Non-binary Identities Research Articles

Not Just They/Them: Exploring Diversity and Meaning in Pronoun Use among Non-Binary Individuals

ABSTRACT Gender-neutral pronouns, such as they/them, have been studied as a site of identity affirmation and, at other times, contestation for non-binary individuals. In this study, we draw from interviews with 123 non-binary individuals to better understand the role of pronouns in these individuals’ lives. We find that pronoun practices are ontoformative—they actively (re)construct the meanings attached to gender and gender identities. Yet, not all non-binary individuals use similar pronoun practices, resulting in diverse ontologies of non-binary identity. Half of our respondents consistently used non-binary pronouns, such as they/them, and felt they were a stable and direct reflection of identity—an approach we refer to as a fixed expression. These individuals define non-binary gender as independent from the woman/man binary. The other half of our sample held flexible pronoun expressions—they used multiple pronouns and anticipated future changes. Some of these individuals rejected the idea that pronouns expressed their identity, offering a definition of non-binary that eschewed categorical distinctions. Others embrace pronouns as identity expressing and forming, but felt that multiplicity best reflected their identity, offering a definition of non-binary as category-spanning. Our findings highlight the central and diverse role of pronouns in the social construction of non-binary ontology.

Key aspects in the development of gender identity and sexual orientation according to trans and gender diverse people: a qualitative approach.

For decades, the sexuality of trans and gender diverse people has been researched from a pathologising and medical perspective. This approach makes assumptions about the experiences of trans people, limiting concern for unique and individual experiences, especially for those with non-binary or gender diverse identities. A growing number of articles however are beginning to take the viewpoints of trans people seriously, taking into consideration their unique experiences and insights within the context of sexual and romantic relationships. This study examines the development of gender identity and sexual orientation of a group of trans individuals in Spain. Thirteen self-identified trans participants were interviewed about their sexual orientation, gender identity and the interplay between both those aspects. A constructivist grounded theory methodology was employed to analyse the data. Five major categories were identified: reinterpreting experiences through identification with gender identity and sexual orientation; questioning gender identity and sexual orientation norms; understanding the interplay between gender identity and sexual orientation; developing as a couple; and building a community. Findings highlight the dynamic and relational nature of gender identity and sexual orientation and provide further insight into the interaction of these aspects in the development of trans and gender diverse identities.

“If I started to identify as a bird, would I stop being human?” Networked transphobia in lesbian popular culture spaces

ABSTRACT Transphobic discourses have become prominent even as media representations of gender non-conformity have increased, demonstrating the paradoxes of media visibility for the status of minority groups. Illustrating this phenomenon, transphobic commentary proliferates on two iterations of The L Chat (TLC), online forums centered on popular culture topics of particular interest to lesbians. Presenting a critical qualitative analysis of TLC discussion threads about actor Elliot Page, and transgender and nonbinary identities, activism, and politics, this article identifies how these contribute to what is theorized as a broader global phenomenon of networked transphobia. While some of the themes identified overlap with those found in other research on transphobia, the TLC threads reflect complexities arising from the posters’ political positionalities, and suggest that the circulation of regressive discourses on sex and gender attain distinct specificities at particular online spaces, including discussions filtered through interests in popular culture.

Non-Binary Identity Development: A Retrospective Exploration of Family Support

There is growing awareness of transgender and gender non-conforming individuals; people whose gender identity and expression are different from what is typically expected, including non-binary gender identity. Despite this increased attention, trans and non-binary youth are most at risk for negative outcomes, such as psychological distress and suicidal ideation. This, coupled with the fact that the limited studies of family acceptance of trans youth are focused primarily on binary trans youth, illustrates the need for increased understanding of family acceptance of non-binary identity, specifically. Accordingly, this phenomenology depicts the lived experience of family support for a non-binary identity. In this retrospective analysis, 336 self-identifying non-binary participants responded to open-ended questions about family support of their gender identity. Three categories of themes emerged across participant responses: 1) gendered messages, 2) explicit support, and 3) arrested development. These findings highlight the importance of increasing visibility and understanding of non-binary identity in both the family and the scholarly literature. Implications for parents, researchers, practitioners, and policymakers are discussed.

