Non-Binary vs. Non-Gender

Attribute	Non-Binary	Non-Gender
Definition	Identifying as neither exclusively male nor exclusively female	Rejecting the concept of gender entirely
Identity	Can include a mix of both male and female characteristics	Does not align with any gender
Pronouns	May use gender-neutral pronouns like they/them	May prefer to be referred to without any pronouns
Expression	May present themselves in a way that is not traditionally male or female	May not conform to any gender norms in their expression

Definition

Non-binary and non-gender are terms used to describe individuals who do not exclusively identify as male or female. Non-binary individuals may identify as a combination of genders, neither gender, or a gender outside of the traditional male/female binary. Non-gender individuals, on the other hand, may reject the concept of gender altogether and choose not to identify with any gender.

Gender Expression

Non-binary individuals may express their gender identity through a variety of means, such as clothing, hairstyle, and behavior. Some non-binary individuals may present themselves in a way that is a mix of traditionally masculine and feminine traits, while others may choose to present in a way that is completely unique to them. Non-gender individuals, on the other hand, may choose to express themselves in a way that is neutral or devoid of any gendered characteristics.

Pronouns

Non-binary individuals may use a variety of pronouns to reflect their gender identity, such as they/them, xe/xem, or ze/zir. These pronouns are used in place of traditional gendered pronouns like he/him or she/her. Non-gender individuals, on the other hand, may prefer to use gender-neutral pronouns like they/them or simply go by their name instead of using pronouns at all.

Social Acceptance

Non-binary individuals may face challenges in society due to the lack of understanding and acceptance of gender diversity. They may experience discrimination, harassment, and invalidation of their gender identity. Non-gender individuals, on the other hand, may face similar challenges but may also encounter confusion or disbelief from others who struggle to understand the concept of not identifying with any gender.

Legal Recognition

Non-binary individuals may have the option to legally change their gender marker to a non-binary designation in some jurisdictions. This allows them to have identification documents that accurately reflect their gender identity. Non-gender individuals, on the other hand, may face challenges in legal recognition as many legal systems require individuals to identify as male or female.

Community Support

Non-binary individuals may find support and community among other gender-diverse individuals through online forums, support groups, and LGBTQ+ organizations. These spaces provide a sense of belonging and understanding for non-binary individuals. Non-gender individuals, on the other hand, may have a smaller community of individuals who share their specific identity, making it more challenging to find support and understanding.

Gender Dysphoria

Non-binary individuals may experience gender dysphoria, a feeling of discomfort or distress that can occur when a person's gender identity does not align with the sex they were assigned at birth. This can be alleviated through various forms of gender-affirming care, such as therapy, hormone therapy, or surgery. Non-gender individuals, on the other hand, may not experience gender dysphoria in the same way as they may not have a gender identity to align with their assigned sex.

Conclusion

Non-binary and non-gender individuals both challenge traditional notions of gender and provide important perspectives on the diversity of human identity. While they may have some similarities in their rejection of the male/female binary, they also have distinct differences in how they understand and express their gender identity. It is important to respect and validate the identities of both non-binary and non-gender individuals in order to create a more inclusive and understanding society.