Conversations around gender have evolved quite a bit over the years, and frankly, it’s about time.
What does gender nonconforming mean?
Not all trans people are gender nonconforming, and not all gender-nonconforming people are trans.
Understanding gender and gender norms.
Societal constructs only exist because people have decided they exist.
Gender nonconformity in practice.
I’m just being me," they say.
Related terms.
Here are some definitions of some related terms, according to Hodder-Shipp.
Gender fluid
Typically describes someone whose gender varies over time.
Gender-fluid folks may fluctuate among genders or express more than one gender at the same time.
Am I gender nonconforming?
Just keep being you.
who can provide guidance in a safer and more intentional container," they add.
How to support gender-nonconforming people.
Check your own biases.
Check your own gender biases and expectations and notice if/when you impose them on others, Hodder-Shipp says.
Notice the words and language you use in your day-to-day, especially in relation to others.
Do you use binary language, always referring to “men and women” instead of “people”?
How aware are you of gender expansiveness, and are there words and terms that are unfamiliar?
Educate yourself.
Queen recommends just having great conversations with them if they are up for it!
Then fine-tune for the specific person in front of you.
Don’t judge.
Queen says the most important thing is not to be judgmental or pressure people about gender.
So don’t police others re: whether they are doing GNC “correctly.”
We areallon a spectrum, Queen says.
Make adjustments.
And try your best to avoid repeating the mistakes!
