Research

I believe that non-binary individuals are those who do not identify exclusively as male or female, and I conducted research to deepen my understanding of what it truly means to be non-binary and the obstacles faced by these people. From what I discovered, non-binary identities are extremely varied. Many people feel their gender can shift over time, or that they simply don't fit into the traditional categories of man and woman. For instance, I came across stories about teenagers like Fionn, who describes themselves as “gender fluid,” meaning their sense of gender changes depending on how they feel at that moment. Sometimes they wake up feeling more like a boy, and other times more like a girl, which shows how complex and flexible gender identity can be. 

I also learned about J, a young adult working in an engineering field. J identifies as non-binary and shared that they often find it hard to be accepted both socially and officially. They explained that society often misunderstands them and that official documents like forms and IDs don’t accurately reflect who they are. J mentioned feeling trapped because they are forced to select either male or female, even though neither option truly fits. This made me realize how important it is to have more inclusive choices in official paperwork so non-binary people can feel recognized and validated.  

My research revealed that non-binary identities are not a recent phenomenon. In fact, many cultures around the world have recognized gender roles outside the binary of male and female for centuries. For example, Native American tribes refer to Two-Spirit individuals, who play significant ceremonial and social roles that do not conform to the binary gender system. Similarly, in Māori culture, Fa’afafines and other traditional gender roles have existed for generations. These examples demonstrate that gender diversity has been part of human history globally, even if Western societies only began to understand and accept these identities more recently. 

Despite this rich history, I think society still has a significant amount of progress to make in fully accepting non-binary people. I found that many face discrimination, prejudice, and misunderstanding in their everyday lives. They often encounter assumptions about how they look or dress, with many being pressured to fit into traditional gender stereotypes. Additionally, accessing healthcare that respects their gender identity can be difficult, which can cause emotional and mental health struggles. I also learned that in places like Scotland, efforts are underway to improve legal recognition for non-binary individuals, such as including non-binary options on official forms and census questions. These steps are important because they help society see that non-binary people are real and deserving of respect. 

Furthermore, I discovered that numerous support groups and advocacy organizations are working hard to increase awareness and provide safe spaces for non-binary individuals. For example, LGBT Youth Scotland runs groups where young non-binary people can share their experiences and find community. Many people are unfamiliar with what non-binary means, and some believe false ideas, like thinking non-binary people are just confused or that their identities are invalid. 

I think understanding the history and experiences of non-binary people is essential for creating a more inclusive society. Recognizing that gender is a complex and personal aspect of identity helps us see beyond the binary framework.