sexes they ended up with, and could be seen as transgender. The main character in the short story "Freedom, Spiced and Drunk" wishes to be neuter; details aren't possible without spoiling the story. | *M. C. A. Hogarth's science-fiction series about the Jokka, an alien species that can randomly change sex twice at puberty, with three sexes, and three corresponding gender roles: female, male, and neuter. The neuters can't reproduce, but since they're the least vulnerable to succumbing to "mind death" (a kind of stroke that afflicts any member of their species if they exert themselves too hard), their place in society is to do work that requires a hardy body and a good memory. Several main characters don't like the sexes they ended up with, and could be seen as transgender. The main character in the short story "Freedom, Spiced and Drunk" wishes to be neuter; details aren't possible without spoiling the story. | ||
*''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Left_Hand_of_Darkness The Left Hand of Darkness]'' by Ursula K. Le Guin is a classic science fiction novel published in 1976 featuring a race of people whose sexes become male or female only briefly for reproduction, and whose genders can be a variety of masculine, feminine, both or neither. | *''[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Left_Hand_of_Darkness The Left Hand of Darkness]'' by Ursula K. Le Guin is a classic science fiction novel published in 1976 featuring a race of people whose sexes become male or female only briefly for reproduction, and whose genders can be a variety of masculine, feminine, both or neither. | ||
* CJ Carter's science fiction novel, ''Que Será Serees'' (2011) is about a species of people with a single gender.<ref>CJ Carter, "Genderless singular pronouns." | *CJ Carter's science fiction novel, ''Que Será Serees'' (2011) is about a species of people with a single gender.<ref>CJ Carter, "Genderless singular pronouns." http://tib.cjcs.com/genderless-pronouns-ey-em-and-eir-2/</ref><ref>"Que Será Serees". ''CJ's Creative Studio''. http://cjcs.com/writing/fiction/que-sera-serees/</ref> | ||
* "In David Lindsay's ''Voyage to Arcturus'' (1920) a man from earth meets people on another planet who are neither man nor woman so he invents a new pronoun ''ae'' to refer to them."<ref>Suzanne Romaine, ''Communicating Gender.'' p. 343.</ref> | *"In David Lindsay's ''Voyage to Arcturus'' (1920) a man from earth meets people on another planet who are neither man nor woman so he invents a new pronoun ''ae'' to refer to them."<ref>Suzanne Romaine, ''Communicating Gender.'' p. 343.</ref> | ||
* Bard Bloom's World Tree is a setting with no human species, and many of the intelligent species in that setting have fictional sexes, such as co-lover, both-female, and so on. This includes the protagonist of a book in that setting, ''[http://www.amazon.com/Sythyrys-Journal-Chronicle-Transaffection-Adventure/dp/1451562934 Sythyry's Journal]'', which was first serialized as a blog starting in 2002. Sythyry is a member of a dragon-like species who are all "hermaphrodites" (and not analogous to real-life intersex conditions), and don't identify as female or male. In World Tree society, species is more important than gender, so same-gender relationships are seen as unremarkable, but cross-species relationships are seen as queer, which is a significant plot element in that book. The setting also has a role-playing game handbook, ''World Tree: A role playing game of species and civilization'' (2001). A romance novel in the setting, ''[http://www.amazon.com/MARRIAGE-OF-INSECTS-novel-World/dp/1890096369 A Marriage of Insects],'' deals with the relationships of a group of Herethroy, an insect-like species that has three (arguably four) sexes: male, female, co-lover (a sex necessary for males and females of that species to reproduce), and both-female (a socially unaccepted variant sex, indeterminate between female and co-lover). | *Bard Bloom's World Tree is a setting with no human species, and many of the intelligent species in that setting have fictional sexes, such as co-lover, both-female, and so on. This includes the protagonist of a book in that setting, ''[http://www.amazon.com/Sythyrys-Journal-Chronicle-Transaffection-Adventure/dp/1451562934 Sythyry's Journal]'', which was first serialized as a blog starting in 2002. Sythyry is a member of a dragon-like species who are all "hermaphrodites" (and not analogous to real-life intersex conditions), and don't identify as female or male. In World Tree society, species is more important than gender, so same-gender relationships are seen as unremarkable, but cross-species relationships are seen as queer, which is a significant plot element in that book. The setting also has a role-playing game handbook, ''World Tree: A role playing game of species and civilization'' (2001). A romance novel in the setting, ''[http://www.amazon.com/MARRIAGE-OF-INSECTS-novel-World/dp/1890096369 A Marriage of Insects],'' deals with the relationships of a group of Herethroy, an insect-like species that has three (arguably four) sexes: male, female, co-lover (a sex necessary for males and females of that species to reproduce), and both-female (a socially unaccepted variant sex, indeterminate between female and co-lover). | ||
