I am non-binary

Written By Sage Catlett

Today is #internationalnonbinaryday.

I am not a girl.
I am not a lady.
I am not a woman.

As a non-binary person, I often get misgendered by folks who may not realize that while my presentation often leans femme, I do not identify as a woman. Most of these people don’t intend to cause harm. Many have known me for years, including the part of my life where I forced myself into the gender binary because I thought I had to for acceptance and belonging.

Now that I am unlearning the belief that my value exists in proximity to (or in rebellion against) femininity, I am more comfortable correcting people when this happens.

So much of our language is gendered for no reason. Let’s work on being human together.

When addressing or referring to me…

Please DO NOT use:
Girl/lady/woman (individually)
Girls/ladies/women (in a group)

Instead, USE:
My name (familiar)
Friend/friends (familiar)
Person/people (unfamiliar)

Thumbnail illustration by the author

Sage Catlett

Driving enthusiast. Bourbon lover. Curious explorer of angles, perspectives, and what makes people tick. Always (un)learning. Storyteller. Facilitator of discovery. I create moments of meaning and connection through understanding, vulnerability, passion, and exposure to new people, places, and perspectives.

https://explorethecurves.com
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