Inequities in Self-Reported Social Risk Factors by Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Sexual minority (ie, people who self-identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, and other nonheterosexual identities) and gender minority (ie, people who self-identify as transgender, nonbinary, or other noncisgender identities) adults report worse health outcomes compared with heterosexual and cisgender adults, respectively. Although social risk factors (SRFs; eg, housing instability) are associated with health outcomes, little is known about the prevalence of SRFs among sexual and gender minority adults. To examine differences in the prevalence of SRFs by sexual orientation and gender identity among adults. This cross-sectional study used Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data collected from January 2022 to February 2023 for adults aged 18 years or older residing in 22 US states. Self-reported sexual orientation and gender identity. Outcome measures were dissatisfaction with life, lack of emotional support, social isolation, employment loss in the past 12 months, Supplementary Nutrition Assistance Program participation in the past 12 months, insufficient food, inability to pay bills, inability to pay utilities, lack of transportation, and stress. Survey weights were applied. Multivariable linear regression models were used to measure the association between sexual orientation and gender identity for each outcome. The study sample comparing outcomes by sexual orientation included 178 803 individuals: 84 881 men (48.5%; 92.9% heterosexual; 7.1% sexual minority) and 93 922 women (51.5%; 89.4% heterosexual; 10.6% sexual minority). The study sample comparing outcomes by gender identity included 182 690 adults (99.2% cisgender; 0.8% gender minority). Of sexual minority women, 58.1% reported at least 1 SRF compared with 36.5% of heterosexual women. Sexual minority women were significantly more likely to report social isolation (difference, 7.4 percentage points [PP]; 95% CI, 4.9-10.0 PP) and stress (difference, 12.2 PP; 95% CI, 9.8-14.7 PP) compared with heterosexual women. A greater proportion of sexual minority men (51.1%) reported at least 1 SRF than heterosexual men (34.0%); the largest magnitudes of inequity were in dissatisfaction with life (difference, 7.9 PP; 95% CI, 5.8-10.1 PP) and stress (difference, 6.7 PP; 95% CI, 4.5-8.9 PP). Of gender minority adults, 64.1% reported at least 1 SRF compared with cisgender adults (37.1%). Gender minority adults were significantly more likely to report social isolation (difference, 14.8 PP; 95% CI, 9.9-19.7 PP) and stress (difference, 17.0 PP; 95% CI, 11.9-22.1 PP). In this cross-sectional study, sexual and gender minority adults were significantly more likely to report multiple SRFs. These findings suggest that policies and community-based systems to advance socioeconomic equity among sexual and gender minority adults are critical.

Diversifying Gender Categories and the Sex/Gender System

The growing visibility of transgender and nonbinary people raises important sociological questions about how the structure of sex and gender is shifting and underscores necessary changes to research practice. We review what is known about emerging gender identities and their implications for sociological understandings of the relationship between sex and gender and the maintenance of the sex/gender system of inequality. Transgender and nonbinary identities are increasingly common among younger cohorts and improved survey measurements of sex and gender are expanding information about these changes. In the United States, an additional gender category seems to be solidifying in public usage even as the higher status of masculinity over femininity persists. The continuing power of the normative binary contributes to both violent backlash and characteristic patterns of discrimination against gender diverse people; yet, underlying support for nondiscrimination in the workplace is stronger than commonly recognized. New, more consistent efforts to account for gender diversity in social science research are needed to fully understand these changes.

