As mentioned in a previous post, the term “Non-binary” refers to individuals whose gender identity does not fall within the gender binary (i.e. male or female).
There are many different gender identities that fall under the umbrella term of “non-binary” such as:
Agender: essentially defined as an individual who lacks a gender identity (i.e. genderless)
Genderfluid: defined as an individual whose gender identity changes at different times (i.e. may identify as male one day, female the next, both one day, neither another, etc.)
Intergender: defined as one whose gender identity is between male and female.
Xenogender: one whose gender identity is defined as one to which refers to different ideas of gender rather than male or female.
Aporagender: one whose gender identity is separate from male, female, or in between, but is not an absence of gender identity.
It is important to mention that while the term non-binary is often used as an umbrella term, some people identify simply as non-binary with no further elaboration needed.
In addition to the different genders in which fall under the non-binary umbrella, there are pronouns (i.e. she/her, he/him, etc.) in which correspond to said identities.
As those who identify as non-binary do not fall on the traditional spectrum of either male or female, pronouns vary widely between people, and it is best to ask a person who identifies as such which pronouns they prefer.
The most common set of pronouns those identifying as non-binary use they/them as a singular pronoun. While there is a dispute over the use of they/them as a singular pronoun, it is, in fact, grammatically correct to use them as such in cases where an individual’s gender is unknown or if an individual does refer to themselves with those specific pronouns (http://grammarist.com/usage/they/).
Some individuals which fall under the non-binary umbrella simply refer to themselves with pronouns corresponding to traditional ideals of male or female (she/her or he/him) and, in some cases, may alternate between pronouns.
A full list of pronouns can be found here: http://nonbinary.org/wiki/Pronouns#English_neutral_pronouns
A common question among people regarding those not falling within the gender spectrum falls along the lines of “how does one present themselves if they are neither male or female, both, etc.?”
The answer, in short, is that there is no specific way one who identifies as such has to present. One who presents entirely feminine may actually identify as non-binary and the same goes for one who dresses entirely masculine. In the case of one who is gender fluid or similar, one may alternate between appearances in which society deems as traditionally masculine or feminine. In addition, many individuals who do not comply with gender norms may present themselves in a way that is perceived as androgynous.
Concluding this post, it is important to note that one’s gender identity may not be evident to you. Regardless of how they appear to others, no one knows their identity as well as themselves. While it is not necessarily inappropriate to assume someone’s gender, if someone brings it up and asks to be referred in a certain way, it is respectful to follow their wishes.
With the recent coverage on the wide spectrum of gender in the media, I feel it is important to expand others’ knowledge on these and related subjects. Thanks for reading and I look forward to updating next week!