Q&A for How to Refer to a Non‐Binary Person

Ask them what their preferred pronouns are, or just call them by their names. If you're unsure whether they want compete/play with the girls or boys teams, again, just ask them what would make them most comfortable. (You should take them aside quickly before or after class, do not ask them in front of everyone.)

You just have to practice. Correct yourself when you slip up. It will get easier with time and practice.

You can call them your "partner" or "significant other," or you can ask them what they'd prefer to be called.

Maybe a "royal" or a "ruler," or "their majesty." If this is a character you're creating, you get to decide! Otherwise, just ask them.

Instead of calling them a brother or sister, call them a sibling.

It is likely that people will sometimes accidentally assume your gender. The best thing you can do is politely correct them and move on with your day.

Ask your child what they wish to be referred to as. When in doubt, go with "my child."

Some non-binary people are okay with that, since the word "dude" has become pretty gender-neutral. If you're not sure, though, it never hurts to ask the non-binary person if it's okay.

"Once upon a time, there was a beautiful person". Maybe if it's a teen, "a teen".

It's really up to them! There are plenty of non-binary people who are more masculine, and plenty who are more feminine. Some non-binary people even feel more masculine one day and more feminine the next. It all depends on the person.

That's a very personal decision. Take time to think about it and discuss it with your parents.

Because it would be disrespectful to the person if you do not have their permission. Instead, ask for their preferred name and pronouns.

You could just be attracted to this one non-binary person, it doesn't have to dictate how you identify your sexuality. Most people use the term "pansexual" to refer to someone who can be attracted to anyone, regardless of gender/gender identity, so that might suit you. The word "skoliosexual" is used to describe people who are only/mainly attracted to non-binary people. Again, it's totally your choice how you want to identify.

It's not your place to tell someone what they do and do not think, and it doesn't hurt you in the least to respect someone's pronouns.

They should inform of the time, place, zone/nationality of birth as well as name of either parent (for the child's knowledge). I think they should leave spaces that children may want to answer for themselves (their name, their gender orientation, etc).

Some people like to use Mx, as in "mux" (pronounced like "looks").

That's great, as long as it's okay with the child's parents (and the little nibling itself, of course)!

"Nibling" could be a good term, if your sibling's child likes it. Or say "my brother's/sister's/sibling's child," depending on the gender of the parent you're related to. In person, you can just call them by their name.

Yes. If you say you're non binary, you're non-binary. You don't need to change your appearance or name, but you could if it would make you happy.

A common alternative many non-binary people prefer is "Mx," which is pronounced the same as "mix." But you can always ask the non-binary person what they prefer.

Of course! Your identity is up to you, and you can present as feminine sometimes, or even all of the time and still be non-binary.

Tell them how much you dislike what they do. Explain to them you do not like your birth name and pronouns, and how much it bothers you. If you're old enough, you could try to move out to get away from them.

She could use “partner”, “significant other”, or (my personal favorite) “date mate”. Just go with whatever works for you!

If you talk about yourself using 'he', then others will be free to do so as well. Saying 'he' about someone who identifies as non-binary should be avoided, but it's not the end of the world if we err.

Yes. Just because you are non-binary doesn't mean you can't like men or anyone else. Non-binary is a gender preference, and that does not affect your sexual preference. This is quite common, so you are not alone in this.

While many people get dysphoric when they are called the wrong pronouns, there is nothing wrong with yours just being a preference.

People who are attracted to men are called "androphiles," however, nonbinary people may call themselves straight, gay, or even queer based on what gender they "lean" towards, their assigned gender, or just whatever makes the most sense to them.

A non-binary parent who is male- or female-leaning may be okay with "mom" or "dad." If they aren't, then the gender neutral version of mom or dad is "rennie."

The safest bet is to use the honorific Mx. This is pronounced like the word mix.

This usually depends. The definition of transgender is "denoting or relating to a person whose sense of personal identity and gender does not correspond with their birth sex." Some non-binary people choose to label themselves as transgender, whilst others may not. This can have to do with levels of dysphoria they experience, or if they feel like part of the trans community. If you feel transgender, you should feel free to use the term; if not, you don't have to.