Non-binary is a term used to describe people whose gender identity does not fit exclusively into the traditional categories of man or woman (the gender binary). It serves as an umbrella term encompassing a range of gender identities that fall outside or between the male/female binary, such as gender-fluid, bigender, agender, and others. Non-binary individuals may experience their gender as a mix of both man and woman, neither, or as something else entirely. Their gender identity may be fluid or fixed but does not conform to the strictly male or female labels. Being non-binary is different from being transgender in some cases, though there is overlap. Transgender typically refers to someone whose gender identity differs from the sex assigned at birth and who identifies strictly as either a man or a woman. In contrast, non-binary people might not identify exclusively as either and may or may not identify as transgender. The concept of non-binary identities has existed for centuries across diverse cultures, which have recognized genders outside the binary in various ways. In summary, non-binary means identifying as a gender outside of the exclusively male or female categories. It embraces a broad spectrum of gender identities beyond traditional norms. Non-binary people may use different terms and pronouns to express their unique experience of gender. This understanding challenges the conventional notion that there are only two genders.
If you want, I can provide examples of non-binary identities or explain how to respectfully support non-binary people.
