What Does Non-Binary Mean?

Imagine that everyone is playing a game where they have to pick one of two teams: Team Blue or Team Pink. For a long time, people thought these were the only two teams you could choose. But what if you don't feel like you belong on either team? What if you feel like you should be on Team Purple or Team Green instead? That’s kind of what it’s like to be non-binary.

Non-binary is a term used to describe people who don’t fit neatly into the categories of "boy" or "girl." Instead of thinking of gender as just two options, non-binary people see it as more of a spectrum with lots of different possibilities.

Some non-binary people might feel like they are a mix of both genders, neither gender, or that their gender changes from day to day. There are many different ways to be non-binary, and each person’s experience is unique.

Why Pronouns Matter

One important thing to know about non-binary people is that they might use different pronouns than "he" or "she." Pronouns are words we use when we talk about someone without using their name, like "he is my friend" or "she is my friend." Non-binary people might use pronouns like "they/them," "xe/xem," or others.

Using the right pronouns is really important because it shows respect for the person's identity. It’s like calling someone by their correct name – it’s just the kind thing to do.

Living in a Binary World

Imagine trying to play a game where all the rules are written for Team Blue and Team Pink players only. Non-binary people often feel this way because so many parts of life are set up for just boys or girls. For example, filling out forms, choosing which bathroom to use, or shopping for clothes can be tricky if you don’t fit into the traditional categories.

Many non-binary people and their allies are working hard to make the world more inclusive. This includes things like having gender-neutral bathrooms, options on forms for people who are non-binary, and more representation in movies, TV shows, and books.

Why Some Non-Binary People Choose HRT or Surgery

Not all non-binary people want to change their bodies, but some do. Let’s talk about why some might choose hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or surgery.

HRT is like taking special medicine to help your body look and feel more like how you see yourself. For example, some non-binary people might take hormones to develop features that are more typically masculine or feminine, or a mix of both. This could mean growing facial hair, changing the pitch of their voice, or adjusting body shape.

Think of it like customizing a character in a video game so that it matches how you want it to look. For some non-binary people, HRT helps make their physical appearance match their internal sense of who they are.

Some non-binary people might choose to have surgery to change parts of their body. This could be top surgery (changing the chest to look more masculine or feminine) or other types of surgeries.

Deciding to have surgery is a big decision and very personal. It’s important to speak with a clinician like Gender GP before making this decision. Not everyone wants or needs surgery, and that’s totally okay. It’s all about what makes each person feel comfortable and happy in their own skin.

Being Kind and Respectful

Understanding non-binary people starts with listening and being respectful. Just like you’d want people to call you by the right name and treat you kindly, non-binary people want the same respect for their names and pronouns.

It’s also important to remember that everyone’s journey is different. Some non-binary people might look and act in ways that challenge your expectations of what boys and girls should be like, and that’s a good thing! It helps everyone learn that there are many ways to be a person.

By being open-minded and supportive, you can help make the world a better place for non-binary people and everyone else. It’s all about kindness, respect, and understanding that people are unique and that’s what makes our world so interesting and beautiful.