* In ''Static'', a romance novel by L. A. Witt, there have always been a marginalized minority of humans capable of changing sex instantly and at will, known as "shifters." Shifters are usually, though not always, genderfluid, having different gender identities at different times, including male, female, and other genders. (Though they only have the ability to change between two sexes.) Alex, one of the protagonists and part of the lead romantic pair, is a genderfluid shifter who is the victim of medical assault to force them to remain in one form, but continues to be genderfluid and experience dysphoria. | *In ''Static'', a romance novel by L. A. Witt, there have always been a marginalized minority of humans capable of changing sex instantly and at will, known as "shifters." Shifters are usually, though not always, genderfluid, having different gender identities at different times, including male, female, and other genders. (Though they only have the ability to change between two sexes.) Alex, one of the protagonists and part of the lead romantic pair, is a genderfluid shifter who is the victim of medical assault to force them to remain in one form, but continues to be genderfluid and experience dysphoria. | ||
* In the book ''Good Omens'' by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, the character Aziraphale (and A. J. Crowley by extension) are described as man-shaped, sexless beings. | *In the book ''Good Omens'' by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett, the character Aziraphale (and A. J. Crowley by extension) are described as man-shaped, sexless beings. | ||
* In the Faction Paradox novel ''This Town Will Never Let Us Go...'' by Philip Purser-Hallard (a [[Gender in Doctor Who|Doctor Who]] spinoff), there is a species of posthumans who are engineered to change sex from male to female as they mature. Some of these transformations are never completed. One of the main characters, Keth Marrane, is part of this species and has a body with both male and female characteristics. Marrane is fully happy with this body and is referred to as a "hermaphrodite" by other characters; a word without negative connotations in the cultures that are described. Marrane uses "one" pronouns when narrating. | *In the Faction Paradox novel ''This Town Will Never Let Us Go...'' by Philip Purser-Hallard (a [[Gender in Doctor Who|Doctor Who]] spinoff), there is a species of posthumans who are engineered to change sex from male to female as they mature. Some of these transformations are never completed. One of the main characters, Keth Marrane, is part of this species and has a body with both male and female characteristics. Marrane is fully happy with this body and is referred to as a "hermaphrodite" by other characters; a word without negative connotations in the cultures that are described. Marrane uses "one" pronouns when narrating. | ||
* Adam Rex's sci-fi novel, ''The True Meaning of Smekday'' (2007), features the Boov, an alien people with seven genders (boy, girl, girlboy, boygirl, boyboy, boyboygirl, and boyboyboyboy) based on their fish-like role in fertilizing an egg after they lay it in a designated part of town. Because of the impersonal way they reproduce, Boov society is egalitarian and aromantic. The sequel, ''Smek for President'' (2015), has a girlboy character named Ponch Sandhandler. She-he is addressed as "ladyfellow," and by she-he pronouns. The movie loosely based on the books, ''Home'' (2015), doesn't directly mention anything about Boov gender, and only refers to any Boov by he pronouns. | *Adam Rex's sci-fi novel, ''The True Meaning of Smekday'' (2007), features the Boov, an alien people with seven genders (boy, girl, girlboy, boygirl, boyboy, boyboygirl, and boyboyboyboy) based on their fish-like role in fertilizing an egg after they lay it in a designated part of town. Because of the impersonal way they reproduce, Boov society is egalitarian and aromantic. The sequel, ''Smek for President'' (2015), has a girlboy character named Ponch Sandhandler. She-he is addressed as "ladyfellow," and by she-he pronouns. The movie loosely based on the books, ''Home'' (2015), doesn't directly mention anything about Boov gender, and only refers to any Boov by he pronouns. | ||
