Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsDefinitionOther TermsPronounsGender ExpressionGender DysphoriaSexual OrientationResources
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Definition
Other Terms
Pronouns
Gender Expression
Gender Dysphoria
Sexual Orientation
Resources
What is non-binary? Non-binary people do not identify exclusively as male or female. They feel their gender identities and expressions don’t fit the traditional, two-classification (binary) system of being either male or female.
Some non-binary people experience their gender as both “man” and “woman,” while others identify as gender neutral or gender fluid. Two-spirit, agender, and bigender fall under the non-binary umbrella.
Abraham Gonzalez Fernandez / Getty Images
Understanding Non-Binary Gender
Non-binary people are those whosegender identityand/orgender expressionfall outside of the traditional categories of “man” or “woman.”
Some non-binary people identify as a blend of male and female. Others identify as a gender different from male or female, and some do not identify with any gender.
While non-binary andtransgenderpeople are related groups, they are not inherently the same. Although some transgender (trans) people are non-binary, most identify as either male or female.
By contrast, non-binary people may:
What Is the Gender Binary?The gender binary refers to the concept of having only two genders—male or female—each of which has expected roles, appearances, dress, and behaviors.A person who identifies as such may becisgender, meaning that they identify with the sex they were assigned at birth. But you can also be transgender and still regard gender as strictly binary (male or female).
What Is the Gender Binary?
The gender binary refers to the concept of having only two genders—male or female—each of which has expected roles, appearances, dress, and behaviors.A person who identifies as such may becisgender, meaning that they identify with the sex they were assigned at birth. But you can also be transgender and still regard gender as strictly binary (male or female).
The gender binary refers to the concept of having only two genders—male or female—each of which has expected roles, appearances, dress, and behaviors.
A person who identifies as such may becisgender, meaning that they identify with the sex they were assigned at birth. But you can also be transgender and still regard gender as strictly binary (male or female).
Non-binary people may use various terms to describe themselves, including:
Other non-binary people will simply refer to themselves as non-cisgender.
How Do I Know if I’m Non-Binary?It is perfectly normal to explore your gender identity. Some signs that you may be non-binary include:Feeling uncomfortable with the traditional binary gender categories of male and femaleFeeling like you don’t fit in with the expectations or stereotypes associated with your assigned genderFeeling like you exist somewhere in between male and female or outside of the gender binary entirelyConsider talking to a medical or mental health professional with experience in gender identity for support in navigating your own gender identity.
How Do I Know if I’m Non-Binary?
It is perfectly normal to explore your gender identity. Some signs that you may be non-binary include:Feeling uncomfortable with the traditional binary gender categories of male and femaleFeeling like you don’t fit in with the expectations or stereotypes associated with your assigned genderFeeling like you exist somewhere in between male and female or outside of the gender binary entirelyConsider talking to a medical or mental health professional with experience in gender identity for support in navigating your own gender identity.
It is perfectly normal to explore your gender identity. Some signs that you may be non-binary include:
Consider talking to a medical or mental health professional with experience in gender identity for support in navigating your own gender identity.
Non-binary people may use pronouns that do not fit the pronoun associated with the gender assigned at birth and will instead use pronouns that more accurately reflect their gender identity. “They/them” are gender-neutral pronouns that refer to someone without assuming their gender identity.
Many non-binary people use “they/them” pronouns, though not all do. Some may use “he/him” or “she/her” pronouns or a combination of both.
Others may wish to refrain from using pronouns and instead ask you to use their name. Some nonbinary people use newer gender-neutral pronouns called “neopronouns,” such asze/zir/zirs.
Gender pronouns and neopronouns non-binary people may choose to use include:
How to Use Non-Binary Pronouns
It’s always best to ask people their preferred pronouns and what words they use to describe their gender identity. Using a person’s chosen pronouns shows respect and helps foster a sense of safety and inclusivity.
Using non-binary pronouns is a simple way to show consideration and validation for someone’s gender identity. Here are some tips on how to use non-binary pronouns:
How to Use the Singular “They"Some people find it confusing to use “they” to refer to an individual. What is important to remember is that when using “they” as a singular pronoun, the verb you use would still be plural. For example, you would not say “they is coming” but would instead say “they are coming.“Using the singular “they” is more natural than you might think. For example, if you find an unattended bag, you might say, “Someone lefttheirbag behind.” Using “they” for a non-binary person works similarly.
How to Use the Singular “They”
Some people find it confusing to use “they” to refer to an individual. What is important to remember is that when using “they” as a singular pronoun, the verb you use would still be plural. For example, you would not say “they is coming” but would instead say “they are coming.“Using the singular “they” is more natural than you might think. For example, if you find an unattended bag, you might say, “Someone lefttheirbag behind.” Using “they” for a non-binary person works similarly.
Some people find it confusing to use “they” to refer to an individual. What is important to remember is that when using “they” as a singular pronoun, the verb you use would still be plural. For example, you would not say “they is coming” but would instead say “they are coming.”
Using the singular “they” is more natural than you might think. For example, if you find an unattended bag, you might say, “Someone lefttheirbag behind.” Using “they” for a non-binary person works similarly.
What Is Gender Identity and Gender Expression?
Gender identity refers to an individual’s internal sense of their gender. Gender expression is how a person externally presents their gender.
