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A difficult thing to quantify not only because very few people can even describe how it feels to be binary gendered, but because the experience of being non-binary can be different from person to person.

There’s a temptation to try and understand non-binary gender as hostility or frustration against binary gender, this just ends up framing non-binary experiences and feelings in binary terms. In simplest possible terms, what it feels like to be non binary is what it feels like to “be” male or female, but it’s not “being” male or female.

Due to significant social and medical pressure, intersex people and the parents of intersex children are pushed to “correct” traits that do not conform with more typical sex characteristics. In many cases this involves medically unnecessary surgery, and a chance of needing to take hormones or other medications for the rest of your life.

Even worse, this is often done without the informed consent of the intersex individual. Parents are pushed towards these medical interventions long before a child is able to consent, or even present a gender identity. Even as adults, intersex persons can be pressured into making decisions without the best available information offered first.

A chest binder is an elasticised undershirt, similar to a sports bra, that is designed to reduce the appearance of breasts. They come in a huge variety of colours and styles, and are specifically designed to evenly distribute the pressure on the chest. It’s important to always use a binder instead of something like bandages or tape, which can cause significant injury, or even permanent harm.

Compression on the chest can increase the risk of fracturing or breaking ribs, especially if that compression isn’t spread out evenly. If the compression is too tight, it can damage blood vessels in the chest, leading to an increased risk of blood clots or even heart attack. Long term wear can cause inflammation in the rib-cage known as costochondritis, as well as potential back pain.

It is important to understand that intersex characteristics are present from birth, regardless of when they may be detected, and represent very specific variations in sexual characteristics. The idea of an intersex “identity” or “pride” commonly misunderstands that endosex (those born with typical sex characteristics) people are able to make a choice to be identified as intersex. Instead intersex “identity” should be understood as a term to describe the diversity of intersex experiences, including those that are heteronormative. Meanwhile intersex “pride” perhaps describes those who are out and visible and fighting for human rights. As a descriptive term that identifies a number of human rights issues, it’s important that intersex is understood specifically, without being co-opted by other movements.

Ultimately yes. There’s a growing number of people acknowledging a commonality of experiences that are to be taken seriously. While the way non-binary gender is currently understood and described is perhaps more recent, there are significant historical and cultural precedents for non-binary gender all over the world.

Non-binary is a term that refers to any gender identity that isn’t male or female. Androgynous refers to an outward appearance of indeterminate gender. While some non-binary people may express themselves androgynously, it is a personal choice that is not a requirement of non-binary gender identity.

It is important to understand that intersex characteristics are present from birth, regardless of when they may be detected, and represent very specific variations in sexual characteristics. The idea of an intersex “identity” or “pride” commonly misunderstands that endosex (those born with typical sex characteristics) people are able to make a choice to be identified as intersex. Instead intersex “identity” should be understood as a term to describe the diversity of intersex experiences, including those that are heteronormative. Meanwhile intersex “pride” perhaps describes those who are out and visible and fighting for human rights. As a descriptive term that identifies a number of human rights issues, it’s important that intersex is understood specifically, without being co-opted by other movements.

Non-binary is a term that refers to any gender identity that isn’t male or female. Androgynous refers to an outward appearance of indeterminate gender. While some non-binary people may express themselves androgynously, it is a personal choice that is not a requirement of non-binary gender identity.

A difficult thing to quantify not only because very few people can even describe how it feels to be binary gendered, but because the experience of being non-binary can be different from person to person.

There’s a temptation to try and understand non-binary gender as hostility or frustration against binary gender, this just ends up framing non-binary experiences and feelings in binary terms. In simplest possible terms, what it feels like to be non binary is what it feels like to “be” male or female, but it’s not “being” male or female.

While it’s not a view shared by all feminists, some feminists see it as necessary to preserve the distinction between transgender and cisgender women. The argument put forward is that transgender women don’t experience the same forms of oppression, and cannot meaningfully contribute to the radical deconstruction of male supremacy. This is often referred to as “Trans Exclusionary Radical Feminism” it’s adherents commonly referred to as TERFs. It is a worldview understood by many as hostile and discriminatory towards transgender people. Critics assert that feminism must be inclusive of all types of women if it is to be a meaningful force for equality.

Ultimately yes. There’s a growing number of people acknowledging a commonality of experiences that are to be taken seriously. While the way non-binary gender is currently understood and described is perhaps more recent, there are significant historical and cultural precedents for non-binary gender all over the world.

There are no laws that govern who can use what toilets and changerooms. The most appropriate person to decide which toilets or changerooms to use, is you. It may be unlawful for someone to stop you using the toilets or changerooms of your choice if they are doing it because of your gender identity or presentation.