That's because Western society has structured gender as a binary, meaning an either/or set of options. Likely, you had to check 'M' for man, or 'W' for woman. Quick: Think back to the last time you filled out a patient, student, or employee intake form. To help with the latter, we called up three non-binary gender-affirming therapists and sexuality educators to answer all your questions about what it means to be non-binary. By sharing their identity with the world, the 'Camp Rock' turned platinum pop star joins a long list of Disney Channel celebs who grew up and came out as non-binary, which includes Miley Cyrus and Amandla Stenberg.īut while knowing celebs who identify as non-binary is important for raising awareness (FYI, just last week marked Non-Binary Awareness Week), it's also important to do the work to understand non-binary people so you can be both supportive and respectful. "I am proud to let you know that I identify as non-binary and will officially be changing my pronouns to they/them moving forward," they wrote in an Instagram caption. “Shifting to gender-neutral language is of benefit not only to those who are nonbinary but to many others in society who feel that binary terms are inaccurate ways of describing them.ICYMI: Demi Lovato came out as non-binary last month. “There are people who aren't nonbinary who are uncomfortable with binary gendered terms, thanks to these terms also being experienced as stereotypical,” Hoffman-Fox says. For instance, many women prefer not to be lumped into a group of “ladies” because of society’s expectations of how a lady should act. Binary transgender people (or trans people who aren’t nonbinary) and cisgender people are also affected - and often harmed - by the gender binary and how ingrained it can be in our language.
Nonbinary people aren’t the only ones hurt by binary language. “Try to keep it as simple as possible, explaining briefly what binary language is and how it can often result in people feeling invisible.” Remember that binary language also harms cisgender and binary transgender people. “Depending on the situation, you can address the situation with the person publicly or privately, in person or through a message,” Hoffman-Fox adds. Pay attention to which responses work better for certain people. “Some may want to take a more subtle approach, such as repeatedly using a gender-neutral term within earshot of the person using binary language.” “Some people will be comfortable with being very direct, like: ‘Excuse me, but when you used ladies to describe our friend group, it leaves out those who are uncomfortable with being gendered as female,’” Hoffman-Fox tells Teen Vogue. “The truth is, there is no way someone could know that, unless they have had conversations with every person in the vicinity and have asked them if they use binary terms to describe themselves.” Hold those around you accountable.ĭon’t be afraid to correct those around you, such as your classmates and even teachers, about using exclusive, gendered language, but do understand not everyone receives criticism in the same way. “It's fairly common for people to assume that a nonbinary person isn't in the room,” Hoffman-Fox said.