From Gender Gap to Gender Gaps: Bringing Nonbinary People into Political Behavior Research

The “gender gap” in voting is one of the most well-documented findings in survey research across democracies. However, gender gap research has traditionally assumed that everyone is either a man or a woman, which does not account for the growing number of people who identify as nonbinary. How do nonbinary people differ from men and women in their party identification and voting behavior? We answer this question using data from the 2021 Canadian Election Study online panel, which has a large enough subsample of nonbinary respondents to identify gaps in party identification and voting behavior. Nonbinary people are much less likely to identify with and vote for the Liberal Party or Conservative Party and much more likely to identify with and vote for the social democratic New Democratic Party (NDP) than both men and women. Many of these gaps persist even when restricting the analysis to LGBTQ respondents, adjusting for demographic variables that predict nonbinary identity, and adjusting for issue attitudes. Nonbinary people’s distinctiveness from men and women suggests that researchers need to add nonbinary response options to gender questions and, wherever possible, incorporate nonbinary people into analyses of gender and politics.

“I got given all these keys”: a photovoice study examining master and alternative narratives and nonbinary identity formation in London’s queer communities

Background Nonbinary people may rely on queer communities to resist cisnormative erasure and shape their sense of identity. However, transnormativity within queer communities may repudiate nonbinary identities. The Master Narrative Framework informs our understanding of how cis- and transnormative narratives are negotiated within queer communities, but no study has yet applied this framework to specifically study nonbinary identity formation. Better understanding of nonbinary identity formation is a key task for clinicians and researchers to offer appropriate care to these populations. Aim The study aimed to understand trans + intra-community processes and their impact on nonbinary identity formation, exploring dominant master and alternative narratives and developing further recommendations for research in this under-studied area. Methods Grounded in a constructionist framework and feminist theory, the study used photovoice. Ten nonbinary individuals were trained on photovoice and participated in focus groups and interviews. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results Findings identified four prevalent master and alternative narratives: The different one: master narrative of imposters; and the three alternative narratives of To be queer is to reject the norm; To be nonbinary is to appear androgynous and To be queer is to go out. Participants’ identity shifted and took shape in response to their lived experience of these narratives; however they resisted the pressure to present an unchanging identity. Discussion Results were presented in light of previous findings. Further research is warranted on nonbinary identities that looks beyond deficit-based understandings and nuances processes of identity formation and narrative creation.

Framing discomfort on YouTube: Narratives of non-binary dysphoria

In Western thinking, the binary gender system has long held a central position, often side-lining identities that exist beyond this binary framework. This facet of gender discourse frequently leads to the omission of non-binary individuals from discourses not only of gender, but more broadly of societal concern. As a result, it is not unusual for these individuals to experience discomfort, both in respect of their gender identity and in relation to societal expectations, often leading to gender dysphoria. It is no chance, in light of the above, that clinical definitions and comprehension of gender dysphoria predominantly center on a binary understanding of gender, even though the experience of gender dysphoria extends beyond this binary framework. Over the past decade, social-media platforms have emerged as dynamic arenas where non-binary individuals can openly express their gender identities. In this context, social-media holds considerable influence as a potent tool (Angouri, 2021) for the construction and portrayal of non-binary identities online. Within this discourse, the articulation of discomfort with one’s own physical appearance seems to be a recurring theme. This study explores the articulation of emotional discomfort among non-binary YouTubers, in relation to their gender experience. It employs a methodology relying on Corpus Assisted Discourse Studies (Gillings et al., 2023), using the Sketch Engine software (Kilgarrif et al., 2014), to identify distinctive lexical patterns that characterize the expression of discomfort and dysphoria. The dataset includes YouTube videos from five channels owned by non-binary YouTubers, which could be considered, by virtue of their content and stated purpose, as explicit non-binary communicative gender performances. The paper primarily investigates how discourse surrounding suffering and discomfort contributes to the portrayal of non-binary identities in online spaces, and seeks to observe whether the expression of this discomfort can be construed as a means of seeking validation for these identities within the social-media domain.

