Genetic Analysis: Interpreting the Term "Non-binary": This term refers to individuals who identify as neither exclusively male nor female, or a combination of both.
In an update on June 10, 2025, we delve into the history and current status of non-binary recognition and acceptance across the world.
The term "non-binary," a precursor to the modern "non-binary" identity, gained prominence among those challenging binary social constructions of gender in the 1980s, originating from queer zines. Non-binary people do not identify with the gender binary, seeing themselves as neither female nor male. Some non-binary individuals prefer the title 'Mx.' instead of 'Mr' or 'Mrs.'
The International Non-Binary Day, started in 2012, is celebrated annually on July 14, with the purpose of raising awareness about gender expression that does not conform to the legally recognized binary categories of man and woman. This day is significant as it bisects International Women's Day in March and International Men's Day in November.
Although non-binary people might not consider themselves as transgender, they are often included under the transgender or LGBTQ+ umbrella term. However, it is essential to note that non-binary is a term specifically for gender identity and not related to sexual or romantic orientation.
Non-binary individuals face widespread discrimination, including harassment at the workplace, physical and sexual assault, and police harassment, as documented in the US. Despite growing awareness in recent times, the global acceptance of non-binary genders is still low.
Many societies have historically recognized gender identities beyond the binary. Indigenous cultures in North America, for example, have long acknowledged third-gender roles, such as the Diné *nádleehi* and Zuni *lhamana*, later described by the pan-Indian term "two-spirit" as a way to unify and replace offensive colonial labels. Similar roles exist in other Indigenous and Polynesian cultures, including the Hawaiian *māhū*, Samoan *fa'afafine*, and the *muxe* in southern Mexico.
In Western contexts, historical figures such as the Public Universal Friend—an 18th-century genderless missionary who discarded their birth name and gendered pronouns—are now recognized as early non-binary examples. However, widespread Western recognition of non-binary gender is relatively recent.
Several countries have introduced non-binary or third-gender markers in legal documents. For instance, since 2022, the federal government in the United States has recognized a third gender option ("X") on passports, but as of early 2025, the State Department froze new applications for this marker. Many U.S. states allow non-binary gender markers on state-issued IDs, but this varies significantly by state.
Other countries with non-binary or third-gender options on official documents include Australia, New Zealand, Canada, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Germany, and Malta. However, many countries, especially those with Indigenous populations, have traditional third-gender roles but may not have formal legal recognition for non-binary identities outside these roles.
Non-binary people often face discrimination, misgendering, and exclusion in medical, educational, and social settings. Legal recognition does not necessarily equate to societal acceptance, and even in countries with progressive laws, non-binary people may encounter prejudice. Intersectionality and visibility present additional challenges for non-binary people, as they may face compounded challenges based on race, ethnicity, class, and other intersecting identities.
In conclusion, while recognition and acceptance of non-binary individuals are advancing in some countries through legal reforms and increased visibility, challenges such as discrimination, bureaucratic barriers, and lack of societal understanding remain significant. Traditional cultures have often recognized third genders for centuries, highlighting that binary gender systems are not universal.
This article was edited by Chitresh Sehgal.
[1] http://twospirits.org/ [2] https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/blog/third-gender-identities-around-the-world/ [3] https://www.nytimes.com/2022/02/26/style/non-binary-pronouns-they-ze-per.html [4] https://www.hrc.org/resources/non-binary-gender-identity-and-the-law [5] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-56434016
- The history of non-binary recognition in India can be traced back to ancient times, where third-gender roles like the Hijra were recognized and held significant social status.
- In the realm of Bollywood, some non-binary individuals have used their careers as a platform for advocating personal growth and social-media visibility on issues related to gender identity and fashion-and-beauty.
- Education and self-development play a crucial role in helping non-binary individuals navigate their identities, as they seek to understand their place in pop-culture and entertainment landscapes.
- Non-binary people in India often face challenges in securing legal recognition and societal acceptance, mirroring global trends in various countries and cultures.
- The future for non-binary representation in Indian society and Bollywood lies in continued education, visibility, and advocacy, working towards a more inclusive lifestyle and entertainment industry.
