Every July, tucked between the glitter of Pride Month and the fire of Disability Pride, comes a celebration that too often gets overlooked: International Non-Binary People’s Day, observed on July 14, and the larger Non-Binary Awareness Week that surrounds it.
While society is slowly learning to understand transgender identities, the non-binary experience is still frequently misunderstood, erased, or dismissed entirely. That’s why these observances aren’t just “nice to have”—they’re crucial. They offer visibility, education, celebration, and most of all, solidarity for a beautiful spectrum of identities that live beyond the binary.
Whether you identify as non-binary yourself, are exploring your gender, or want to be a better ally, this is your invitation to learn, unlearn, and celebrate.
💛 What Does “Non-Binary” Mean?
Let’s start at the basics. The term non-binary refers to any gender identity that does not fall exclusively into the categories of “male” or “female.” It’s an umbrella term that includes a wide range of experiences and identities, including but not limited to:
- Agender – having no gender
- Bigender – identifying as two genders
- Genderfluid – shifting between genders
- Demiboy/Demigirl – partially identifying with a gender
- Neutrois, Maverique, and more – all valid, complex, and real
Non-binary people may or may not identify as transgender. Some use the term trans as part of their identity, others don’t. The key is self-definition, not strict categories.
And here’s the truth, darling: non-binary people have always existed. Across history and cultures, gender diversity has flourished—from the hijra of South Asia, to two-spirit identities in many Indigenous nations, to gender nonconforming figures throughout ancient history. The binary is a construct—not a universal law.
📅 The Origin of International Non-Binary People’s Day
International Non-Binary People’s Day falls on July 14—exactly between International Women’s Day (March 8) and International Men’s Day (November 19). A poetic, symbolic choice that beautifully reflects the space between and beyond traditional gender categories.
While it’s a relatively new observance, first gaining traction around 2012, its impact has grown each year. In recent years, it’s been embraced more widely by LGBTQIA+ organizations, schools, media, and activists as a time to uplift non-binary voices and advocate for more inclusive language, policies, and representation.
📆 What Is Non-Binary Awareness Week?
Non-Binary Awareness Week begins on the Sunday or Monday leading up to July 14, with the week culminating in International Non-Binary People’s Day itself. It’s a time for:
- Education: Teaching others about non-binary identities
- Visibility: Celebrating non-binary individuals in public life
- Advocacy: Pushing for gender-inclusive spaces, policies, and language
- Joy: Because being non-binary is not just a challenge—it’s also beautiful, liberating, and worth celebrating
Many people use this week to share their own stories, challenge misconceptions, or just proudly exist as their authentic selves.
🌈 Why This Week Matters
Despite increasing visibility, non-binary people continue to face real and systemic barriers:
- Lack of recognition in legal documents (like IDs and passports)
- Misgendering and lack of inclusive language in workplaces, schools, and healthcare
- Discrimination, isolation, and violence
- Erasure from mainstream LGBTQIA+ conversations and media
A 2021 survey by The Trevor Project found that non-binary youth are at high risk for mental health challenges due to rejection, stigma, and lack of support. At the same time, that same data showed that having one supportive adult—just one—can dramatically reduce those risks.
That’s why awareness isn’t just about posting a flag emoji. It’s about showing up, advocating, respecting pronouns, challenging assumptions, and making room.
🎨 The Non-Binary Flag
Let’s talk colors, honey!
The non-binary flag, created by activist Kye Rowan in 2014, is made of four horizontal stripes:
- 💛 Yellow – those whose gender exists outside the binary
- ⚪ White – people with many or all genders
- 💜 Purple – those who identify as a mix of male and female
- ⚫ Black – people who identify with no gender at all
It’s not just cute—it’s powerful symbolism. It represents a whole spectrum of identities that often exist unseen.
💬 Language, Pronouns & Respect
Language is a tool of liberation. Using the right words—like someone’s correct pronouns (they/them, ze/hir, xe/xem, or even just a name)—is not a burden. It’s the bare minimum of respect.
Some non-binary people use they/them pronouns, some use neo-pronouns, and some use a mix. The best way to know? Ask. And if you make a mistake? Apologize, correct yourself, and move on. Don’t make it about you—make it about respect.
Also, consider using gender-neutral language in everyday speech:
- “Everyone” instead of “ladies and gentlemen”
- “They” instead of assuming “he” or “she”
- “Parent,” “partner,” or “sibling” in place of mother/father, boyfriend/girlfriend, brother/sister
It’s inclusive, easy, and affirming.
🏳️🌈 Queerness Beyond the Binary
Many non-binary folks also identify as queer, trans, asexual, or any number of LGBTQIA+ identities. But sadly, even within queer spaces, non-binary people are sometimes treated like an afterthought.
Pride events often use gendered categories. LGBTQIA+ organizations sometimes focus only on binary trans experiences. And cis people (even queer ones) may invalidate or question non-binary identities because they don’t “look” trans enough or “don’t use hormones.”
But gender identity is not about looking a certain way—it’s about being, knowing, and naming yourself. That’s radical. That’s beautiful. That’s queer.
✨ How to Celebrate & Support Non-Binary People
Whether you’re non-binary yourself or an ally, here are ways to show up this week (and always):
✅ 1. Educate Yourself
Don’t expect non-binary people to do all the labor. Read books, follow creators, and watch content that centers non-binary voices.
Suggested reads:
- Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon
- They/Them/Their by Eris Young
- Gender Euphoria (an anthology)
✅ 2. Normalize Sharing Pronouns
In bios, in meetings, on name tags. When everyone shares, it helps create a safer space for those whose pronouns aren’t assumed.
✅ 3. Challenge Binary Norms
Notice where gender is unnecessarily enforced: restrooms, forms, dress codes, sports. Then ask—why? Push for change where you can.
✅ 4. Celebrate Non-Binary Joy
It’s not just about surviving—it’s about thriving. Highlight non-binary artists, authors, musicians, and leaders. Share their work. Send them money. Support their brilliance.
✅ 5. Be an Active Ally
When someone gets misgendered, speak up. When forms don’t include “non-binary” or “other,” ask why. When a friend comes out, celebrate them.
💖 A Final Word: You Are Valid. You Are Loved.
If you’re reading this and you’re non-binary: You are real. You are valid. You are enough. Whether you’re out, questioning, masked, fluid, loud, quiet, flamboyant, neutral, or any shimmering mix—you deserve to take up space.
There is no “right way” to be non-binary. There is only your way. That’s more than enough. That’s power.
To all my non-binary siblings out there: This week is yours. The world may not always get it, but there is a growing chorus that does. We see you. We celebrate you. We fight for a world where you don’t have to explain or shrink or hide.
In Solidarity, Always
– Ryder
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