Non-binary is a term used to describe gender identities that are not exclusively male or female. It is an umbrella term that encompasses a range of gender identities that fall outside the gender binary. Non-binary people may identify as an intermediate or separate third gender, identify with more than one gender, no gender, or have a fluctuating gender identity. Gender identity is separate from sexual or romantic orientation, and non-binary people have various sexual orientations. Being non-binary is also not the same as being intersex; most intersex people identify as either male or female.

Non-binary people have been recognized for millennia by cultures and societies around the world. Non-binary people are not new or a trend, and the term has gained increasing mainstream recognition over the last decade. Non-binary people can dress in various ways, and some will pursue social and/or medical transition, while others won’t. Non-binary is also different from intersex, which refers to people who are born with reproductive or sexual anatomy that falls outside of what people would typically describe as male or female.

Non-binary people use many different terms to describe themselves, with non-binary being one of the most common. Other terms include genderqueer, agender, bigender, genderfluid, and more. None of these terms mean exactly the same thing, but all speak to an experience of gender that is not simply male or female. Non-binary includes anyone that doesn’t fit the traditional narrative of male or female, and non-binary communities are incredibly diverse. The range of language and labels used within non-binary communities means that non-binary has become an inclusive umbrella term.

Non-binary people may desire gender-affirming health care, including hormone replacement therapy or surgery, but others may not. The factors that lead to this decision are complex and unique to each person. Non-binary patients seeking care may face challenges due to a lack of understanding and awareness among healthcare providers. It is important to respect and support non-binary people by accepting their judgment about where they feel most comfortable when dealing with spaces that are based on binary gender.