Introduction
International Non Binary People’s Day is observed on the 14th July each year with Non Binary Awareness Week beginning on the Sunday or Monday preceding.
The week focused around Non Binary People’s Day is a time to raise further awareness on the issues still faced by non binary people around the world by sharing our voice and being heard. This LGBTQ+ awareness key date is dedicated to those who do not fit within the traditional gender binary or fall outside the categories of man, woman or both.
When is Non Binary People’s Day?
Non Binary People’s Day is observed internationally on the 14th July each year. This key LGBTQ+ awareness date is a time for the community to come together and highlight the non binary community and issued still faced globally.
When is Non Binary Awareness Week?
Non Binary Awareness Week is observed in the week surrounding Non Binary People’s Day, generally starting on the Sunday or Monday before. This key LGBTQ+ awareness week is a time to observe and celebrate the non binary community whilst highlighting the issues still faced by enby people around the world.
History and progress
International Non Binary People’s Day was first observed and celebrated in 2012 with the date chosen to be precisely between International Men’s Day and International Women’s Day.
Although the day has now been observed for close to a decade, most countries across the globe still do not recognise non binary as a legal gender meaning most non binary people are forced to have a gendered passport and other official documentation.
It’s not all negative however, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Denmark, Germany, India, the Netherlands and New Zealand now include non binary gender options on passports with 23 US states allow residents to mark their gender as “X” on their driving license.
What is non binary?
Non binary is an umbrella term for those with a gender identity that does not fit comfortably with the traditional gender binary of man or woman. Non binary identities are rather varied and can include people who identify with some aspects of binary identities, whilst others reject them completely.
Basic Facts about Non-Binary People
Non-binary isn’t a new thing. Non binary people are not confused about their gender identity, nor are they following a new fad. Non binary identities have been recognised for millennia by cultures and societies internationally.
Not all non binary people undergo medical procedures to alter their bodies. Although some do, not all non binary people need medical care to fulfil their life to their true identity although it’s critical and often life changing for many who do.
Most transgender people are not non binary. Although some transgender people identify as non binary, a large majority of transgender people have a gender identity that is either male or female and should therefore be treated like any other man or woman would be
Non binary is not the same as intersex. Intersex people have anatomy or genes which do not fit the typical definitions of male or female however most intersex people prefer to identify as either a man or a woman.
What are the colours of the non binary flag?
The Non Binary Pride flag was created back in February 2014 by Kye Rowan after the call was put out by several community members for a flag that could represent those identifying as Non-Binary that didn’t feel the Genderqueer flag represented them truly.
The Non Binary Pride flag consists of four horizontal stripes each with their own meaning. Yellow represents those whose gender exists outside of and without reference to the binary with white representing those who have many or all genders; Purple being for those who feel their gender is between or a mix of both male and female with the final black stripe representing those who feel they are without a gender.
How to be supportive of non binary people?
You don’t have to understand non-binary to respect them. It’s not a requirement to understand what it means for somebody to be non binary to respect them. Some people may have never heard anything about non binary genders or struggle to understand them in general and that’s okay but it’s vital that you show respect regardless of someone’s identity, we’re all human!
Use the name a person asks you to use. One of the most critical aspects of being respectful and supportive of a non binary person is using the name they go by even if it may not reflect their gender identity. It’s also negative to ask somebody what their old name was which is also referred to as their “dead name”.
Never assume somebodies gender. You can’t tell if somebody is non binary simply by looking at them, just like you can’t tell if someone is transgender by how they look. If you’re unsure, always speak with them first and gain a greater understanding of who they are as a human and go with that.
If you’re not sure what pronouns someone uses, ask. Non binary people may use different pronouns. Many non binary people use the pronouns they/them whilst other may use he/him or she/her and other may us other pronouns. Don’t feel awkward about asking what pronouns somebody prefers, for many they will be happy that you asked in the first place as you share your support and understanding.
Advocate for non-binary friendly policies. It’s important for non-binary people to be able to live, dress and have their gender respected at work, at school and in public spaces.
Talk to non-binary people to learn more about who they are. There’s no one way to be non-binary. The best way to understand what it’s like to be non-binary is to talk with non-binary people and listen to their stories.
Non binary pride products
Here at Joshua Lloyd we constantly strive to be as inclusive as possible throughout our product collections, support and services. We stock a wide range of non binary products including non binary pride flag, sunglasses, shoelaces, belt, suspenders, pin badges and much more!