* In ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Left_Hand_of_Darkness The Left Hand of Darnkess]'' by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ursula_K._Le_Guin Ursula K. Le Guin], the inhabitants of the planet Gethen are referred to as ambisexual, and lack sex characteristics for the majority of the lunar cycle, which they acquire in order to reproduce. | *In ''[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Left_Hand_of_Darkness The Left Hand of Darnkess]'' by [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ursula_K._Le_Guin Ursula K. Le Guin], the inhabitants of the planet Gethen are referred to as ambisexual, and lack sex characteristics for the majority of the lunar cycle, which they acquire in order to reproduce. | ||
* In Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett's collaborative novel ''Good Omens,'' Neil Gaiman has confirmed that both of the main characters are non-binary, and they present as different genders at times in both the book and the 2019 tv-series (Crowley presenting as female as a nanny, and Aziraphale presenting as female while possessing madame Tracy). The characters usually present as males, and don't show any inclination to correct people on using masculine pronouns, but this is presented more as them not caring, and less them defining themself as males. The book specifically says that all angels and demons in it are neither male nor female, which is the standard belief about [[Gender variance in Christianity#Angels in Christianity|angels in Christianity]]. | * In Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett's collaborative novel ''Good Omens,'' Neil Gaiman has confirmed that both of the main characters are non-binary, and they present as different genders at times in both the book and the 2019 tv-series (Crowley presenting as female as a nanny, and Aziraphale presenting as female while possessing madame Tracy). The characters usually present as males, and don't show any inclination to correct people on using masculine pronouns, but this is presented more as them not caring, and less them defining themself as males. The book specifically says that all angels and demons in it are neither male nor female, which is the standard belief about [[Gender variance in Christianity#Angels in Christianity|angels in Christianity]]. | ||
* In ''Wyvern'', a kids book by Kyle McGiverin, there is a sentient race of beings called wyverns. The wyverns are genderless and use "wy/wym/wys" pronouns.<ref name="Helkio">{{Cite web |title=ALDIA: A World Where Gender Is Meaningless |last=Helkio |first=Raymond |work=theBUZZ |date=2017 |access-date=14 June 2020 |url= https://thebuzzmag.ca/2017/03/aldia-world-gender-meaningless/}}</ref> | * In ''Wyvern'', a kids book by Kyle McGiverin, there is a sentient race of beings called wyverns. The wyverns are genderless and use "wy/wym/wys" pronouns.<ref name="Helkio">{{Cite web |title=ALDIA: A World Where Gender Is Meaningless |last=Helkio |first=Raymond |work=theBUZZ |date=2017 |access-date=14 June 2020 |url= https://thebuzzmag.ca/2017/03/aldia-world-gender-meaningless/}}</ref> | ||
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===Comics and graphic novels=== | ===Comics and graphic novels=== | ||
* In ''Cardcaptor Sakura'', a manga series by CLAMP, beings who were created by magic are canonically said to be neither female nor male. They're sexless, but may prefer a gender expression that is female, male, or androgynous. This includes some main characters, but it would be spoilers to say who and how. This is also the case in the anime based on the manga, of the same name. | *In ''Cardcaptor Sakura'', a manga series by CLAMP, beings who were created by magic are canonically said to be neither female nor male. They're sexless, but may prefer a gender expression that is female, male, or androgynous. This includes some main characters, but it would be spoilers to say who and how. This is also the case in the anime based on the manga, of the same name. | ||
*''[[Wikipedia:The Sandman (Vertigo)|The Sandman]]'' by Neil Gaiman and various artists - seminal graphic novel series, as recommended in [[Nonbinary_celebrities#Kate_Bornstein|Kate Bornstein]]'s ''My New Gender Workbook'' as having "Lots of good gender play." One character, Desire, is a being who can have any sex or gender. | *''[[Wikipedia:The Sandman (Vertigo)|The Sandman]]'' by Neil Gaiman and various artists - seminal graphic novel series, as recommended in [[Nonbinary_celebrities#Kate_Bornstein|Kate Bornstein]]'s ''My New Gender Workbook'' as having "Lots of good gender play." One character, Desire, is a being who can have any sex or gender. | ||