Pathways to parenthood among transgender men and gender diverse people assigned female or intersex at birth in the United States: analysis of a Cross-Sectional 2019 Survey

ObjectiveTo assess pathways to parenthood, pregnancy outcomes, future pregnancy desire, and fertility counseling experiences among a cross-sectional sample of transgender men and gender diverse individuals assigned female or intersex at birth in the United States MethodsParticipants were recruited from The Population Research in Identity and Disparities for Equality (PRIDE) Study and the general public. Eligible participants for this analysis were able to read and understand English, assigned female or intersex at birth, US residents, 18+ years old, and identified as transgender, nonbinary, or gender diverse. We analyzed responses to close-ended survey questions, overall and stratified by gender identity, race/ethnicity, and testosterone use. We also qualitatively assessed open-text responses on fertility counseling. ResultsAmong the 1694 participants, median age was 27 years (range: 18–72), 12% had ever been pregnant, and 12% were parents. Carrying a pregnancy where the individual was the egg source (36%) was the most common pathway to parenthood. Individuals with an exclusively binary gender identity (ie, transgender man or man) more often reported becoming parents through adoption than individuals with gender diverse identities (19% vs 12%). A third of individuals did not receive fertility counseling prior to initiating testosterone; individuals who exclusively reported nonbinary identities were recommended to investigate fertility preservation options less often (36%) compared to transgender men (50%). ConclusionTransgender men and gender diverse individuals who were assigned female or intersex at birth build their families through a variety of pathways, including pregnancy, stepparenting, and adoption. Clinicians should avoid making assumptions about reproductive desires in these populations based on gender identities or testosterone use and should provide consistent fertility counseling prior to and after hormone initiation.

Narratives of Racially/Ethnically Diverse Genderqueer & Non-binary Identities in the U.S. Context of Trans*normativity and Whiteness

Genderqueer and non-binary (GQNB) people are increasingly recognized within the gender-diverse community, yet how they navigate the sociocultural constructions of GQNB identity remains underexamined. This article examines the constructions of GQNB identity at the intersection of racial-ethnic identity among 19 racially diverse GQNB college students at an elite, predominantly white, Midwestern university. Participants completed a one-on-one semi-structured interview regarding their experiences with the expectations others hold about their identities. Using thematic analysis, we identified five related themes that characterize participants’ identity-relevant expectations: (a) Racial/Ethnic Stereotypes, (b) Queer Normativity, (c) Privilege & Power, (d) Binary Rigidity, (e) Educating Others. We then analyzed how participants negotiate these expectations using the master narrative framework to interlace personal and societal identity narratives. Rigidity regarding how to be GQNB demonstrates the transactional nature of identity as individuals internalize and resist sociocultural norms. Implications for the broader literature on gender identity and its development are discussed.

Inextricably tied: Nonbinary autistic individuals' views on how their gender identity and autism are connected.

This study explores the experiences and identities of nonbinary autistic people. The relationship between autistic and nonbinary identities has not been researched in detail. Few studies focus specifically on nonbinary autistic adults. We interviewed 44 nonbinary individuals for this study. Participants had thought-out opinions on gender identity and emphasized identifying with fluidity rather than traditional gender roles. Participants discussed the connection of their autistic and nonbinary identities and how it affected how people saw them and how they saw themselves. We have recommendations for programming, policy, and research from these findings.

Discontinuation of Gender-Affirming Medical Treatments: Prevalence and Associated Features in a Nonprobabilistic Sample of Transgender and Gender-Diverse Adolescents and Young Adults in Canada and the United States

