Non-Binary People's Day

How You Can Better Support Non-Binary Folks on this International Non-Binary People's Day

Lucy Dollinger

July 14th is International Non-Binary People’s Day. It is a day created to celebrate and recognize non-binary people all around the world. It has been celebrated since 2012 and has continued to grow as a recognized day (Out Right International, 2019). 

What does it mean to be non-binary? It means not fitting exclusively into the gender binary. The gender binary is the idea that there are only two genders (male and female) (National Center for Transgender Equality, 2020). Non-binary individuals may be between or beyond those genders. 

How to support someone who is non-binary? 

  • Use the correct pronouns. This is a way to be respectful to others. If you don’t know what pronouns someone uses, ask them. The best way to get better at using the correct pronouns is to practice! When you make a mistake (which is bound to happen at first), acknowledge your mistake, correct yourself, apologize, and move on (Luxander YouTube Channel, 2019). 

  • While we’re talking about pronouns, (if you feel comfortable) add yours to your email signature and bio. This is an easy way to normalize sharing correct pronouns (Hester, 2018). Additionally, it is a nonverbal communication of your allyship! 

  • Listen to those who are non-binary or gender nonconforming. Uplift their voices and center the most marginalized (The Trevor Project, 2020). 

  • Advocate for non-binary friendly policies and speak out against those that are not inclusive. (For example, bathroom laws that dictate who can use which bathroom based on their gender identity.)

  • Financial support: ! Be conscious of where you are spending your money!. Consider the practices and policies of the companies you are buying from. Buy from LGBTQ-owned shops. Or donate directly to non-binary folks.

  • Don’t make assumptions or generalizations. There is not one specific way to be non-binary. Everyone’s identities and lived experiences are unique and valid!.

Sources:

Hester, Adam, (2018). 100 Ways to Make the World Better for Non-Binary People. Vice Magazine. Retrieved from https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/evkwm4/how-to-be-an-ally-to-non-binary-gender-non-conforming-people-support 

Luxander YouTube Channel, (2019). I Used the Wrong Pronoun - Now What?? Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUZM7CiriWA 

National Center for Transgender Equality, (2020). Understanding Non-Binary People: How to Be Respectful and Supportive. Retrieved from https://transequality.org/issues/resources/understanding-non-binary-people-how-to-be-respectful-and-supportive 

Out Right International, (2019). Between International Women’s and Men’s Days is Non-Binary Day! Retrieved from https://outrightinternational.org/content/between-international-womens-and-mens-days-non-binary-day 

The Trevor Project, (2020). A Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Non-Binary Youth.  https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/trevor-support-center/a-guide-to-being-an-ally-to-transgender-and-nonbinary-youth/ 

Lucy Dollinger