Every 14 of July, we celebrate people who identify as non-binary in all our communities.
This day is focused on shedding some light, raising awareness and organising around the issues faced by non-binary people around the world.
Some facts: Did you know?
- July 14 was chosen as it falls precisely between International Men’s Day and International Women’s Day, and was first celebrated in 2012.
- Countries such as Canada, Australia, Bangladesh, Germany, Denmark, The Netherlands and New Zealand are some of the countries worldwide that recognize a third gender which allows non-binary people to add an ‘X’ on their legal documents, instead of going with the gender they were assigned with at birth.
- Australia might have been the first country to recognize a gender classification outside of male and female on legal documentations.
- The week of July 14 is celebrated as Non=binary awareness week.
Terminology
First coined in 1995, non-binary, or gender non-conforming, or genderqueer, is an umbrella term for gender identities. The term refers to people who don’t identify as being solely ‘male’ or ‘female’.
Non-binary pronouns
There are a variety of pronouns used by people who identify as non-binary or queer.
Some people prefer to use (they/their/them), while others prefer some uncommon pronouns, known as neopronouns such as (xe/ze/sie/co/ey). This being said, some people prefer to use ‘he/him’ or ‘she/her’ as their pronouns, or simply use their names without any pronouns at all.
Fact: An additional gender neutral term which is used by non-binary people is the title ‘Mx’, the neutral title of ‘Mr.’ and ‘Ms.’.
Non-binary people spotlight
There are many known people who identify as non-binary and have had a huge influence on our culture, politics, philosophy and more throughout time.
Well-known figures around the globe who identify as non-binary include:
- American Philosopher and gender theorist Judith Butler
- Canadian Political and retired basketball player Uzoma Asagwara
- American singer/songwriter and actress Miley Cyrus
- English model actress and singer Cara Delevingne
- Canadian actor and writer K Alexander
- American singer and songwriter Janelle Monáe
- Japanese-American singer and songwriter Hikaru Utada
- English Actor Emma Corrin
- Australian drag queen singer Courtney Act
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