Speaking on behalf of all non-binary people everywhere . . . ?

[Davie]

I was kind of called out to speak for non-binary people today. It was a mixed LGBT group, but few were trans or non-binary like me. My friend who would have had a great answer, couldn't be there. I kept it brief so I wouldn't misspeak too much, but it was hard to speak to folks with 50 years experience as gay, but none with non-binary people. What should I have said? What would you do? 

Thanks,

Davie

[Carolyn Marie]

First off, good on you to speak up and speak out, especially to folks who may or may not be allies or supportive of those under the trans umbrella.  Doing so takes courage.

 

I've spoken before audiences of primarily Gay & Lesbian folks, sometimes in a training setting, but sometimes in more casual situations.  It really has depended on the setting and the kinds of questions I and other trans speakers receive.  I try to explain about that "umbrella" business, and how that's much different than being either Gay or Lesbian; more amorphous, more controversial in some ways, and much less easier to define.  Even trans folk can't agree on definitions.

 

The important thing, for me, is stressing what we all have in common, and what our common goals are, and have always been; educating the general public, creating understanding, creating allies, reducing the hate.  That's common ground, and that we should all be able to agree on.

 

Carolyn Marie

[Charlize]

  I have had a history of thinking gay folks would understand issues only to find they didn't.  Perhaps that shows how different sexual preference is from gender.  I don't know if my gay friends can truly understand gender issues just as i don't fully understand differences in the attractions that exist between people.  Perhaps supporting others regardless of attraction or gender is the best we can do.  

  Maybe a non-binary member can explain.  I know that my life is filled with both male and female aspects.

  I choose to express and follow the feminine as I'm comfortable and at home here but for some a middle place may suit.

 

Hugs,

 

Charlize

[Delcina B]

Hi Davie! Not sure of the message you wanted to share. Was it to inform, persuade or entertain? In the limited settings of my public speaking today I just let them know what it was like, what happened & what it's like now, & hopefully I share some experience, strength & hope with them.

 

Hugs!

Delcina 

[Davie]

Thanks @Delcina B @Charlize @Carolyn Marie Thanks for the support. I stuck with my own experiences and that seemed to work.  "stressing what we all have in common" is a good idea, too. I can be myself, I've practiced.

— Davie

[phys]

I have learned that gender is very complicated in my journey. I am afab and present more male-that being said like it has been said above I have aspects of both. 

 

I would agree with stressing on what we all have in common though... as much as non-binary is a definition of one's gender-it is very broad and can be very easily misunderstood even among those that are non-binary