We’ve all heard of GAY PRIDE, particularly in June in major cities. Maybe you’ve heard of Bisexual Awareness Week in September? There are so many terms for different sexual orientations. So, what is Non-Binary Awareness Week and What Does It Mean?
The traditional gender binary is either male or female. However, there are several subsets or non-binary gender identities that come under the umbrella “non-binary” such as transgender, genderqueer, even agender, the latter means the individual doesn’t feel like they belong to any gender. There are genderqueer, genderfluid, agender, bigender, and gender non-conforming, to name a few. The terms can be complicated so this Non-Binary Awareness Week, an annual event that started on July 8th and culminates in Non-Binary People’s Day, July 14, is used to raise and celebrate the diversity of gender diversities as well as advocate for their inclusion in society.
First launched in 2020, Non-Binary Awareness Week’s mission is to provide education, make certain that non-binary people’s identities are respected in countries in which they are often marginalized or misunderstood. Non-Binary Awareness Week resulted from the lack of recognition and understanding of non-binary people because they are not often seen on television, other media, and society.
This week’s goal is to promote greater acceptance of non-binary people in health care, schools, all facets of life. By having non-binary share their experiences and raising issues germane to them, the binary world will have a greater understanding of what needs to be done to make a more inclusive society. In this safe environment, many businesses, organizations, and individuals hold workshops, art exhibitions, film screenings, and educational panels.
For more resources, check out PLFAG: There are PFLAG Academy Online On Demand, PFLAG National Blogs, Additional PFLAG National Resources, Organizations, Books, Articles, as well as Transgender Resources, Mental Health Resources, Taking the Long Road Home: Discussion Guide.
Founded in 1973, PFLAG is the first and largest organization with chapters all over the United States. It is dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their families.
When Your Child Is Gay: What You Need To Know
For more detailed advice, see book, co-authored with a mother of a gay son and a psychiatrist, Jonathan L. Tobkes, M.D.