* In ''[http://tapastic.com/series/The-Satrians The Satrians],'' a comic by Carlisle Robinson, a satyr-like alien species called Satrians have only one sex, and [http://tapastic.com/episode/221562 no concept of gender]. They're all called by the pronoun set [[Pronouns#Xe|xe]], xyr, xem.<ref>Carlisle Robinson. "FAQ about gender." ''The Satrians''. | * In ''[http://tapastic.com/series/The-Satrians The Satrians],'' a comic by Carlisle Robinson, a satyr-like alien species called Satrians have only one sex, and [http://tapastic.com/episode/221562 no concept of gender]. They're all called by the pronoun set [[Pronouns#Xe|xe]], xyr, xem.<ref>Carlisle Robinson. "FAQ about gender." ''The Satrians''. http://tapastic.com/episode/221562</ref> | ||
* In ''[http://spectracomic.smackjeeves.com Spectra]'', a science fiction comic by Cori Walters, the main characters are members of an alien species that has one sex, and all people voluntarily choose which of several gender roles they identify with. Outside of the story, Walters said, "They only have one physical sex but they have three socially enforced genders (or four if you count young children, who are seen as genderless until they choose their role in society.) For simplification reasons, in the comic the three main ones are referred to as he, she, and ne. The 'male' role is that of destruction, the 'female' is that of creation, and the third gender is that of preservation." The comic started in 2013 and is still in progress.<ref>''Spectra.'' [http://spectracomic.smackjeeves.com http://spectracomic.smackjeeves.com/]</ref> | *In ''[http://spectracomic.smackjeeves.com Spectra]'', a science fiction comic by Cori Walters, the main characters are members of an alien species that has one sex, and all people voluntarily choose which of several gender roles they identify with. Outside of the story, Walters said, "They only have one physical sex but they have three socially enforced genders (or four if you count young children, who are seen as genderless until they choose their role in society.) For simplification reasons, in the comic the three main ones are referred to as he, she, and ne. The 'male' role is that of destruction, the 'female' is that of creation, and the third gender is that of preservation." The comic started in 2013 and is still in progress.<ref>''Spectra.'' [http://spectracomic.smackjeeves.com http://spectracomic.smackjeeves.com/]</ref> | ||
===Movies=== | ===Movies === | ||
* ''E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial'' (1982), directed by Steven Spielberg. In an interview, Spielberg said that E.T. is a plant-like creature, and is neither male nor female.<ref>"E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial - Trivia." ''Internet Movie Database.'' https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0083866/trivia </ref> The finished movie itself doesn't mention this fact. The finished script refers to E.T. as "he" and "the creature." This fact about E.T. was included in the first draft of the script written by Melissa Mathison.<ref>Charlie Jane Anders, "Weird Facts That You Didn't Know About E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial." October 10, 2012. ''Gizmodo''. https://io9.gizmodo.com/weird-facts-that-you-didnt-know-about-e-t-the-extra-t-5950664</ref> | *''E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial'' (1982), directed by Steven Spielberg. In an interview, Spielberg said that E.T. is a plant-like creature, and is neither male nor female.<ref>"E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial - Trivia." ''Internet Movie Database.'' https://m.imdb.com/title/tt0083866/trivia </ref> The finished movie itself doesn't mention this fact. The finished script refers to E.T. as "he" and "the creature." This fact about E.T. was included in the first draft of the script written by Melissa Mathison.<ref>Charlie Jane Anders, "Weird Facts That You Didn't Know About E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial." October 10, 2012. ''Gizmodo''. https://io9.gizmodo.com/weird-facts-that-you-didnt-know-about-e-t-the-extra-t-5950664</ref> | ||
===TV=== | ===TV === | ||
* In the ''Star Trek: The Next Generation'' episode "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Outcast_%28Star_Trek:_The_Next_Generation%29 The Outcast]" the Enterprise encounters an alien race called the "androgynous J'naii", whose society long ago had female and male roles, but their society had become sexless and genderless, which they believe to be more advanced. They have no physical sex differences, and reproduce without copulation. They all dress alike, and ask to be called by [[Pronouns#It|it]] pronouns. The J'naii believe that it's unhealthy to be female or male, and the genderlessness of their society is enforced on all its members. In that episode, a J'naii named Soren is revealed to be secretly a [[transgender women|transgender woman]]. In a reference to real-life "[[conversion therapy]]" used coercively on transgender people to make them not be transgender, the J'naii use brainwashing to force Soren to identify as androgynous rather than female. The episode fails