【 What Does Nonbinary Mean? 】 Nonbinary is a gender identity. A nonbinary person does not identify entirely as male or entirely as female. Their gender may be a mix of both, somewhere in between, neither, or something else completely. Nonbinary identities can look different for every person, and there is no one “right” way to be nonbinary. ⊹ Important ideas ⊹ ✦ Gender identity is about how someone understands and experiences their own gender. ✦ Nonbinary people may use different labels, pronouns, or ways of expressing themselves. ✦ Some nonbinary people use pronouns like they/them, while others may use he/him, she/her, or other pronouns. ✦ Gender expression does not always determine someone’s gender identity. ⊹ Common experiences ⊹ ↪ Some nonbinary people openly share their identity. ↪ Others may keep it private or take time before telling others. ↪ Many people find support through friends, family, online spaces, or LGBTQIAN+ communities. ↪ Some nonbinary people feel comfortable presenting more masculine, feminine, androgynous, or differently depending on the situation. ⊹ Respect and inclusion ⊹ ➷ Respecting someone’s name and pronouns ➷ Avoiding assumptions about gender ➷ Listening to how people describe themselves ➷ Creating safe and welcoming environments ⊹ Community and visibility ⊹ Nonbinary people have existed throughout history and across many cultures, even if different words were used. Awareness and understanding of nonbinary identities have grown over time through education, visibility, and LGBTQIAN+ advocacy. ● Pride Month — celebrates identity, community, and equality. ● Stonewall Riots — an important event connected to modern LGBTQ+ rights movements.
