The importance of the International Day of Non-Binary People

What is the International Day of Non-Binary People?

Why do we celebrate the International Day of Non-Binary People?

Are you gender non-conforming or just an ally? Find out why we celebrate International Non-Binary People's Day, when it falls each year and how you can get involved.

On July 14 each year, we celebrate non-binary identities and raise awareness of the discrimination and violence still faced by many non-binary people around the world; this global event is called International Non-Binary People's Day.

Read on to learn what it means to be a non-binary person, the significance of the holiday and what you can do to celebrate and participate in it!

What does it mean not to be binary?

According to the Human Rights Campaign movement, the term "non-binary" describes someone who "does not identify exclusively as male or female."

For a long time, gender was understood as binary: you are either male or female. But today, more and more people view gender as a spectrum on which people can identify as male, female, or anywhere in between. To be non-binary, as GLAAD puts it, is "to exist outside the binary definitions of male or female."

Non-binary can be used to describe a multitude of experiences and identities, including those that can:

• Identify with all aspects of male and female gender identities and can be comfortable identifying as both male and female at the same time
• They have a fluctuating gender identity, where they feel more masculine on some days and more feminine on others.
• He feels that they simply exist somewhere on the spectrum or even outside of it.

 

The different terms fall under the umbrella of non-binary gender identity, which include:

• Gender queer: Gender identity that does not correspond to established ideas of gender.
• Fluid gender: Its gender goes from one to another.
• Gender non-conforming: Does not feel identified with any gender.
• Bigender: A person who identifies with both genders.
• Genderless: It is identified as having no gender.
• Pangender: Having one, two or more genders.
• Neuter: It has a neutral gender.
• Male Demi: Partially identifies as male gender.
• Female Demi: Partially identifies as female gender.
• Trigender: It is identified with three genera.

Like transgender people, non-binary people may experience body dysphoria, a term that describes feelings of distress stemming from a "disconnect" between a person's gender identity and the sex assigned at birth. For example, a trans woman may feel uncomfortable with certain "masculine" features, such as her voice or facial structure.

Some non-binary people will take gender-affirming measures to feel more "at home" in their bodies and closer to their gender, including (but not limited to) hormone therapy, top or bottom surgery, gender markers, and legal name changes.

Because of these shared experiences, many non-binary people also tend to identify as transgender or consider themselves part of the community. However, not all do.

Why is the International Day of Non-Binary Groups important?

International Non-Binary People's Day is a day created to increase non-binary visibility and shed light on the issues faced by those whose gender identities, gender expression and "authentic self" fall outside the definition of non-binary gender.

The call for a day to celebrate non-binary people dates back to 2012. The date was specifically chosen because it is sandwiched between International Women's Day (March 8) and International Men's Day (November 19).

In Spain, significant progress has been made and on July 29th the draft bill for the real and effective equality of trans people and for the guarantee of the rights of LGTBI people was approved.

However, there is still a long way to go as the rest of society is not as progressive in addressing these issues. In many countries around the world, transgender and non-binary people are unable to obtain legal recognition of their gender identities and are not allowed to live as themselves.

And even in countries around us still, you will find many stories of trans and non-binary discrimination. countries like Bulgaria, Macedonia, Albania or Hungary, there is still a long way to go. And we cannot fail to be visible also in those countries within the European Union.

How to celebrate the international day of non-binary people?

Whether you are part of the trans and non-binary community or just want to be a better ally, there are many ways you can celebrate International Non-Binary People's Day:

Find events in your community

While live events and parties are still rare these days, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic, that doesn't mean celebrations are completely out of the question. Most organizations have continued to host live events, talks and panel discussions in the meantime. You can also look for online campaigns you can participate in, where you can proudly show your support or share your own experiences on social media.

To get started, look for LGBTQ2S+ organizations in your city. And if there aren't any where you live, you might also consider starting your own!

Pass the microphone to non-binary people

Do you identify as an exclusively male or female cisgender person? Often, well-meaning allies will want to use their voices and platforms to speak out against issues of discrimination and negative gender stereotypes.

However, be careful not to focus on discussions and take time or space away from non-binary people. Instead, work to highlight and elevate queer voices.

Respect the pronouns of persons

As people learn that not everyone subscribes to the concept of binary gender, they will realize that not everyone is comfortable using the pronouns "he" or "she". For many (but not all) non-binary people, the preferred gender-neutral pronoun is the singular "elle/elles". Even, the use of the singular in English was considered valid by the Oxford Dictionary in 2018!

When in doubt, practice using "they/them" when you are unsure of a person's gender identity or ask politely at the appropriate time and space. Not only does this make a non-binary person feel that their identity is valid, but it also shows them that you respect who they are.

You can also practice introducing your own pronouns and include them in your email or social media bios. This helps demystify the introduction of pronouns in everyday situations.

 

Try to use more inclusive language

Phrases like "ladies and gentlemen," honorifics like "Mr." and "Mrs.," and even words like "brother," "sister," "husband," and "wife" are so deeply ingrained in our lexicon that most people don't think twice about whether these terms might feel exclusionary.

Instead, practice using gender-inclusive terms, such as "distinguished guests" instead of "ladies and gentlemen" or "brother" instead of "brother or sister."

Conclusion

Non-binary people may identify as neither male nor female, both sexes, a mixture of different genders, and sometimes may even have their own unique gender.

International Non-Binary People's Day is important because it recognizes the existence of non-binary people in society and helps others realize that there are many ways to be non-binary. On this day, you can celebrate by chatting with friends who don't know your identity or find events in your area!

For more information on annual LGBTIQ+ events here and in other countries, stay tuned to our blog for updates. And if you're interested in products designed to help the inclusion of trans and non-binary people, don't forget to visit our products page!