at exploring the possibilities of a genderless society or identity, which is depicted as bland and repressive, but is a decent critique of conversion therapy, as well as a defense of transgender rights. | *In the ''Star Trek: The Next Generation'' episode "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Outcast_%28Star_Trek:_The_Next_Generation%29 The Outcast]" the Enterprise encounters an alien race called the "androgynous J'naii", whose society long ago had female and male roles, but their society had become sexless and genderless, which they believe to be more advanced. They have no physical sex differences, and reproduce without copulation. They all dress alike, and ask to be called by [[Pronouns#It|it]] pronouns. The J'naii believe that it's unhealthy to be female or male, and the genderlessness of their society is enforced on all its members. In that episode, a J'naii named Soren is revealed to be secretly a [[transgender women|transgender woman]]. In a reference to real-life "[[conversion therapy]]" used coercively on transgender people to make them not be transgender, the J'naii use brainwashing to force Soren to identify as androgynous rather than female. The episode fails at exploring the possibilities of a genderless society or identity, which is depicted as bland and repressive, but is a decent critique of conversion therapy, as well as a defense of transgender rights. | ||
* The series ''Earth: Final Conflict'' is primarily about interactions between modern-day humans and aliens called Taelons, who seem to have neither sex nor gender. The Taelons use [[Pronouns#He|he pronouns]] for human convenience, but do not identify as male. | *The series ''Earth: Final Conflict'' is primarily about interactions between modern-day humans and aliens called Taelons, who seem to have neither sex nor gender. The Taelons use [[Pronouns#He|he pronouns]] for human convenience, but do not identify as male. | ||
* Time Lords in ''[[Gender in Doctor Who|Doctor Who]]'' are able to transform their bodies in order to prevent death, giving them a new personality each time they undergo this process. See [[Gender in Doctor Who]] for more information. | * Time Lords in ''[[Gender in Doctor Who|Doctor Who]]'' are able to transform their bodies in order to prevent death, giving them a new personality each time they undergo this process. See [[Gender in Doctor Who]] for more information. | ||
* ''Simoun'' takes place in a world that recognizes three genders: male, female, and a feminine "maiden" gender which everyone is assigned at birth. When people in this world come of age, they're required to give up the "maiden" gender and commit to male or female--those who do not choose have it chosen for them. Several of the main characters, including the two leads, decide that they do not want to be men or women, but rather keep their "maiden" gender, which goes against the rules of society. Despite the maiden gender being feminine, the fact that choosing to keep it is regarded as significantly different from choosing to become a woman shows that it is a third gender role and not the same as womanhood. | *''Simoun'' takes place in a world that recognizes three genders: male, female, and a feminine "maiden" gender which everyone is assigned at birth. When people in this world come of age, they're required to give up the "maiden" gender and commit to male or female--those who do not choose have it chosen for them. Several of the main characters, including the two leads, decide that they do not want to be men or women, but rather keep their "maiden" gender, which goes against the rules of society. Despite the maiden gender being feminine, the fact that choosing to keep it is regarded as significantly different from choosing to become a woman shows that it is a third gender role and not the same as womanhood. | ||
* ''Steven Universe'' is about an alien kind called Gems, who all look similar to human women, except for the half-human Gem named Steven. The show creator, [[Rebecca Sugar]], says the Gems aren't female: "Steven is the first and only male Gem, because he is half human! Technically, there are no female Gems! There are only Gems!"<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/2e4gmx/i_am_rebecca_sugar_creator_of_steven_universe_and/cjw8e1p</ref> The Gems are called by [[Pronouns#She|she]] pronouns just because it's easy: Sugar said, "There's a 50 50 chance to use some pronoun on Earth, so why not feminine ones-- it's as convenient as it is arbitrary!"<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/2e4gmx/i_am_rebecca_sugar_creator_of_steven_universe_and/cjw8ztw/</ref> In a later interview, Rebecca stated outright that "the Gems are all nonbinary women. [...] They wouldn’t think of themselves as women, but they’re fine with being interpreted that way amongst humans." (She also identified herself as a nonbinary woman in this same interview.)