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Non-binary is an umbrella term used to describe people who do not identify as either a man or a woman and exist outside the gender binary. They may feel that they embody elements of both, that they are somewhere in between or that they are something different. Non-binary is a newer and less-politicized version of the term genderqueer, which is an umbrella term intended to encompass individuals who find the terms man/woman and male/female insufficient to describe the way they feel about their gender and/or the way they outwardly present it. Despite the relative newness of the term non-binary, gender-diverse cultures have existed throughout time and across the globe (e.g. hijras, two-spirits, third-gender).

The Non-Binary Umbrella
Non-binary identities are generally considered to be a subset of transgender identities although not all non-binary people identify as transgender. The non-binary umbrella encompasses all genders that are neither “man” nor “woman,” but the genders under the non-binary umbrella are not synonymous with each other and have distinct characteristics, nuances, and political meaning.

Transitioning
The concept of transition is generally looser among non-binary people because there is no normative roadmap for how they are supposed to look, so aspects of transition can be tied either to passing, dysphoria and medical need, or self-expression and desire. Within the non-binary community there are a range of choices made surrounding the transition process. Some non-binary people choose to have surgery or take hormones to alter their bodies in accordance with their identity. Others are satisfied with their presentation and choose not to make alterations. Some present themselves androgynously while others look conventionally masculine or feminine but may still ‘come out’ by discussing their identities openly. Many try to blend in because they don’t want to risk rejection.

Addressing Non-Binary People
Gender-neutral language is an important part of including and respecting non-binary people. Gender-inclusive language includes pronoun use, descriptive words (e.g. police officer, chairperson, server), honorifics (e.g. ma’am, mx., sir), and general language (e.g. “honored guests” rather than “ladies and gentlemen”).

Pronouns
There are a variety of non-binary pronouns (see below), and non-binary people may use one or more of them or may use binary pronouns. When a non-binary person discloses their pronouns, those pronouns should be used for them from that point on. To be inclusive of non-binary people more broadly, use gender-inclusive language more broadly. For example, a non-binary person may tell you they use “she/her and they” pronouns. This means that the person is comfortable being referred to using either she (“I saw her yesterday”) or they (“how are they doing?”).

More Resources about Non-Binary People

 * “Everything You Need to Know and More about Non-Binary Identities”
 * “10 Myths About Non-Binary People it’s Time to Unlearn”
 * “Genderqueer and Non-Binary Identities & Terminology”