How (and why) to celebrate #InternationalNonBinaryPeoplesDay this Sunday
As with so many aspects of the #LGBTQ and #genderexperience, #pronouns and #nonbinary identities have become a political hot potato. While this may help increase awareness around what non-binary is, in many cases it actually obscures non-binary identities, generates wariness, and confuses many of those who would be allies.
The fact is that today, “non-binary” is a term that embraces the gender identities of those who simply don’t feel male or female. While there are many prominent voices in traditional and social media all too keen to question the validity of these identities, there are many more voices seeking to accept them that get drowned out.
This is why we want to celebrate International Non-Binary People’s Day – and encourage you to join us. If you yourself are non-binary and feel able to publicly celebrate that fact, we’d love you to add a comment below telling us what being non-binary means to you – or perhaps why celebrating your identity is important to you.
If you’re not non-binary, we encourage you to be open and embrace your non-binary friends and co-workers with a few practical tips:
1. Think about what non-binary identities are and why they exist
“Pronouns are important from a female perspective, as they play a crucial role in affirming and validating a person's gender identity. Using the correct pronouns helps to recognize and respect a person's self-identified gender, allowing them to feel seen, acknowledged, and included in society,” says Sarah LaWall, MBA, Gallagher Bassett and committee member at GIN.
2. Reflect on the struggles that non-binary people may face
“For many individuals, including cisgender women and transgender women, being referred to by the correct pronouns is an essential aspect of their identity and sense of self. It affirms their gender identity and helps to reduce feelings of dysphoria or discomfort that may arise when their gender is misgendered or invalidated,” Sarah adds.
“Furthermore, pronouns are an important tool for advocating for gender equality and dismantling gender stereotypes. By using the correct pronouns, we can challenge the assumption that certain traits or roles are inherently tied to a specific gender, promoting a more inclusive and equal society for all genders.”
3. Educate yourself on the non-binary experience
There are several things you can do here, from reaching out to friends, co-workers or family members who identify as non-binary and listening to what they have to say. On top of this, you can read about non-binary facts and experiences.
Here are some helpful resources on the importance of pronouns: https://lnkd.in/efGdRtfQ
And here is a list of some training courses available for the workplace that could help: https://lnkd.in/e3hHVHZB
Please give us your non-binary affirmations in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you!