<ref>[https://the1a.org/audio/#/shows/2018-07-09/the-mind-behind-americas-most-empathetic-cartoon/114886/ The Mind Behind America's Most Empathetic Cartoon], July 09 2018</ref> Furthermore, Gems can temporarily fuse together to become a combined being. In episode "Alone Together", the aforementioned Steven manages to pull off this skill with human girl Connie, resulting in a fusion named "Stevonnie." When asked about Stevonnie's gender, Rebecca Sugar replied that "Stevonnie is an experience! The living relationship between Steven and Connie," describing them as a "metaphor that is so complex and so specific but also really, really relatable, in the form of a character."<ref>http://io9.com/steven-universe-guidebook-spills-the-secrets-of-the-cry-1704470546</ref> [http://steven-universe.wikia.com/wiki/Matt_Burnett Matt Burnett] confirmed on Twitter that Stevonnie uses they/them pronouns,<ref>https://twitter.com/mcburnett/status/620637717731217408</ref> which do get used for Stevonnie in later episodes. Later, in a 2019 public service announcement about self-esteem and social media, which is also part of the canon, Stevonnie is briefly seen scrolling past their Instagram profile, in which they have described themself with the words "nonbinary" and "intersex."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pride.com/geek/2019/6/26/cartoon-network-confirmed-steven-universe-character-intersex|last=Ermac|first=Raffy|title=Cartoon Network Confirmed This ''Steven Universe'' Character Is Intersex|date=June 26, 2019|website=Pride.com|accessdate=September 10, 2019}}</ref> These are both real human identities and conditions, even though Stevonnie's origins are only possible in fiction. | *''Steven Universe'' is about an alien kind called Gems, who all look similar to human women, except for the half-human Gem named Steven. The show creator, [[Rebecca Sugar]], says the Gems aren't female: "Steven is the first and only male Gem, because he is half human! Technically, there are no female Gems! There are only Gems!"<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/2e4gmx/i_am_rebecca_sugar_creator_of_steven_universe_and/cjw8e1p</ref> The Gems are called by [[Pronouns#She|she]] pronouns just because it's easy: Sugar said, "There's a 50 50 chance to use some pronoun on Earth, so why not feminine ones-- it's as convenient as it is arbitrary!"<ref>https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/2e4gmx/i_am_rebecca_sugar_creator_of_steven_universe_and/cjw8ztw/</ref> In a later interview, Rebecca stated outright that "the Gems are all nonbinary women. [...] They wouldn’t think of themselves as women, but they’re fine with being interpreted that way amongst humans." (She also identified herself as a nonbinary woman in this same interview.)<ref>[https://the1a.org/audio/#/shows/2018-07-09/the-mind-behind-americas-most-empathetic-cartoon/114886/ The Mind Behind America's Most Empathetic Cartoon], July 09 2018</ref> Furthermore, Gems can temporarily fuse together to become a combined being. In episode "Alone Together", the aforementioned Steven manages to pull off this skill with human girl Connie, resulting in a fusion named "Stevonnie." When asked about Stevonnie's gender, Rebecca Sugar replied that "Stevonnie is an experience! The living relationship between Steven and Connie," describing them as a "metaphor that is so complex and so specific but also really, really relatable, in the form of a character."<ref>http://io9.com/steven-universe-guidebook-spills-the-secrets-of-the-cry-1704470546</ref> [http://steven-universe.wikia.com/wiki/Matt_Burnett Matt Burnett] confirmed on Twitter that Stevonnie uses they/them pronouns,<ref>https://twitter.com/mcburnett/status/620637717731217408</ref> which do get used for Stevonnie in later episodes. Later, in a 2019 public service announcement about self-esteem and social media, which is also part of the canon, Stevonnie is briefly seen scrolling past their Instagram profile, in which they have described themself with the words "nonbinary" and "intersex."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pride.com/geek/2019/6/26/cartoon-network-confirmed-steven-universe-character-intersex|last=Ermac|first=Raffy|title=Cartoon Network Confirmed This ''Steven Universe'' Character Is Intersex|date=June 26, 2019|website=Pride.com|accessdate=September 10, 2019}}</ref> These are both real human identities and conditions, even though Stevonnie's origins are only possible in fiction. | ||
