What Is Non-Binary Gender Identification?

Non-binary gender identity is a term used to describe a range of gender identities that are not exclusively male or female. Non-binary people may identify as both a man and a woman, somewhere in between, a combination of both, or neither. This gender identity is an umbrella term for many gender identities, including genderqueer, genderfluid, gender non-conforming, agender, third gender, and two-spirit.

Understanding Non-Binary Gender

Gender identity is an internal understanding of how one identifies. For some, the feeling of belonging to either solely that of a man or woman does not fit them, or does not adequately describe who they are. Non-binary genders are simply outside of that binary representation, even though non-binary identities are still often overlooked or glossed over in media, education, and everyday conversation.

Non-binary people often have difficulty understanding, expressing, affirming, and validating their gender identity. This can lead to feelings of isolation, alienation, and low self-esteem. As the gender binary is so embedded in our daily lives, it can be a challenge to live into a non-binary identity. It is important to remember that being a non-binary person is not a “trend” or a “phase”. It is a valid identity that deserves understanding and recognition.

Validity and Visibility of Non-Binary Identities

It’s important to recognize the basic rights of individuals, no matter their gender identity. While there has been much progress, non-binary individuals often feel invalidated, invisible and silenced.

Validation for individuals with a non-binary identity starts with abolishing gender roles, considered traditional expectations of males and females in a particular society. Rigid and absolute gender roles are not only harmful to both women and men, but also to non-binary individuals. We need to dismantle gender roles in order to create a society in which everyone is free to express their true gender identity.

Adding non-binary gender answers in surveys, data collection and other forms of official documentation is one of the many ways we can help make visible and validate the existence of non-binary genders. Visibility and representation go a long way towards reducing marginalization and creating necessary change.

Non-binary identity is a valid gender identity, and individuals should not be met with silence, invisibility and invalidation. Gender diversity needs to be celebrated, not discouraged and overlooked. Through understanding and activism, we can create a more inclusive world for people of all gender identities.