Gender Non-binary
Hear this word Gender Non-binary
Also known as: Non-binary
Image description: Non-binary flag
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What Is It?
Gender non-binary is a gender identity. Some people who are gender non-binary identify as being more than one gender. Some people who identify as gender non-binary have a gender that expands or exists beyond other gender identity labels such as woman, man, girl, or boy.
An Example
Ever since Mitchell and Tammie were as young as four or five years old, they didn’t feel like a “boy” and they didn’t feel like a “girl.” When they became teenagers, they each learned the word “non-binary” and they were excited because that word felt perfect. Now Mitchell and Tammie both describe their gender identities as non-binary.
What to Know
Every glossary word connects to different parts of the Sexuality Wheel. Explore the information below to learn more.
- Being gender non-binary does not require any particular form of gender expression or sexual orientation.
- People who are non-binary have different sexual orientations and express their gender in many different ways.
- Some people who are gender non-binary also identify as transgender. Not all people who identify as non-binary are transgender.
- Some non-binary people might also use other words to describe themselves, such as genderqueer, agender, or genderfluid.
- Some people who identify as non-binary may use “they/them” pronouns, but do not assume that this is true for everyone. With all people, make sure to ask what pronouns they use and share the pronouns you use, as well.
Think about
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What did you learn about non-binary gender identity or what did you already know?
To learn more about gender identity, explore websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub or visit other parts of Your Sexual Health Toolkit like our online game, Our Stories, Our Journeys: A Sexual Health Game!
What questions do you have?
Write down or record an audio note with any questions you have to ask someone you trust. You may also find answers to your questions by using websites, books, and other resources in the Resource Hub.