A broad exploration of the position of non-binary persons

Non-binary individuals have become increasingly visible in Dutch society in recent years. But what does it mean to be non-binary? And why is it important to pay more attention to non-binary individuals? In the new guide ’10 questions about non-binary individuals’, Movisie and Transgender Network Netherlands answer these and other questions.

What is non-binary?
When you somehow do not fit into the normative binary male/female dichotomy as we know it in our society, we call that non-binary. Being non-binary is therefore a gender identity with which you can identify. Each person experiences and describes this in their own way. Some of these people call themselves ‘non-binary’. Other terms that people use to describe their gender identity include agender (literally: no gender) and genderfluid (a person's gender identity fluctuates).

We do not know exactly how many people in the Netherlands are non-binary, as the findings from studies vary. However, it is likely that this concerns at least 3% of the population.

A binary-structured society
Our society is largely binary in structure. This means that it is organised into two gender categories: male and female. This dichotomy is reflected everywhere. Think of toilets, sports teams, clothing and forms of address. Because non-binary people are generally excluded from this, they are not only less visible, but are also often excluded from full participation in society. This is evident in various areas, which are discussed in the guide, including healthcare, the workplace and legislation.

‘Gender inclusivity means that there is room for everyone's gender identity and gender expression. With this guide, municipal employees, social professionals, and care and support professionals can ensure that they also offer that space to non-binary people.’

– Anne Levah Russchen from Transgender Network

Gender-inclusive policy
As a local authority or social professional, there are various things you can do to make your work more gender-inclusive. For example, you can involve non-binary people in your policy and implementation, communicate in a gender-inclusive way and avoid unnecessary gender registration. This will benefit the position of non-binary people. By committing to creating more space for gender diversity, not only will non-binary individuals experience more space to be themselves, but everyone will have more space to be themselves regardless of their gender identity or expression.

10 questions
In the guide ’10 questions about non-binary persons’, Movisie and Transgender Network Netherlands answer the following questions:

What is non-binary?
How many non-binary individuals are there in the Netherlands?
Why is greater visibility of non-binary individuals important?
How does more space for gender diversity contribute to an inclusive society?
How can you use gender-inclusive language?
What legal issues are important for non-binary persons?
What is the situation regarding the safety of non-binary persons?
How do non-binary individuals experience the support provided by healthcare professionals?
How can you, as a local authority, take non-binary individuals into account?
As a social professional, how can you take non-binary individuals into account?

Download the full publication at Movisie.nl

Source: Movisie.co.uk