Non-Binary
To put it bluntly, when someone is non-binary, they are neither a boy, a girl, a man, or a woman. Some non-binary people identify as transgender- meaning that the gender they identify with now is different from the one they were assigned at birth, and some non-binary people don’t identify as trans. There is no one-size fits all when it comes to gender. I, personally, am genderqueer, which means I am not a man or a woman, and I purposefully push the boundaries of what gender means in society. The non-binary umbrella is vast and wonderful, consisting of lots of different identities that describe how people experience gender (or not).
Non-binary people have long been stigmatised by people who don’t understand us, nor make the effort to understand us. We’re just people like anyone else. We have jobs, hobbies, interests, loves, pets, and more, just like anyone else. Non-binary people aren’t all the same as each other either, we all have our own preferences. Some of us use they/them pronouns, but not all of us. Some of us might have a gender presentation that doesn’t match social norms, but not all of us. Some of us might pursue a medical transition, but not all of us.
Below, I have shared some of my own videos on my life as a non-binary person, as well as some general resources to learn about what being non-binary can mean for people.
What Does Genderqueer Mean?
This video (hopefully) does what it says on the tin. I talk about the dictionary definition of genderqueer, and how I personally relate to that definition. I also talk about what genderqueer may mean to other people, and some common themes with how genderqueer people identify themselves.
Can I Be Nonbinary If..?
The answer is always yes. Being non-binary is highly stigmatised, and representation usually relies heavily on stereotypes. People often think that non-binary people are a perfect neutral: no skirts, no facial hair, no nothing. However, this is not the case, we are people with preferences like everybody else!
The Myth Of Gendered Brains
What does a taxi driver and a trans person have in common? Brains built by life experience. Gender differences in brains have been demonstrated time and time again to be a result of culture, rather than biology. This video takes a deep dive into neuroscience to investigate the myth of gendered brains.
Genderqueer vs Non-binary?
A similar video to my “What does genderqueer mean?” video, this time tackling where Genderqueer fits within the non-binary umbrella, key similarities, key differences, and our favourite… the impact of personal experience! One of my most frequently asked questions, and most popular videos.
Useful Websites
Akt
Akt, an LGBTQIA+ homelessness charity, provides an excellent rundown of some key terms within the non-binary community, and a historical timeline of the development of the non-binary community. They also have a list of support networks, helplines, and more.
Gender Spectrum
Gender Spectrum devotes itself to the support of gender diverse children and young people. They support families, organisations, and institutions to become inclusive of all gender experiences, so that nobody gets left behind. They also have a Grandparents support group!
Neuroscience and Gender – Gina Rippon
A fantastic look at Gina Rippon’s study on how neuroscience and gender actually interact, shattering myths about gendered brains, and shining a light on how society shapes us all. New Scientist, 2019.
Max Fisher RSci 