Non-Binary Folks and The Trans Umbrella

LGBTQ
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Gender is a lot more flexible and nuanced than the traditional categories of male and female that we are taught about in school, or by our families. The rise in visibility for non-binary and gender non-conforming (GNC) folks has highlighted this, challenging the narrow way society has defined gender for so long. As these identities get more recognition, there’s been some debate over where they “fit” within the LGBTQIA+, specifically, if they are a part of the transgender community. Spoiler alert: they absolutely are! Let’s dig into why non-binary and GNC folks belong under the trans umbrella, and why their identity doesn’t need to fit a specific look to be valid. 

The term “transgender” is usually used to describe anyone that doesn’t identify with the sex they were assigned at birth. We tend to think of transgender people as trans masc and trans femme, but here’s the thing: the trans umbrella is broad. It includes anyone who moves beyond, questions, or diverges from the gender binary of “just male” or “just female”. This opens the door for a ton of unique gender identities and expressions, including non-binary and GNC people. 

So, what’s the difference between Non-Binary and Gender Non-Conforming? Non-binary is an umbrella term itself and is used for people who don’t strictly identify as male or female. Within it, there are people that identify as genderfluid, agender, bigender, and a whole spectrum of experiences that aren’t easily boxed into “man” or “woman”. Gender non-conforming people, on the other hand, are people that don’t “perform” gender in the ways society expects them to according to their assigned sex at birth. So, someone assigned male at birth might present themselves in ways that don’t fit traditional masculinity, or vice versa.  

At its heart, being trans is about feeling some form of disconnect from the gender assigned at birth. So, whether someone transitions from male to female, female to male, or identifies as something different altogether, it’s all part of the trans experience. Non-binary and GNC people are in that same boat, navigating a world that assumes everyone fits neatly into the sex they were assigned at birth. Many of the challenges they face, lack of recognition, discrimination, medical access, overlap with the experiences that other people under the trans umbrella face. 

By including non-binary and GNC people under the trans umbrella, we’re strengthening a shared fight for gender rights and representation. There’s power in solidarity, and a more inclusive movement makes for a stronger one. 

Let’s talk about gender identity and gender expression. Gender identity is a person’s internal sense of who they are, male, female, neither, both, somewhere in between. Gender expression, meanwhile, is how someone shows their gender to the world, through things like clothing, hairstyles, or mannerisms. 

For non-binary and GNC people their connection to the trans community is tied to their gender identity, and not just how they look. Some may present androgynously (A mix of “masculine” and feminine” traits), while others might lean more towards traditionally masculine or feminine in the ways they dress and act. The key point is you don’t have to look any particular way to be non-binary, GNC, or trans. 

The Androgyny Trap! Non-binary and GNC people do not owe anyone a “look”. One of the biggest misconceptions about non-binary and GNC people is that they must look androgynous to “prove” their identity. Androgyny can be a great way for some people to express themselves and their identity, but it is not a one-size-fits-all requirement. Just as trans masc and trans femme people don’t have to look a certain way to be valid, non-binary and GNC people don’t have to adopt any specific appearance to be recognised as who they are. 

Expecting non-binary and GNC people to present in an androgynous way is just another way of imposing rules on people who are already struggling to have their identities seen as valid. Gender expression is about choice, and it should reflect whatever feels right for the individual. Whether someone wants to wear a sharp suit, flowing dress, or anything else, their identity is valid. 

Non-binary and GNC people are a vital part of the trans community, and their inclusion enriches the movement. The trans umbrella is intentionally inclusive, embracing anyone who navigates life beyond traditional gender roles and binaries. Recognising non-binary and GNC people as part of the trans community not only validates their experience but it also strengthens our collective desire for a world that respects everyone’s right to self-define. 

Identity is about authenticity, and everyone should have the freedom to express themselves in ways that feel right to them, whether or not it fits someone else’s expectations. on-binary and GNC people don’t owe the world a “look”, being true to yourself is what counts, and that’s a journey no one else gets to define. 

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