What does non-binary mean? The term is on its way to gaining mainstream acceptance within society, but many are still confused as to what non-binary actually means. Let’s explore together.
Non-binary is an umbrella term for people who don’t feel particularly male nor female. They may feel like part of both groups or neither. Various gender non-conforming identities can fall under the non-binary category.
What does non-binary mean? An intro to non-binary identities
Transgender
Transgender individuals believe they were assigned the wrong sex at birth and so identify as the gender they feel connected to.
Sex and gender are similar categories. However, sex refers to an individual’s reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. On the other hand, gender refers to a personal identification of one’s gender based on how one feels about themselves and in relation to the world around them.
Genderqueer
Those who are genderqueer view their gender as fluid, meaning it can change at different stages in their life.
Androgynous
Individuals with both male and female physical characteristics. It’s often difficult to guess the biological sex of someone who presents as androgynous.
Boi
Refers to a black transgender and/or non-binary person.
Bigender
This term relates to someone who is part of two genders, such as the male and female gender categories.
Demigender
Used by individuals who have a small connection with a certain gender. Someone can be a demigirl, demiboy or demifluid.
Enby
This is a colloquial term used by those who are non-binary to describe themselves. It creates a sense of community.
The non-binary flag
The flag was created by Kye Rowan in 2014. It consists of four coloured stripes – yellow, white, purple and black. The colours each hold their own meaning.
Yellow represents people who identify as being outside the gender categories. White is for non-binary people with multiple genders. Purple represents those who are a mix of male and female categories, and black is for agender individuals. Agender individuals identify as not having any specific gender.
Non-binary pronouns
Most people are probably unsure how to address non-binary individuals. ‘They’ is the most common pronoun. However, asking someone what their pronouns are is usually the best option. Make sure to do it in a respectful way.
Star Trek introduces non-binary characters
Non-binary characters are starting to appear in popular TV shows and movies. Star Trek is introducing non-binary characters to season 3 of its Discovery series.
Actor Blu del Barrio will play non-binary character Adira and trans actor Ian Alexander will play Gray, who spends the series trying to become a Trill host. Adira will find a home on USS Discovery.
Michelle Paradise, executive producer of the show, said: “Star Trek has always made a mission of giving visibility to underrepresented communities. It believes in showing people a future without division is entirely within our reach.”
Hopefully Star Trek’s move will lead to further positive steps for the non-binary community.
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