Over the next few weeks, we’ll work to break down the many different gender identities that exist, provide context for what each means, and further illustrate how gender identity protections benefit a multitude of different people.
Nonbinary and Genderqueer
While many people know from a very young age that they are either a man or woman, that is not true for everyone. Some people don’t relate to being either a man or a woman exclusively and use a term like nonbinary and/or genderqueer to describe their gender.
A nonbinary or genderqueer person identifies outside of the dominant gender binary. They may consider themselves a combination of different genders, or exist in the middle space between genders. They may also prefer “they/them” pronouns.
Nonbinary and genderqueer people do not conform to societal norms generally associated with men or women. Any given person might use different pronouns, and the most common ones are they/them pronouns or using he/him and she/her pronouns interchangeably. If you don’t know what pronouns to use, it’s okay to ask!
NOTE: Some people use the term agender, which also means a person who does not conform to a particular gender identity. Sometimes agender people prefer they/them pronouns or just their name. Again, it’s okay to ask!