PurposeThis study investigated the prevalence, correlates, and reasons for discontinuing gender-affirming medical treatment (GAMT) among transgender and gender-diverse adolescents and young adults living in Canada and the United States of America. MethodsThis exploratory study used data from an online survey of sexual and gender minority adolescents and young adults aged 15–29 years living in Canada or the United States of America (March–August 2022). The analytic sample was constituted by participants who responded to questions regarding starting and stopping GAMT, as well as reasons for stopping. Correlates of discontinuing GAMT were assessed using univariate logistic regression. ResultsThe mean age of the analytic sample (N = 3,937) was 21.1 years. Participants were predominantly nonbinary (54.2%) and assigned female at birth (80.8%). 75.5% lived in Canada and 24.5% in the United States of America. Among those who had started GAMT, 121 of 720 (16.8%) reported having ever discontinued treatment. Forty five of 121 (37.2%) who ceased GAMT reported “Yes, but I wish I hadn't.” The most frequently endorsed reasons for discontinuing GAMT were health reasons (37.3%), a change in gender identity (32.0%), and cost (16.0%). Greater age; nonbinary identity, ‘other’ gender identity; diagnosis of or self-identifying as living with schizophrenia; residing in the United States of America (relative to Canada); and endorsing a current Christian identity were associated with discontinuation. Ninety seven of 121 (80.2%) who discontinued GAMT reported a current transgender or gender-diverse identity. DiscussionGiven the dearth of information about the subpopulation who discontinue GAMT, this study advances candidate factors to inform future longitudinal research to better understand the multiple reasons and contexts for stopping GAMT.

Nonbinary identity and pronoun use: A qualitative analysis

Background and Aims Limited psychological research focuses on the identities and pronoun use experiences of nonbinary and genderqueer people. The purpose of this qualitative study was to examine the experiences of nonbinary and genderqueer young people, particularly with respect to the use and significance of pronouns. Method Twenty nonbinary people between the ages of 18 and 28 were recruited through flyers, queer student groups, and social media to take part in an interview and brief demographic survey. Interview transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Four overarching themes were selected: “Beyond Binary Gender Restrictions,” “Pronouns as a Tool,” “Pronouns and Outness,” and “Nonbinary Enough.” Participants reported finding strength in their gender nonconformity while balancing complicated demands from their communities and from society at large. They also described their pronouns as playing important roles in social relationships and in identity affirmation. Discussion The diverse roles that pronouns play in the lives of nonbinary people illustrates the need for increased conversation and flexibility in using people’s pronouns. Results suggest that supporting nonbinary identities requires increased understanding, respect, and more active forms of allyship from cisgender individuals, including moving beyond conceptualizing gender as a binary.

Political Gay Science: Nietzsche, Conservatism, and Nonbinary Identity

Political Gay Science: Nietzsche, Conservatism, and Nonbinary Identity

The role of language in nonbinary identity construction: Gender words matter.

The role of language in nonbinary identity construction: Gender words matter.

An Intersectional Exploration of Outness, Encountered Discrimination and Violence, and Non-Suicidal Self-Injury among Asexual Youth across Gender Identities.

Current research on asexual youth is limited, especially in understanding the impact of their outness and the intersection of sexual orientation with gender minority identities. This study investigates the influence of outness on experiences of harassment, discrimination, violence, and the risk of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among asexual youth, with a focus on those with transgender and non-binary identities. Data for this study were obtained from the 2021 Ace Community Survey, an international online survey designed to assess the needs and health status of the Ace community, targeting respondents aged 13 and older. The analysis involved a subsample of 5574 respondents aged 13 to 24 (mean age = 19.28), including 2361 cisgender (mean age = 19.65), 1,195 transgender (mean age = 18.80), and 2,018 non-binary individuals (mean age = 19.13). The results revealed that experienceds of sexual violence, verbal aggression, and physical harassment and bullying not only correlated with but also completely mediated the relationship between outness and NSSI. Asexual transgender youth experienced heightened levels of discrimination and NSSI but demonstrated notable resilience against the negative effects of identity disclosure, highlighting complex dynamics of vulnerability and protection within these communities.