While the terms are similar, they can mean entirely different things. This is because a person’s gender identity and gender expression do not always align. For example:
Everyone’s experience of gender is unique and personal, and there is ultimately no right or wrong way to express or define your gender.
What Is Gender Dysphoria?
Gender dysphoriais the discomfort caused when your assigned gender from birth does not align with your internal sense of gender. It is amental health diagnosistypically given to transgender and non-binary individuals who seekgender-affirming care.
Gender dysphoria is not considered a mental illness or disorder. Rather, it is defined as “clinically significant distress” at the mismatch between your external self and internal self.
Healthcare providers will diagnose gender dysphoria to motivate treatments that allow a person to align their body with their gender identity. This may or may not include gender-affirming hormonal therapy or surgery, but it often does.The diagnostic criteria for gender dysphoria include:
Non-Binary and Sexual Orientation
Though gender identity andsexual orientationare often assumed to be related, they are distinct from one another.
Gender identity is how you feel or experience your gender, which may or may not reflect the sex you were assigned at birth. Sexual orientation, on the other hand, refers to your emotional and physical attraction to others.
Gender identity does not determine sexual orientation. Non-binary people have diverse sexual orientations and may identify as gay, straight, bisexual, pansexual, asexual, or any other sexual orientation.
Resources for Non-Binary People
A recent study found that about 11% of U.S. adults in the LGBTQ+ community—approximately 1.2 million people—identify as non-binary.That number is even higher among LGBTQ+ youth, with 48% between 13 and 22 identifying as transgender or non-binary.
Living outside of the gender binary can be challenging, and many non-binary people face discrimination, harassment, or lack of understanding from family, friends, and society.
Access to support can help non-binary people connect with a community of individuals who share similar experiences and values.
Resources include:
Summary
“Non-binary” is a term that describes people whose gender identity is not exclusively male or female. Non-binary people may identify as a combination of genders, a gender that is neither male nor female, or with no gender.
Non-binary people may use a variety of pronouns. Using a person’s correct pronouns is a good way to show respect and support for their gender identity.
Ultimately, it is up to each individual to determine how they identify and what labels (if any) feel most comfortable for them.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Human Rights Campaign.Transgender and nonbinary people FAQ.National Center for Transgender Equality.Understanding nonbinary people: How to be respectful and supportive.Planned Parenthood.Can I be both transgender and nonbinary?Outright International.Celebrating gender diversity around the world.Human Rights Campaign.Understanding neopronouns.NYC Department of Social Services.Gender pronouns.Castro-Peraza ME, García-Acosta JM, Delgado N, et al.Gender identity: the human right of depathologization.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16(6):978. doi:10.3390/ijerph16060978American Psychiatric Association.What is gender dysphoria?Human Rights Campaign.Sexual orientation and gender identity definitions.UCLA Williams Institute.1.2 million LGBTQ adults in the US identify as nonbinary.The Trevor Project.2022 national survey on LGBTQ youth mental health.
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Human Rights Campaign.Transgender and nonbinary people FAQ.National Center for Transgender Equality.Understanding nonbinary people: How to be respectful and supportive.Planned Parenthood.Can I be both transgender and nonbinary?Outright International.Celebrating gender diversity around the world.Human Rights Campaign.Understanding neopronouns.NYC Department of Social Services.Gender pronouns.Castro-Peraza ME, García-Acosta JM, Delgado N, et al.Gender identity: the human right of depathologization.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16(6):978. doi:10.3390/ijerph16060978American Psychiatric Association.What is gender dysphoria?Human Rights Campaign.Sexual orientation and gender identity definitions.UCLA Williams Institute.1.2 million LGBTQ adults in the US identify as nonbinary.The Trevor Project.2022 national survey on LGBTQ youth mental health.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Human Rights Campaign.Transgender and nonbinary people FAQ.National Center for Transgender Equality.Understanding nonbinary people: How to be respectful and supportive.Planned Parenthood.Can I be both transgender and nonbinary?Outright International.Celebrating gender diversity around the world.Human Rights Campaign.Understanding neopronouns.NYC Department of Social Services.Gender pronouns.Castro-Peraza ME, García-Acosta JM, Delgado N, et al.Gender identity: the human right of depathologization.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16(6):978. doi:10.3390/ijerph16060978American Psychiatric Association.What is gender dysphoria?Human Rights Campaign.Sexual orientation and gender identity definitions.UCLA Williams Institute.1.2 million LGBTQ adults in the US identify as nonbinary.The Trevor Project.2022 national survey on LGBTQ youth mental health.
Human Rights Campaign.Transgender and nonbinary people FAQ.
National Center for Transgender Equality.Understanding nonbinary people: How to be respectful and supportive.
Planned Parenthood.Can I be both transgender and nonbinary?
Outright International.Celebrating gender diversity around the world.
Human Rights Campaign.Understanding neopronouns.
NYC Department of Social Services.Gender pronouns.
Castro-Peraza ME, García-Acosta JM, Delgado N, et al.Gender identity: the human right of depathologization.Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2019;16(6):978. doi:10.3390/ijerph16060978
American Psychiatric Association.What is gender dysphoria?
Human Rights Campaign.Sexual orientation and gender identity definitions.
UCLA Williams Institute.1.2 million LGBTQ adults in the US identify as nonbinary.
The Trevor Project.2022 national survey on LGBTQ youth mental health.
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