Non-Binary Person (NB): Definition and Nuances of Gender Identity

What is a Non-Binary Person (NB)?

If gender were a bar, there would be a “men’s” corner and a “women’s” corner. A non-binary person is someone who decided to kick over the stools and dance in the middle, or sit on the counter, or even go outside for a smoke because this binary distinction doesn’t interest them. Being non-binary (sometimes abbreviated as “NB” or “enby”), means having a gender identity that does not exclusively fit into the “man” or “woman” categories. It’s a huge family of genders that shatters boundaries.

The different nuances of non-binary identity

Under this umbrella, you will find a multitude of nuances. Some non-binary people feel a mix of both genders (bigender), others have a gender that fluctuates over time (genderfluid), still others have no gender at all (agender), or define themselves by a completely different gender. Because their identity is different from their assignment at birth, non-binary people are included in the larger trans family. However, not all of them identify with this adjective and prefer to simply call themselves non-binary, and that is their strict right. Their transition needs are just as varied: some undertake a medical journey to feel more in tune with their bodies, others do not. The most important thing to remember is that non-binary is not indecision, but a rich and complex identity in its own right. It is an invitation to think about gender beyond the obvious.