While a relatively new addition to the calendar of Diversity Days, this is a day to celebrate and elevate non-binary people, and to educate and  inform ourselves and others about what it means to be non-binary, and the challenges faced by this community.  Non-Binary is an umbrella term for any number of gender identities that sit within, outside of, across or between the spectrum of the male and female binary. A non-binary person might identify as gender fluid, trans masculine, trans feminine, agender, bigender, etc.  It can be complicated to understand, but it’s not difficult to be respectful and supportive of non-binary people.  One of the simplest ways to be an ally is by including pronouns in your email signature, on your social media profiles, and when introducing yourself, especially if you are cisgender. Normalising the giving and asking for pronouns reduces the risk of misgendering anyone, and takes the expectation off non-binary people to always start that conversation.

ACON resources to download:

International Non-Binary People’s Day Promotional Kit

Language Guide: Trans and Gender Diverse Inclusion