Non-binary

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Who are non-binary people and what does it even mean?

Non-binary individuals are people who don’t identify exclusively as male or female in the traditional way. Their gender identity can be somewhere in between, combine traits of both genders, be outside of these categories altogether, or change over time. Some feel both at the same time, and some feel neither.

It’s not about appearance or fashion — it’s about how someone feels within themselves. Non binary people simply go beyond the traditional “man or woman” and find their point on the gender spectrum that best reflects their personal experience.

How many diverse non-binary identities exist along with their specific distinctions between each other?

Non binary is not one clear-cut category, but a spectrum of gender feelings and expressions. Some people simply call themselves non-binary, while others choose a more precise term to describe their connection to gender - or lack thereof.

• Agender, or genderless individuals, are those who don't identify with any gender. They don’t feel an internal connection to being male or female.
• Androgynous - feel a combination of masculine and feminine traits, and this can be reflected both in their internal perception of themselves and in their appearance.
• Bigender - feel themselves to be both male and female, sometimes simultaneously and sometimes in turn. Gender can “switch” or be mixed.
• DemiGirl / DemiBoy - this is when a person partially identifies with the female or male gender, but not completely. That is sort of “halfway” and this definition may be enough.
• Genderfluid - people whose sense of gender may be changing. Today they may feel more feminine, tomorrow - masculine, the day after tomorrow - out of this framework altogether.
• Gendernonconforming is not so much about self-perception, but about behavior, style, speech. Someone might challenge society’s expectations of how a “real man” or “real woman” is supposed to look or act.
• Genderqueer is a general, umbrella word for anyone who feels they don't fit into the standard binary categories. The definition of gender fits items that do not match the sole categories of men or women.

All of these terms help people more accurately express who they are. For some it's just a label for convenience, and for others it's an important part of identity and a way to better understand themselves and explain it to the world.

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How do non binary people express their individuality?

For non-binary people, appearance is not about following some strict norms of “masculine” or “feminine” style, but rather a way to show who they really are. It is the freedom to be themselves, to experiment with the image and not to adjust to other people's expectations.

• Clothing can be anything: someone wears jackets, T-shirts and sneakers, someone - skirts, dresses and heels, and someone combines it all in one image. The main thing is that it should reflect an inner sense of self and not be dictated by gender labels.
• Hairstyle is another tool for self-expression. Cut short, let go of long hair, make an unusual style or dye your hair in a bright color - it all depends only on your mood and desire, not on what gender you supposedly belong to.
• Makeup is optional. Someone uses it to emphasize features or create a bright image, and someone else refuses it altogether. There is no “right” or “wrong” in this - there is only how one feels comfortable.

What challenges do non-binary people face in society?

Although the world is becoming more and more open to diversity, non-binary people still often face misunderstandings and prejudice. For many, it is not just a matter of identity, but also a constant struggle to be seen, heard and accepted.

Discrimination is one of the most tangible problems. It can manifest itself anywhere: at work, at university, when applying to state institutions, or even in everyday situations, from refusal to respect gender to ridicule or rude remarks. In some cases, people face systemic restrictions, such as documents that do not allow them to indicate a third gender or refer to themselves neutrally.

Misunderstanding is also a common story. Many people simply don't know who non-binary people are, and from ignorance come stereotypes, mistreatment, and attempts to “change their minds.” Sometimes this is done in good faith, but it only hurts in the end.

Lack of support is another sore point. Family, friends or close environment are not always ready to accept such an identity, and a person may be left without emotional support. This is especially hard when it comes to young people who are just starting to figure themselves out.

All of these things can seriously affect one's psycho-emotional state, causing anxiety, isolation or lowered self-esteem. This is why it is so important to talk about it openly, raise awareness and create safe spaces where everyone can be themselves without fear.

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What are neomestonyms and how to deal with them without panicking

Neo-pronouns are alternative forms of pronouns invented so that people who don't fit into the usual “he/him” system, can use words that better reflect their gender identity. They may sound unfamiliar, but for many, they are an important part of self-expression and comfort.

Examples of such pronouns are:

xe/xem/xir, ze/zir/zem, ee/em/eir and others.

For example, a sentence with a neo-pronoun might sound like this:

"Xe is a very cheerful person. When I met Xem last week, I immediately asked for Xir's number so we could chat."

The language can be confusing at first, especially if you haven't encountered these forms before. But as with any new words, over time they come into common usage - especially if you understand why it's important to others.

If you accidentally make a mistake, no big deal. Just apologize and try to use the correct form next time. It's not perfection that most people appreciate, but sincere attempts to show respect; it's a simple but powerful way to support the person and show that their identity is important to you.

Culture and support: how non-binary people find their space

In recent years, non binary identities have become more visible and understandable to a wider audience, largely due to the active participation of non-binary people themselves in online spaces, social media and cultural initiatives. People have begun to speak loudly about themselves, share stories, dismantle stereotypes and form their own communities.

Such spaces - be it forums, Discord servers, Telegram chats, TikTok or Instagram - became not just a place to socialize, but a real support. Here you can find people with similar experiences, share your thoughts, ask “uncomfortable” questions and simply feel that you are not alone.

Online communities and activism play a huge role: they help spread information, give access to useful materials, provide guidance on how to advocate for your rights, and most importantly, create a sense of belonging. When the world outside seems unfriendly or misunderstood, these cultural and digital spaces become a true “home” where one can be oneself without masks or explanations.

What does the non-binary flag mean and why is it needed?

The non-binary flag is an important symbol of visibility and support for people whose gender identity does not fit into the conventional male-female system. It was created in 2014 by artist Matthew Walker and has since become a recognizable sign of solidarity and acceptance.

The flag displays horizontal stripes that symbolize particular identity characteristics:

• Yellow - for those who do not associate themselves with either the male or female gender.
• White - symbolizes people with multiple or transitional gender identities: agender, neutral, or in the process of changing.
• Purple - brings together individuals who experience a blend of both masculine and feminine qualities within themselves.
• Black is for those who feel no connection to any gender at all or who feel their gender is fluid.

What is non-binary erasure and why is it a problem?

Non-binary erasure is when the existence of people outside of the male/female system is simply ignored or displaced. This can happen either intentionally or simply out of inertia - because society has long been accustomed to the binary model of gender and is not always ready to notice that there are other identities.

Often this is expressed in the fact that non-binary people are simply left no space for self-expression on a legal or social level. For example, on documents - passports, driver's licenses, and questionnaires - you usually only have to select “male” or “female” gender; and if you don't fit into these boxes, your identity remains sort of “invisible” to the system.

There's also the language aspect, as some languages (e.g. English or Swedish) already actively use gender-neutral pronouns and addresses, which makes life easier for non binary people. But in others, especially those where grammar is strongly tied to gender, it's more difficult - and language itself can become a barrier.

Erasure isn't always overt aggression, sometimes it's just a lack of mention, patterns in questionnaires, misunderstandings in the media. But it's what often makes non-binary people feel excluded, invisible, and unaccounted for; which means talking about it is important - to stop ignoring and start seeing real people beyond the binary labels.

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