Think 'non-binary' doesn't affect you or your workplace? Think again

This week is 'Non-Binary Awareness Week'?and is also 'International?Non-Binary?People's?Day'?on 14th July – both are aimed to raise awareness and inform people about non-binary people globally. But what does non-binary mean? Why is it relevant to the workplace? And how can you be more supportive?

Non-binary 101

Non-binary is an umbrella term that refers to people who do not identify as “man” or “woman” (i.e. the binary genders). However it is not a one-size-fits-all label as it encompasses the terms gender-fluid, gender-queer and gender non-confirming. Non-binary people can identify more closely with masculinity, femininity, both or neither.

A study by GLAAD found that Millennials are more than twice as likely to identify as non-binary than previous generations – and with Millennials estimated to represent 75% of the workforce by 2025 it’s essential businesses become inclusive of everyone, regardless of their gender identity.

Only 1% of the non-binary population feel “completely protected” by the current equalities legislation at work – with 42%?of the survey by Beyond Boundaries saying they have suffered in relation to their gender identity in the workplace (e.g. job offers rescinded after coming out, harassed, misgendered, banned from using office toilets)

LGBTQ+ inclusion in the workplace is a huge determining factor when Millenials look at prospective companies. A study by HR Agenda found that 88% of Millennials seek a “blending of their personal and professional lives, in order to make both work better." Ignoring this could risk companies attracting millennial talent, with policies/ conduct being a reflection of values and the working environment.

"56% of Millennials have ruled out ever working for a particular organization because of its values or standard of conduct"

There are numerous examples of celebrities who identify as non-binary: Sam Smith, Demi Lovato, Indya Moore, Bimini Bon Boulash and Owen Hurcum.

Non-binary is:

• NOT just about aesthetic

Many non-binary people don’t dress in an androgynous way – just as there is no way to dress correctly, there is no correct way to look non binary.

• NOT only people who want to use ‘they/them’ pronouns

Some may use he/him, she/her, a combination of the two or none

• NOT a Millennial/ Gen-Z “trend”

People have been identifying as non-binary for millennia by cultures and societies around the world. However information about the gender binaries is more accessible, widespread and in depth – hence why there is an increasing amount of people coming out as non-binary.

• NOT the same as being transgender

Most transgender people are not non-binary – most identify as male or female. It is also not the same as being intersex (a person born with anatomy or genes that don’t fit typical definitions of ‘male’ and ‘female’)

Supporting Non-Binary People

• Normalise using preferred pronouns and using the name a person asks you to use. LinkedIn and Instagram now have options to display your pronouns. Another simple way is adding them to email signatures. Many non-binary individuals also use a name different from their given name (for complete clarity….don’t ‘dead name’ someone i.e. ask what their old name was....)
• Gender inclusive language. Rather than saying gendered language like ‘hey guys’ or ‘speak to his/her manager,’ use gender-inclusive language like ‘hey everyone’ and ‘speak to their manager.’
• Remember - you can’t tell if someone is non-binary simply by looking at them. It’s OK not to understand what it means for someone to be non-binary - but you can still respect them
• Advocate for non-binary friendly work policies. It’s important for non-binary people to be able to live, dress and have their gender respected at work, at school and in public spaces. Having more than one tick box on forms (e.g. male or female), removing gender specific language and having gender neutral toilets are two simple ways that work places can be more supportive of non-binary people.

Hopefully what is obvious is that it isn’t as hard as you might think to be supportive and respectful of non-binary people, even if you have just started to learn about them. In all aspects it's important to remember:

“Just because something is new to you does not mean it is new. Just because you’re unfamiliar with something does not mean it’s not real”

To learn more:

• Understanding Non-Binary People: How to Be Respectful and Supportive | National Center for Transgender Equality (transequality.org)
• OE-Non-Binary-Best-Practices.pdf (outandequal.org)
• New GLAAD study reveals twenty percent of millennials identify as LGBTQ | GLAAD
• How to be truly inclusive of non-binary genders at work - BBC Worklife
• Being non-binary | LGBT HERO - the national health and wellbeing charity