What it means to be non-binary (in a world that only recognizes you halfway)

Every year on July 14th, International Non-Binary Visibility Day is celebrated. It's a crucial opportunity to recognize, listen to, and value the experiences of those who don't identify with the rigid gender binary that our society is built on. In a world that continues to function (and regulate) according to binary logics, this day places non-binary identities—too often invisible, misunderstood, or erased— at the center.

What does it mean to be non-binary?

The term non-binary (or non-binary) is an umbrella term that encompasses various gender identities that don't fit the traditional distinction between "man" and "woman ." Some non-binary people feel partly man and partly woman, others identify as neither gender, and still others fluctuate between different genders over time. It's a personal and diverse experience , so there's no single way of being non-binary: there are a variety of identities and gender expressions that can be referred to under this term.

Non-binary identities have always existed throughout history and across cultures: just think of two-spirit people among North American native tribes, but also Albanian sworn virgins and Indian hijras . "Non-binary people have always existed, and today they are demanding space, a voice, protection , and a fight against pathologization and hatred ," writes Lou Ms. Femme, an enbyfeminist activist, in her book Non-Binary Revolution: A Journey into Enbyfeminism , published by Le Plurali.

Why do we need a day of visibility?

The simplest answer is: because visibility means existence . In society, what is not seen or named is often not considered real, and non-binary people experience discrimination, hostility, or simple erasure on a daily basis: from administrative forms that force them to choose between "M" or "F," to school, medical, or legal language that ignores identities outside of the binary.

According to numerous international studies, non-binary people are more likely to suffer from anxiety, depression and social isolation , also due to the lack of recognition and support: “This invisibility, facilitated by the almost total scarcity of collected data, by linguistic binarism and by the disregard for their fundamental rights (...) profoundly damages their mental health, which is extremely dangerous, as well as irresponsible”, writes Lou.

Increasing visibility is not just a symbolic gesture, but a concrete act of alliance, inclusion, and care . It means publicly acknowledging the existence and dignity of non-binary people, listening to their stories, validating their experiences , and creating spaces where they can express themselves freely without fear of being invalidated, discriminated against, or erased. Visibility also means representation in the media, culture, and institutions : seeing someone like you can make the difference between feeling alone and feeling part of something. It means deconstructing stereotypes , questioning linguistic and cultural habits, and revising norms that exclude. In short, making the invisible visible is an indispensable first step towards a more just society for all people—not just those who are non-binary.

It's not just about identity: it's about rights

Talking about non-binaryness ultimately means talking about freedom . The freedom to be yourself without having to fit into rigid boxes, the freedom to express yourself without fear of ridicule, discrimination, or exclusion. But it also means equal access: to documents, to services, to respect. Visibility Day is not a niche celebration, but a collective invitation to reflect on how inadequate our society still is in recognizing the complexity of reality.