“You’re free from just a girl or a boy”: Nonbinary children’s understanding of their gender

Background In recent years, research on gender diversity in early childhood has increased significantly. However, much of the published literature still focuses on children whose experiences align with binary gender norms, inadvertently excluding nonbinary experiences from analysis. Aims We seek to explore how nonbinary children, aged five to eight, perceive and understand their gender modality and experiences. Methods Nine American nonbinary children were interviewed using a semi-structured approach, which included two book readings, a drawing activity, and approximately 23 pre-determined questions. Inductive reflexive thematic analysis was utilized for developing, analyzing, and interpreting patterns across a qualitative dataset. All authors engaged in various aspects of reflexivity throughout the process, including personal, functional, and disciplinary reflexivity. Analysis We constructed five themes, which were evident across the accounts of participating children. The first one, Being nonbinary has different meanings for different people, illustrates the diverse interpretations of nonbinary identities. Gender is hard to describe but my pronouns help me make sense of it, highlights the challenges of explaining gender, yet pronouns help participants lucidly put their and others’ gender into words. People can change their gender for good or just for a little while, reflect participants’ view of gender as dynamic and fluid. “I have the agency to decide who I am with a little help of others”: feeling, learning, choosing and telling, explores participants’ journey in adopting the label “nonbinary”. Lastly, Being nonbinary is both easy and hard: easy because I am myself, hard because of other people, depicts the multifaceted experiences of being nonbinary, from the affirmation to bullying. Discussion In an era marked by a contentious political climate and ongoing debates about trans/nonbinary individuals, these young children defy conventional norms and establish themselves as active architects of their identity narratives, driven by their agency and self-determination.

Getting beyond peeing and pronouns: living non-binary gender in higher education

ABSTRACT Non-binary people make up just over half the UK trans population and younger people are more likely to identify as non-binary than those over 35 . Despite this increasing recognition, non-binary identities and experiences continue to be widely misunderstood. Similarly, if university trans inclusion policies focus solely on models of binary or medical transition, they will not fully address the needs of non-binary students. In the context of an increased focus on the participation and success of marginalized social groups in higher education, and a social and political backlash against equality, diversity and inclusion work, questions of how non-binary students thrive in universities are pressing. Non-binary inclusion and experiences in higher education have received little dedicated attention. This article draws on data from the largest survey to date of non-binary students in the United Kingdom and begins to fill those gaps. We highlight the prominence in the survey of issues around ‘peeing’ and ‘pronouns’ in the lived experiences of non-binary students and demonstrate the detrimental impact of the lack of recognition on students’ learning and lives at university. We conclude universities must get beyond ‘peeing and pronouns’ to reimagine higher education as an accessible and inclusive space.

Evidence of Differences in Gender-Affirming School Experiences in a Sample of Transgender and Gender-Diverse Youth

Past and current research has often utilized a binary (ie, man/woman) category to measure gender and/or has combined multiple transgender identities into singular groups (eg, transgender girls and nonbinary youth as one category). However, transgender communities are heterogeneous and encompass much more than commonly recognized labels such as only transgender boys/girls and nonbinary youth. Furthermore, the small body of research that has investigated differences within transgender communities based on gender identity has found important health and behavioral differences. Using a large, national sample of transgender youth (N = 3,570), we investigated differences in health-relevant gender-affirming school experiences (ie, being referred to by the correct pronouns or name, authentic gender expression through clothing, and access to restrooms/locker rooms) among diverse transgender youth. Adjusted models (for outness, sexual identity, age, and caregiver education) indicated that transgender boys and transgender girls reported significantly worse gender-specific experiences in schools related to pronoun and chosen name use as well as access to restrooms/locker rooms compared with youth with nonbinary gender-diverse identities (eg, demigender and nonbinary), with some exceptions. Furthermore, transgender boys reported greater authentic gender expression through clothing relative to most other youth with nonbinary gender-diverse identities (eg, gender nonconforming and multiother). These findings have implications for how we might develop targeted interventions given that we pinpoint several disparities in health-relevant gender-affirming school experiences among transgender youth based on their specific gender identity. Finally, this provides stakeholders with a greater understanding of the extent of heterogeneity within transgender communities.