Non-binary people are remembered and honored annually on this day, which was first celebrated in 2012. This day is meant to spread awareness of the struggles they face worldwide.
What does this term mean?
Nonbinary is a term that can be used by people who do not describe themselves or their genders as fitting into the categories of man or woman. This term is commonly used as an “umbrella term” since it encompasses many different ways to understand one’s gender. Many nonbinary people call themselves transgender (it’s not the case for all) and consider themselves part of the transgender community. But of course, others do not, and not all of them.
Why is it nonbinary? How can this term be understood with respect?
For some time, we have known and understood the two genders, man and woman. However, we can already see that it does not always have to or is currently the case. With this comes the term gender binary, which describes the inaccurate concept that gender is categorized into only two distinct forms (male and female). However, nonbinary means one term. This term is used to describe genders that don’t fall into one of these two distinct forms. Therefore, the “umbrella term.”
The umbrella term
The nonbinary umbrella goes for all the gender identities that fall under this term, which include:
– Androgynous
– Genderqueer
– Agender
– Gender-fluid
– Bigender
And more.
Latine Non-binary you might know
- Sara Ramirez: The Mexican-American Grey’s Anatomy star identifies as bisexual and nonbinary and uses they/them pronouns.
- Indya Moore: The transgender nonbinary actor is of Haitian, Puerto Rican, and Dominican ancestry.
- Vico Ortiz: Vico is a Puerto Rican actor, drag king and activist.
How to be respectful on this day (and always)
- Be mindful of people’s pronouns. It’s so common to assume someone else’s pronouns or call a group of people “ladies and gentlemen” or “guys and gals” when we don’t know their gender identities. If you’re not sure what pronouns someone uses, just ask.
- Learn about gender-neutral language. Using gender-neutral language is one way to avoid misgendering someone. In other words, inclusivity.
- Open to learning and believing in them. It’s not something new from society, it’s real. We need to give them the right importance and attention.
- Just be kind.
