It's International Non-Binary Day!

July 14th is recognized annually as the International Non-Binary People’s Day. Today is recognized with the intention of honoring and celebrating people who identify as non-binary as well as bringing awareness to struggles people in this community face. There is a lot of hate in this world, however, we are here to change that. To be a great ally and help support our non-binary peers, we must first and foremost educate ourselves:

What Does "Non-Binary" Mean?

The term “non-binary” refers to anyone whose gender identity or experience cannot be exclusively defined by using the terms “man” or “woman”. Non-binary can mean different things to different individuals, but it is most often used as a way to describe identities that carry both masculine and feminine traits. As imaginable, this can be a confusing and/or challenging journey for anyone. Read more about what it means to be non-binary here.

How we can be allies to our friends in the non-binary community:

1. Educate yourself and others!

This can never be said enough. In order to show support and celebrate our differences, we need to educate ourselves. Terms or identities in the LGBTQ+ community that some people have not heard of may seem “new,” but non-binary people have always existed. This is not a disease or a problem, it’s who they are and how they identify. A big step towards ending discrimination is education. 

2. Celebrate!

Non-binary people receive hate and discrimination like all other identities in the LGBTQ+ community, solely for being who they are. We need to do the opposite. Not only should people stop hating and discriminating, but they should also celebrate this amazing diversity. It is so beautiful to see love win in so many different ways, and this is cause for celebration. Our differences are what makes us us. Instead of putting someone down for being different, thank them and applaud them for their bravery. 

3. Advocate!

Advocacy refers to public support for or recommendation of a particular cause or policy. In other words, it means supporting a cause and showing others that you support it. You can do this by posting organizations that support people in the non-binary community and that inspire others to donate and do the same. Standing up for marginalized groups who can’t always stand up for themselves is part of being a great ally and supporter. 

4. Practice Solidarity!

Solidarity refers to mutual support within a group. Even if you don’t identify or directly know someone who identifies as non-binary, you can still show solidarity and support to those in this community. Being an ally is an important part of showing support. If you can, donate to organizations, spread awareness, and post on social media. Your voice matters!

Summary

Today, on International Non-Binary People’s Day, think about what you could do as an ally or member to show support to the amazing community of non-binary people. If you identify as non-binary, Pride Palace loves you and thanks you for being you. If you are an ally, we also love and appreciate you.

If you would like to educate yourself more on what it means to be non-binary, read this blog post.

Happy International Non-Binary People’s Day, Pride Palace family! 

Sources:

• https://lgbt.foundation/who-we-help/trans-people/non-binary?__cf_chl_jschl_tk__=f180073cfb516ba2763832f90de19c3d345046db-1626050980-0-AXvtNpPq_61XzCaqKbk-ZapVNDw16Biq62dr2PMoO7zfzJG2f-xkC6oXzT7FQHHt4951Q3RYeypGEOKVOsWRPOIhRmu51MVpQ54T05ShDtbyCy15k0ioP93m0Hzza5ZUyy7CceWODDxVOqDSIriOC-4heUimBP6PQRRkelHkXHYotWKNHeFObCmYryAK09kuX8aTZ1JZSTGOhuoojf_Y6szQULw3F6JiH1RLVc2Wq8YT-rk2LcRgfmxBcrb6vB2Dit5puckup-X2sa9EWkSz0kBEYz1HFpkTzzZXRFw2ZMgMohajqUuLB5NkR4B8llJoS95bSIQNSHVxnKgm7kESv253BidYzsIpYT2BGrSM_Zzga4kMCay507zJuV8TeUX1_DsVr79t1WFaOF46pK_IpnFinvxrcxRSifxzz33Ae9WND1BjX7AHRfpeCYLbIRHlgA
• https://www.hrc.org/news/celebrating-the-diversity-of-the-non-binary-community-for-international-non