* Izana Shinatose in ''Knights of Sidonia'' is neither female nor male, but has the ability to eventually choose a sex if they fall in love. Izana's uniform is different from that of her classmates, reflecting their lack of gender (while females have skirts and males wear pants, Izana wears shorts). This gender is given the name of "middlesex" in the second season. Izana's body does eventually become female after falling in love with Nagate, against their conscious wishes and to their dismay. | *Izana Shinatose in ''Knights of Sidonia'' is neither female nor male, but has the ability to eventually choose a sex if they fall in love. Izana's uniform is different from that of her classmates, reflecting their lack of gender (while females have skirts and males wear pants, Izana wears shorts). This gender is given the name of "middlesex" in the second season. Izana's body does eventually become female after falling in love with Nagate, against their conscious wishes and to their dismay. | ||
*The Sailor Starlights in the ''Sailor Moon'' anime are male in their human form, but they can change to female when transformed into Sailor Senshi. | *The Sailor Starlights in the ''Sailor Moon'' anime are male in their human form, but they can change to female when transformed into Sailor Senshi. | ||
===Webseries=== | ===Webseries=== | ||
*"[http://sulmere.tumblr.com Ask Sulmere]" by Draque Thompson is an ongoing ask blog featuring aliens of a race that never evolved sexual dimorphism or the concept of gender. | *"[http://sulmere.tumblr.com Ask Sulmere]" by Draque Thompson is an ongoing ask blog featuring aliens of a race that never evolved sexual dimorphism or the concept of gender. | ||
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** There are other gender noncomforming characters in Shezow than the title character. Shezow's evil clone, Shezap, can look like Guy or like Shezow. When they open a portal to a gender-swapped alternative universe, Shezow discovers that the version of herself there is Dudepow, a hero with masculine-themed powers who is secretly a girl. | ** There are other gender noncomforming characters in Shezow than the title character. Shezow's evil clone, Shezap, can look like Guy or like Shezow. When they open a portal to a gender-swapped alternative universe, Shezow discovers that the version of herself there is Dudepow, a hero with masculine-themed powers who is secretly a girl. | ||
=== Books and Literature === | ===Books and Literature=== | ||
* ''The Gods Themselves'' by Isaac Asimov - The 2nd part of this book features an alien species that reproduces by different means than humans, resulting in an alien culture with different gender roles. However, the 3 fictional sexes are ''not'' used as justification for these characters having nonbinary gender identities, as the protagonists are depicted as being gender non-conforming by the standards of their own society. Most notable is Dua, the "emotional"/"mid" member of a triad, who has always struggled to fit in with the others of her sex. She's explicitly non-conforming, exhibiting traits normally associated with the "rational"/"left" sex of her species. As a result, her peers use the slur "left-em" against her, which she would eventually reclaim as her own identity, along with "queer". Would she also qualify as nonbinary (technically non-trinary) transgender? This is open to interpretation by the reader. | *''The Gods Themselves'' by Isaac Asimov - The 2nd part of this book features an alien species that reproduces by different means than humans, resulting in an alien culture with different gender roles. However, the 3 fictional sexes are ''not'' used as justification for these characters having nonbinary gender identities, as the protagonists are depicted as being gender non-conforming by the standards of their own society. Most notable is Dua, the "emotional"/"mid" member of a triad, who has always struggled to fit in with the others of her sex. She's explicitly non-conforming, exhibiting traits normally associated with the "rational"/"left" sex of her species. As a result, her peers use the slur "left-em" against her, which she would eventually reclaim as her own identity, along with "queer". Would she also qualify as nonbinary (technically non-trinary) transgender? This is open to interpretation by the reader. | ||
==See also== | ==See also== | ||
* [[Undisclosed gender in fiction]] | |||
* [[Gender in Doctor Who]] | *[[Undisclosed gender in fiction]] | ||
*[[Gender in Doctor Who]] | |||
*[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/UsefulNotes/Transgender The ''TV Tropes'' Transgender page] | *[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/UsefulNotes/Transgender The ''TV Tropes'' Transgender page] | ||
*[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/AmbiguousGender The ''TV Tropes'' Ambiguous Gender page] | *[http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/AmbiguousGender The ''TV Tropes'' Ambiguous Gender page] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
<references/> | <references /> | ||
[[Category:Visibility]] | [[Category:Visibility]] | ||