Marking International Non-Binary Day

International Non-Binary People’s Day has taken place on 14 July each year since 2012.  This date was chosen because it falls half way between International Women’s Day and International Men’s Day.  It aims to raise awareness of the issues faced by non-binary people around the world.

14 July, 2021

Non-binary is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity doesn’t sit comfortably with ‘man’ or ‘woman’ – binary identities.  Non-binary identities are varied and can include people who do not identify exclusively as a man or woman or who may identify as both or some aspects of binary identities or fall outside these categories altogether.

There are many issues that non-binary people face, many relating to being mis-gendered.  We can all help with this by not making assumptions about people’s gender and asking how people want to be referred to.  For example, you can introduce yourself with your name and pronoun, and put your pronouns in your email signature and social media profiles. 

This will help those you communicate with to feel comfortable doing the same without making a big deal of it.  You can also aim to use more gender neutral language in your day-to-day life: use ‘they’ if you don’t know somebody’s preferred pronouns, and try to use inclusive language in writing that avoids implying only two genders.

We recently had a Learning Café event discussing pronouns. If you want to find out more, have a look at ‘Pronouns Matter’.  

Also, have a look at ‘Understanding Non-Binary People: How to Be Respectful and Supportive’ and  Stonewall’s 10 ways to step up as an ally to nonbinary people.

For details of how to join GLAM, our staff LGBTQ+ network please visit our GLAM page.