RALEIGH, N.C. — According to a study from UCLA School of Law's William Institute, 1.2 million people in the United States identify as nonbinary. That means they do not conform to the specifics of a strict male or female binary.
What You Need To Know
- According to a study, 1.2 million people in the United States identify as nonbinary, meaning they don't conform to the strict male and female gender binary
- A psychologist in North Carolina recommends paying attention to and using the correct pronouns when addressing someone
- Gender is made up of more than just one thing
Amar Saxena is a licensed psychologist in Raleigh, who identifies as transmasculine, nonbinary and gender fluid. Saxena has several books in their office, including some that dive more into how gender has shifted over time, space and cultures.
"Gender is a lot of little things," Saxena said. "And I don't fully fit in or feel like I ascribe to these stereotypical notions, or expectations, or roles of what we typically expect in our society of masculine folks or feminine folks."
Saxena says paying attention to pronouns, including pronouns in your email signature, and educating yourself could help create a more inclusive community. They say even the use of "sir" and "ma'am" can be used incorrectly.
"If you're not sure, it's better to ask," Saxena said. "Largely, I think the vast majority of trans nonconforming folks will be more glad you asked instead of assuming."
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