Gender can be complicated. If you think of binary genders as boxes, sometimes it feels as though neither one is the right place for you. Regardless of how you present yourself, you just don’t feel like a man or a woman.

But how do you know if you’re non-binary?

It’s unlikely that a little switch will go off in your head telling you “Hey! I’m a non-binary person!” because we don’t teach children about non-binary genders. There’s no frame of reference.

Keep reading to learn a little bit about what it means to be non-binary and see if you fit the bill.

What Is Non-Binary?

So what does it mean to be non-binary anyway? Well, “binary” means that something has 2 categories. In this case, male or female. This means that someone who is “non-binary” won’t fit into either of those categories.

Our culture doesn’t know much about non-binary genders, but other cultures have historically included them in one way or another. In other words, this isn’t something “new and trendy”, just something that a lot of people don’t know about.

Non-binary genders are gaining recognition in western cultures. There’s even a non binary flag.

But how do you know if you fit?

Educate Yourself

You can’t expect to know if you identify as non-binary without actually knowing what non-binary means. If you’re reading this you’re taking a strong first step, but consider reading more into LGBTQ+ literature to see if anything stands out to you.

It might be helpful to look into queer support groups or groups for non-binary people, even if these groups are online. Try not to overstep but listen to people’s stories and see if you relate.

Consider Your Assigned Gender

Assigned gender is the one that your parents and the doctor gave you when you were born. That assigned gender is based solely on your genitals.

The majority of people are comfortable with their assigned gender, making them cisgender. If someone is uncomfortable with their assigned gender but comfortable with the “opposite” binary gender, they’re binary transgender. If neither binary gender feels quite right, the person is non-binary.

If you sit and think about it, are you comfortable with your assigned gender? This doesn’t have to be based on stereotypes about that gender or even about body parts. Do you feel at all uneasy about how you were assigned at birth?

Pay Attention to Your Feelings

How do you feel when it comes to binary terminology? Are you happier with they/them pronouns (or different pronouns altogether)? Do you feel uncomfortable when people refer to you as sir or ma’am?

Remember, being non-binary doesn’t require that you make everything neutral, but there may be some signs along the way that can help you understand yourself.

How Do You Know If You’re Non-Binary?

Only you can know for sure. Gender can be fluid. If you’re already searching for “how do you know if you’re non-binary” you may already have a feeling that you are.

Try not to stress over your gender. Don’t be afraid to question and explore and see what feels right for you.

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