What Is Nonbinary? Definition, Examples & Self-Discovery Guide

If you’ve ever felt that the labels “man” or “woman” don’t quite fit, you’re not alone — more people than ever are exploring gender identities beyond the binary, and the term nonbinary has become a key part of that conversation. This guide breaks down what nonbinary means, gives real examples, and helps you understand how people discover and describe their own gender.

LGBTQ+ youth identifying as nonbinary: 1 in 4 (The Trevor Project) ·
Nonbinary definition: Umbrella term outside male/female (PMC – medical research) ·
Pronoun rule: Don’t assume from appearance (Santa Clara County Office of Education)

Five key facts paint a clear picture of nonbinary identity, from definition to legal landscape.

What does nonbinary mean?

Definition from the Advocates for Trans Equality

• Nonbinary is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity is outside the man/woman binary (PMC – peer-reviewed study).
• A nonbinary person does not identify as exclusively a man or a woman (Minus18 – youth advocacy).
• Some people use nonbinary and genderqueer interchangeably, but the terms are not necessarily the same (PMC).

How nonbinary relates to the gender binary

• The gender binary assumes only two categories: man and woman.
• Nonbinary identities exist outside that binary, often as a mix of genders or no gender at all (Minus18).
• Not all nonbinary people identify as transgender, though many do (The Trevor Project).

The implication: Definitions shape social acceptance, and precise language reduces confusion.

What is an example of a nonbinary person?

Famous nonbinary people

• Sam Smith came out as nonbinary in 2019 and uses they/them pronouns (Minus18).
• Miley Cyrus has spoken about gender fluidity and does not exclusively identify as female.
• Jonathan Van Ness identifies as nonbinary and uses he/they pronouns.
• Elliot Page identifies as trans and nonbinary.
• Indya Moore (actor from “Pose”) uses they/them pronouns.

Nonbinary people in everyday life

• Nonbinary people exist in all cultures, such as Hijras in South Asia and Two-Spirit people among Indigenous North Americans (Santa Clara County Office of Education).
• Genderfluid people may identify differently over time, which is one example of a nonbinary experience (Minus18).

The pattern: visibility aids acceptance but risks oversimplification.

How do I know I am nonbinary?

Signs that you might be nonbinary

• Feeling uncomfortable being called a man or a woman is a common sign.
• You might feel like a mix of genders, or like you have no gender at all (Minus18).
• You may experience gender dysphoria when referred to with binary pronouns.
• You feel more at home with gender-neutral language and they/them pronouns.

Steps to explore your gender identity

1. Reflect on how you feel about being called “he,” “she,” or “they.”
2. Try using different pronouns with trusted friends or in online spaces (UCSF LGBTQ Resource Center).
3. Read first-person accounts from nonbinary people (e.g., Minus18).
4. Talk to a therapist who specializes in gender identity.
5. Join community forums like r/NonBinary or local LGBTQ+ groups.
6. Consider experimenting with gender expression: clothing, haircuts, name changes.

What this means: Self-discovery is a process, not a test.

Can a straight person be nonbinary?

Sexual orientation vs. gender identity

• Gender identity is who you are; sexual orientation is who you’re attracted to.
• Nonbinary people can identify as straight, gay, bisexual, or any other orientation (The Trevor Project).
• Some nonbinary people use terms like “straight” to describe attraction to a different gender.

Examples of nonbinary people who identify as straight

• A nonbinary person attracted primarily to women may call themselves straight.
• There is no rule that nonbinary people must identify as queer or gay.
• Orientation labels are personal and vary.

The catch: Society’s conflation of orientation and identity can be both a challenge and an opportunity for authenticity.

Who is a famous nonbinary person?

Sam Smith

• Came out as nonbinary in 2019; uses they/them pronouns (Minus18).
• Publicly discussed gender dysphoria and the relief of embracing a nonbinary identity.

Miley Cyrus

• Has described herself as gender fluid and nonbinary at various points.
• Uses she/her but also says she doesn’t feel exclusively female.

Elliot Page

• Identifies as trans and nonbinary; uses he/they pronouns.
• Came out in 2020 and has been a vocal advocate for trans rights.

Jonathan Van Ness

• Identifies as nonbinary and uses he/they pronouns.
• Brought nonbinary visibility to mainstream TV via “Queer Eye.”

Indya Moore

• Uses they/them pronouns.
• Known for role in “Pose” and activism for trans and nonbinary people of color.

The pattern: each celebrity brings unique visibility but also reinforces that nonbinary identity is diverse.

Voices from the community

“Nonbinary is one term people use to describe genders that don’t fall into one of these two categories, male or female.”
— Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE)

“…someone who does not identify as exclusively a man or a woman.”
— Minus18 (youth advocacy organization)

The concept of nonbinary identity is simple in theory but deeply personal in practice. As awareness grows, so does the responsibility of institutions, employers, and individuals to create spaces where nonbinary people are seen and respected. For educators and policymakers in the U.S., the choice is clear: adopt inclusive policies and language, or risk leaving one in four LGBTQ+ youth without the affirmation they need to thrive.

Frequently asked questions