Introducing The Next Generation Of Leaders And Thinkers

Just A Reminder — Yes, Non-Binary People Do Exist

The gender binary is an aspect of our society that I have come at odds with. Most people believe that there are only two genders, male and female, and nothing else really exists. However, gender is much more complex than that. Gender is a spectrum of identity that ranges from fully masculine to fully feminine. Those who do not fall on the two extremes (the binary) are referred to under the umbrella terms genderqueer, non-binary, and enby (non-binary = nb = enby).

It is important to note, however, that genderqueer and non-binary are not individual gender identities themselves, but rather, they are terms used to refer to any and all individuals whose gender identity is outside of the binary.

Non-binary includes a plethora of gender identities. Those who identify as agender or gender-neutral are in the middle of the spectrum. Genderfluid individuals identity fluctuates. Demigirls/boys have a weak identity as girl or boy.

As someone who identifies as agender, I get asked a lot about pronouns. Personally, I prefer to use they/them pronouns because they reflect my identity best; they are neutral. I however, cannot speak on behalf of all enbys or even all agender people. Like everything else in the world, my preferences are entirely different from the preferences of any other individual. If you know someone who identifies as genderqueer, or are ever unaware of a person’s gender identity, the best thing you can do is ask. Ask them what their identity and pronouns are, and make a conscious effort to remember. I promise you, they will appreciate you going out of your way to respect them and their identity. Assuming anyone’s identity or pronouns is never a good idea.

Society must recognize and respect the fact that genderqueer people exist, and that we deserve equal representation in the media. Even a simple Google search is a step in the right direction. In this age of modern technology, there is no excuse to be uneducated.

Comments are closed.

Related Posts