LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- To understand gender as a spectrum, rather than as a watertight category
- To learn about the non-binary gender identity
- To appreciate and accommodate the gender differences in society without stereotyping or discrimination.
BEYOND THE BINARY
Binary literally means something that is composed of two parts. Gender is one of those things that is traditionally conceived to be binary in nature, ie, composed of either male or female categories. While most people do identify as either men (male) or women (female), not every gender identity is represented appropriately by these terms. There are many people who believe that their gender identity does not conform to either of those tags. They may feel that their gender blends the elements of both what constitutes to be a “male” as well as a “female”. Such people may use a number of terms to define themselves, such as genderqueer, agender, bigender, genderfluid, etc. All these terms fall under the umbrella of non-binary gender.
The very notion of non-binary gender shows that gender binary is an erroneous and flawed concept. This flows from the logic that gender is not watertight, indisputable, or dualistic in nature. It can rather be visualized as a spectrum, with either extremes being male and female. Naturally, not everyone would subscribe to the extremes, and many would fall in the huge intervening space. This intervening space is catered to by the non-binary gender.
Non-binary gender identity can sometimes also be understood as one of the many categories falling under the umbrella of “trans-gender”, which deals with a switch in gender, or non-conformity with the sex assigned at birth. However, other times, it is conceived to be as an altogether new term, distinct from the trans-gender identities.
RELEVANCE IN FEMINISM
The existence of a non-binary gender identity also bears relevance in the feminist discourse. This is because it testifies to the assumption, long held by feminists, that sex and gender are altogether different ideas. While the former is biologically or naturally determined, the latter is socially determined, and hence subject to change over a period of time, according to the specific experiences of each unique individual.
One of the characteristics of the patriarchal world is that it is extremely gendered, that is, everything, ranging from objects and activities to mannerisms and personalities has been assigned a gender. For example, applying makeup, a seemingly simple and genderless activity, has been assigned a feminine character, as if it is or should be exclusively done by those who identify as women. However, the very existence of non-binary gender acts as a critique to these gendered systems, as they prove that it is totally possible to be neither male nor female, or alternatively, both male and female at once.
DISPELLING THE MYTHS
Many regard the expression of non-binary or queer gender identities as a contemporary fad or a “phase” in one’s life. However, the existence of a non-binary gender is not novel. Many cultures around the world have recognised the non-binary identities for over a millennia. Hijras (roughly translated as the third gender), referenced in ancient Hindu texts as far back as 400 B.C. to 200 A.D., is a case in point. However, it is important to note that they have always been limited to the subaltern. In the contemporary period, prominent celebrities have also displayed non-binary characteristics. For example, Falguni Pathak is famously regarded by Indian pop culture as a genderqueer icon. Other openly non-binary celebrities include Demi Lovato and Sam Smith.
It is also common to see confusion around similar gender identities like transgender and intersex people. As mentioned above, while transgender umbrella may include non-binary identity too, intersex folks are not the same as non-binary people. Intersex individuals are hermaphrodites who have sexual organs that resemble neither male nor female. Hence, intersex is related to biological organs that is naturally determined, whereas non-binary is a queer gender identity which is socially determined.
CULTIVATING INCLUSIVITY: HOW TO BE MORE RESPECTFUL?
The problem of a deeply gendered society, like ours, is that it is inherently exclusive and discriminatory to those who do not fit neatly into the boxed categories of male and female. However, adopting just a few measures, can make a world of a difference when it comes to gender inclusivity.
- We can monitor our language and make sure that we are never assuming someone’s gender identity, just by looking at their appearance.
- To be even more respectful, we can politely ask someone’s pronouns if we’re not sure about it.
- Other gendered aspects of our life, like washrooms, sports, and award categories, etc can be made gender neutral, rather than being strictly organized as male or female.
While this is a contentious topic requiring government intervention, we can always make changes in our own demeanor, language, actions, and other things in our personal capacity, in order to cultivate a culture of inclusivity. It isn’t that difficult and it’s definitely worth it.
REFERENCES:
“Non-Binary Inclusion.” LGBT Foundation – Home, 2022. https://lgbt.foundation/who-we-help/trans-people/non-binary.
