Gender-fluid refers to a person's gender identity changing
over time. Non-binary gender identity includes gender fluidity. It varies
greatly from person to person, as some people believe their gender is always
fluid, while others identify with different genders at different points in
their lives.
If you are gender-fluid, you can use male or female pronouns
and express yourself as male or female depending on how you identify at the
time.
What Does Non-binary Mean?
Non-binary means that a person's gender identity is more
than just male or female. This broad term encompasses identities that do not
fall solely on either end of the gender spectrum. Non-binary people identify as
non-binary, bigender, gender-fluid, or agender. Non-binary people can use
they/them pronouns.
It is critical to understand that gender expression (how a
person expresses their gender through physical appearance) is not the same as
gender identity.
Types of Non-binary Identities
There are several types of non-binary people because the
term refers to any gender identity that is not traditionally binary male or
female. In this list, you can learn about the most common types of non-binary
gender identities:
Agender: Individuals who are agender (also known as neutrois
or genderless) do not identify with a specific gender identity. In other words,
they have a gender-neutral identity.
Bigender: Bigenders are people who have two gender
identities. They may identify with each gender at the same time or separately.
Gender identity and sexual orientation are not synonymous, so bigender does not
imply bisexual.
Gender-fluid: Gender-fluid people do not identify exclusively
with one gender.
Non-binary: Non-binary is an umbrella gender identity that
includes several other identities. Some people may identify as non-binary
rather than using a more specific term.
Two-spirit: Indigenous communities are the source of
two-spirit. The term denotes the presence of both a male and female spirit.
Gender-Fluid vs. Non-binary
Non-binary is a broader category than gender fluidity. Non-binary
gender identity occurs when a person does not identify exclusively as one of
the two binary genders, male or female. A non-binary person may identify as
gender-fluid, agender (having an undefined gender), bigender (having distinct
experiences with both genders), or non-binary.
A gender-fluid person may identify as male or female at
times. They may also believe that their gender is fluid and that they
experience aspects of both. Transgender people may also identify as non-binary,
though many transgender people identify solely as male or female.
How to Be Respectful of Gender-Fluid and Non-binary Identities
It is critical to respect those who identify as gender-fluid
or non-binary. Whether or not you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community, your
words can have an impact on the mental health of others. As a general
guideline, consider the following:
Gender identity should not be assumed based on appearance.
Gender identity is not determined by how someone expresses themselves
physically. This is true even for cisgender individuals (those who identify
with their sex assigned at birth). Don't try to deduce someone's gender
identity based on traditional gender norms and outward expression (like
clothing and behavior).
Declare your pronouns and request others' pronouns. Non-binary
people can use gender-neutral pronouns or she/her or he/him pronouns. Be
considerate of their pronouns. When meeting new people, it's a good idea to
share your pronouns so they can feel comfortable sharing theirs with you. You
can also inquire as to what pronouns other people prefer you use when speaking
to them.
Non-binary and gender-fluid people are not perplexed. Non-binary
and gender-fluid people identify as such; they are not conflicted about their
gender identity. Individuals who identify as gender-fluid or non-binary may
eventually decide to identify as male or female, but this is not the case for
the majority.
Understand that non-binary does not imply transgender or
intersex. Never assume anyone's gender identity, including that of transgender
or intersex people (intersex people are born with a body that does not fit the
traditional definition of male or female). Transgender and intersex people
frequently identify with one gender.
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