Help spread queer hope and joy by supporting your non-binary community.
When we use the word transgender, we are referring to an inclusive umbrella term that consists of binary trans people (trans men and trans women), as well as non-binary people and people who cross dress.
Non-binary people feel their gender identity cannot be defined within the margins of gender binary. Instead, they understand their gender in a way that goes beyond simply identifying as either a man or woman.
Language can be really powerful in helping to affirm your identity, feel confident andsharing your authentic self with others.In many cases, thelabels that we give ourselves canhelp us connect with others who share the same identity and integrate into a larger community. Within LGBT communities, language is incredibly diverse. Some examples of common terms relating to gender are trans, non-binary, intersex.
Genderis your internal sense of self, who you feel you are whether that’s male, female or perhaps you don’t feel strongly to any particular label about gender. Gender is often linked to ideas of masculinity, femininity, stereotypesetc.Your gender can be expressed in a number of ways, some common examples includeclothing, behaviourand pronouns.
If your gender is the same as you were assigned at birth, this is known as cisgender (or cis for short). If you feel your gender is different to the one you were assigned at birth you may identify as trans or non-binary.
Transis a really broad umbrella term. In general, it refers to anyone who isn’t cis and is inclusive of a range of identities such as trans woman and trans man. Some people who cross dress will also identify as trans.
Non-binaryisused to describe people whofeel their gender cannot be defined within the margins of gender binary. Instead, they understand their gender in a way that goes beyond simply identifying as either a man or woman.Some non-binary people may feel comfortable within trans communities and find this is a safe space to be with others who don’t identify as cis, but this isn’t always the case.
Because non-binary includes anyone that doesn’t fit the traditional narrative of male or female, non-binary communities are incredibly diverse. Non-binary people may identify as both male and female or neither male nor female. They may feel their gender is fluid can change and fluctuate or perhaps they permanently don’t identify with one particular gender.The range of language and labels used within non-binary communities means that non-binary has become an inclusive umbrella term. Some examples of terms commonly used by non-binary people includegenderqueer,genderf*ck,neutrosis, agender, gender-fluid, bigender and third gender. This is not an exhaustive list but shows the richness of language and the many ways that you can describe your gender.
Pronouns are short words used to describe someone instead of using their name, for example she/her or he/him. Non-binary people may choose one of these pronouns, but they may prefer a gender-neutral pronoun such as they/them. If you are unsure aboutsomeone’s pronoun, ask them. You may want to share your pronouns as well. Titles such as Mr and Mrs indicate binary gender of male or female. Mx is a gender-neutral title that is commonly used by non-binary people.
Intersex people are often assigned a gender at birth. This means that although they have a range of specific needs different to cis people, they may be overlooked because of their gender assigned at birth. Some intersex people may also identify as non-binary and feel that non-binary communities are safe spaces where they can feel included. However, this isn’t always the case and the term intersexisnot synonymous with non-binary.
Our Inclusion of Non-Binary People
Are LGBT Foundation services inclusive of non-binary people?
Yes! Our staff receive training around trans and non-binary inclusion and are regularly invited to update this knowledge on a quarterly basis.
If you have any concerns about accessing our events and services, please call us on0345 330 30 30 or emailinfo@lgbt.foundation.
Can non-binary people attend LGBT Foundation events that are gendered?
Yes! Sometimes we provide events that are targeted specifically towards men or women in order to meet a specific need or gap within mainstream service provision. Non-binary people who see themselves as partially or sometimes identifying with either of these genders and feel they would benefit from accessing a women-centred or men-centred spaceare welcome to join us.
We are committed to challenging discrimination against non-binary peopleand will challenge behaviour that isn’t in keeping with our values. If you have anyquestions orconcernsabouryour experience at our events, please direct them toinfo@lgbt.foundation.
Are there exclusive events for trans and non-binary people?
Some of our events are for trans and non-binary people specifically, such as our regular community event,TransMCR. All non-binary people are welcome. We regularly provide non-binary specific spaces within these events, and non-binary people are involved with organising and running these spaces.We want to ensure that non-binary people feel included and represented in the events we offer. If you have anyquestionsplease emailtrans@lgbt.foundation.
