
International Non-Binary People’s Day is observed annually on July 14 – which is the exact midpoint between International Men’s Day (on November 19) and International Women’s Day (on March 8). INBPD was first celebrated in 2012 in response to the lack of awareness and recognition of non-binary identities. The day provides a platform for non-binary people to express themselves, and for allies to show support.
On INBPD, people around the world take time to:
- acknowledge the gender identity spectrum that exists between and outside the binary
- celebrate all people of diverse genders, & the richness of the community
- raise awareness and visibility of gender non-conforming people, and create a space for them to be seen and heard
- challenge the traditional gender roles that exist in our societies
- work to address the stigma & discrimination faced by non-binary people
- organize the fight for acceptance, understanding and legal recognition for non-binary people
What does non-binary mean?
Non-binary gender is an umbrella term that can encompass a variety of gender identities, expressions, and experiences. The term “non-binary” describes someone who doesn’t identify exclusively as male or as female. Non-binary people may identify as being both a man and a woman, or as falling completely outside these binary categories. Non-binary people can also have any gender expression – masculine, feminine, androgynous, or any combination. Some non-binary folks identify as transgender, though not all do.
In the U.S., an estimated 1.2 million adults (ages 18-60) identify as non-binary, making up 11% of the LGBTQ+ community in that age bracket. And our numbers are increasing!
- 26% of LGBTQ+ youth (ages 13-24) identify as non-binary (The Trevor Project)
- 12% of the total millennial generation (all people born between 1981-1996) no longer see gender as fixed male or female binaries (GLAAD Accelerating Acceptance Report)
What can allies do to support non-binary people?
- Learn about and acknowledge the non-binary community
- Consider the assumptions you may be bringing to the table, and make sure they do not hinder inclusion
- In your workplace and in organizations / schools etc. that you’re part of, advocate for gender-neutral restrooms and the use of inclusive non-binary language in policies, documents and communications
- If you see / hear someone engaging in derogatory language or behaviors, it’s important to call it out
- In speaking, do not make assumptions if a person’s gender or identity is unknown. If the person is present with you, ask about their pronouns. If they are not with you, use the gender-neutral they/them/theirs to show respect
- Introduce yourself with your name and pronouns. It reminds people that it’s not always obvious what pronouns someone uses, and may encourage them to share theirs as well
- Include your pronouns in your email signature, social media profile, video meeting profile name, etc.
- Use inclusive language when you’re addressing groups of people. Good alternatives to the antiquated binary “ladies and gentlemen” include: “distinguished guests”, “esteemed attendees”, “folks”, “y’all” and “everyone”
- Use inclusive language that describes relationships without referencing gender, e.g. “parent”, “partner”, ”significant other”, ”child”, ”sibling”
- Replace the gendered titles of Ms/Mr with “Mx” (pronounced mix or mux)
- Instead of saying, “X identifies as a woman” or “Y prefers he/him/his pronouns”, say things like, “X is a woman” or “Y’s pronouns are he/him/his”
- In forms of writing, use the singular ‘their’ instead of his/her if a person’s gender or identity is unknown
- If you do make a mistake regarding someone’s gender or identity, simply correct yourself and move on.
For more information, click this PFLAG link with national non-binary resources, organizations, books, articles and more.
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