![\"non-binary\"](\"https:\/\/norahspeaks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/download-5.png\")
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Non-binary<\/span>, or genderqueer, is a spectrum of gender<\/span> identities that are not exclusively masculine or feminine. Identities that are outside the gender<\/span> binary. Non-binary<\/span> identities can fall under the transgender<\/a> umbrella. Many people identify with a gender<\/span> that is different from their assigned sex<\/span>.<\/p>\n Yellow represents those whose gender<\/span> exists outside of and without reference to the binary, as yellow is often used to distinguish something as its own. White represents those who have many or all genders, as white is the photological presence of color and\/or light. The purple stripe represents those who feel their gender<\/span> is between or a mix of female-aligned and male-aligned<\/a>, as purple is the mix of traditional boy and girl colors. The purple could also be seen as representing the fluidity and uniqueness of non-binary<\/a> people. The final black stripe represents those who feel they are without gender<\/a>, as black is the absence of color and\/or light.<\/p>\n People whose gender<\/span> is not male or female use many different terms to describe themselves. Other terms include genderqueer<\/strong>, agender<\/strong>, bigender<\/strong>, and more. None of these terms mean exactly the same thing – but all speak to an experience of gender<\/span> that is not simply male or female.<\/p>\n You don’t have to understand what it means for someone respect them. <\/strong>Some people haven’t heard a lot about the identity have trouble understanding them, and that’s okay. But identities that some people don’t understand still deserve respect.<\/p>\n Use the name a person asks you to use.<\/strong> This is one of the most critical aspects of being respectful of a non-binary<\/span> person, as the name you may have been using may not reflect their gender<\/span> identity. Don’t ask someone what their old name was.<\/p>\n Try not to make any assumptions about people’s gender<\/span>. <\/strong>You can’t tell if someone is this identity simply by looking at them, just like how you can’t tell if someone is transgender<\/span> just by how they look.<\/p>\n If you’re not sure what pronouns someone uses, ask.<\/strong> Different people may use different pronouns. Many non-binary<\/span> people use “they” while others use “he” or “she,” and still others use other pronouns. Asking whether someone should be referred to as “he,” “she,” “they,” or another pronoun may feel awkward at first, but is one of the simplest and most important ways to show respect for someone’s identity.<\/p>\n Advocate for non-binary<\/span> friendly policies. <\/strong>It’s important for these people to be able to live, dress and have their gender<\/span> respected at work, at school and in public spaces.<\/p>\n Understand that, for many non-binary<\/span> people, figuring out which bathroom to use can be challenging. <\/strong>For many of these people, using either the women’s or the men’s room, if there isn’t a gender<\/span> neutral bathroom, might feel unsafe, because others may verbally harass them or even physically attack them. These people should be supported by being able to use the restroom that they believe they will be safest in.<\/p>\n Talk to non-binary<\/span> people to learn more about who they are. <\/strong>There’s no one way to be this identity. The best way to understand what it’s like is to talk with these people and listen to their stories.<\/p>\nFlag<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Recommendations: Trans Center for Equality<\/h3>\n
Pronouns and Advocacy<\/h3>\n