Non-Binary Phobias

Not exactly a new trend, I know, but still an important one. As people we want to categorize and fit everything and everyone into these nice neat little boxes. Life isn't that simple. I find myself referencing a group conversation yet again. In some ways, as nonbinaries, we're screwed, stuck between a rock and hard place. (Why do I say "we're" when I could just refer to me? Because I'm not the only one, in some aspect of your life I suspect there is at least one area where you don't fit into that either/or/but never both dynamic.) I would like to note three examples of nonbinary prejudice: race, sexual orientation, and gender. (Of course there are thousands of other categories, but these are useful in making my point.)

Biracial people face this stigma from a variety of sources. And an unwillingness of people to talk about race doesn't help the situation much either. Some people might ask: as someone who was born white, what concern should I have over this? Personally I feel that if we don't acknowledge this within other - often intersecting - communities then we are just hurting ourselves. Even on forms we still have specific categories, often with the option to only check one box. We assume that a person cannot have multiple identities coexisting. As a society we should be past this point, but we aren't. Which brings me back to the non-binary point.

In terms of sexual orientation many people still assume negative things about bisexual (and pansexual) people. Today I was reading "Identity and Community: The Social Construction of Bisexuality in Women" (Wosick-Correa). It was very relevant to my recent thoughts on the issues nonbinary people face. The study echoed many things I have felt in my life, such as the desire to just fit in with a group, but to do this I would have to sacrifice my nonbinary sexual orientation. It disturbs me how many negative stereotypes about bi/pansexual people exist today, particularly among the LGBT community.

Additionally the Wosick-Correa article mentioned a desire among some bisexual identifying women to not be associated with polyamory or any other sort of non-monogamous behavior. There is a fear that this will perpetuate the negative stereotypes about bisexual people such as promiscuity. Although I can understand the desire to have the appearance of "normality" or whatever that may be, I believe that cutting segments out of an already discriminated against group can only serve to hurt that group. Especially in terms of fighting for equality and acceptance in the long run.

This all brings me to my point about discrimination about nonbinary genders from the Trans community. I'm shocked by the eagerness of people to write off certain groups, particularly the desire (something voiced to me recently) to not have genderqueer people in leadership positions because it projects a negative stereotype. My point is that we need to have genderqueer and other nonbinary individuals equally represented within the trans movement. If we don't it will serve to damage the community as a whole by creating a rift.

Honestly, I hate labels. They are necessary, but only to a certain extent. As a society, we need to be more willing to accept people who don't fit in the box. Small steps to a more inclusive and free society.