Glossary of Common Non-Binary Terms

1. Non-Binary: An umbrella term for gender identities that are not exclusively male or female. Non-binary individuals may identify as a mix of both genders, neither, or as a different gender entirely.
2. Genderqueer: A term often used interchangeably with non-binary, referring to a gender identity that does not fit within the traditional binary of male and female.
3. Genderfluid: A gender identity that is not fixed and can change over time or depending on the situation. A genderfluid person may feel more male at some times, more female at others, or somewhere in between.
4. Agender: A person who identifies as having no gender or being without a gender identity. They may also describe themselves as gender-neutral or gender-free.
5. Bigender: A person who identifies as having two distinct gender identities, either simultaneously or switching between the two.
6. Demi-gender: A term used for a gender identity that is partially, but not wholly, connected to a particular gender. For example, demiboy (partially male) or demigirl (partially female).
7. Neutrois: A non-binary gender identity that is often associated with neutrality or the absence of gender. Some neutrois individuals may seek to minimize gender expression.
8. Two-Spirit: A term used by some Indigenous cultures in North America to describe a person who embodies both masculine and feminine spirits. This term is culturally specific and should be used with respect and understanding of its cultural context.
9. Pronouns: Words used to refer to people without using their names. Common non-binary pronouns include they/them, ze/hir, and xe/xem. It’s important to use the pronouns that a person specifies.
10. Misgender: Referring to someone using a word, especially a pronoun or form of address, that does not correctly reflect their gender identity. Misgendering can be harmful and disrespectful.
11. Gender Dysphoria: The distress or discomfort that may occur when a person's gender identity does not align with their sex assigned at birth. Not all non-binary individuals experience gender dysphoria.
12. Gender Euphoria: The joy or comfort a person feels when their gender identity is affirmed and recognized. This can be through correct pronoun use, presentation, or social acknowledgment.
13. Cisgender: A term for people whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth. For example, a person assigned female at birth who identifies as a woman is cisgender.
14. Transition: The process some transgender and non-binary people go through to live as the gender with which they identify. This can include social transition (changing name, pronouns, appearance), medical transition (hormones, surgeries), and legal transition (changing gender markers on identification documents).
15. Deadname: The birth name of a transgender or non-binary person who has chosen a new name that better aligns with their gender identity. Using a person's deadname without consent is disrespectful.
16. Gender Expression: The external display of one's gender, through clothing, behavior, haircut, voice, and body characteristics. Gender expression may not necessarily align with gender identity.