07/15/2019
This International Non-Binary People’s Day, let’s look at 10 ways to be a better ally to nonbinary, gender nonconforming, and genderq***r people:
1) Don’t assume nonbinary people all look, think, or behave a certain way. “Nonbinary” can be both an umbrella term and a specific, personal identity. There are many ways to be nonbinary!
2) Don’t treat nonbinary identities as a “phase.”
3) Don’t assume all nonbinary people use they/them pronouns. Get comfortable leading with your pronouns and asking others for theirs.
4) Don’t argue with nonbinary people about their identities; they know better than you.
5) Do use more gender-neutral language in your everyday life.
6) Do treat the nonbinary people you meet just like you do everyone else, and don’t ask invasive, personal questions.
7) Do know that nonbinary identities span all races, nationalities, and socioeconomic statuses.
8) Do stand up for nonbinary identities, even if it is uncomfortable. Start by asking nonbinary people in your life how you can best support them.
9) Do know that you will make mistakes, and that’s okay! Just remember to learn from them.
10) Do let your nonbinary friends know that you support them. Explicitly. Regularly. Without expectation. Or exception.
