Understanding Non-Binary Gender Identity

Apparently, my gender isn't visible enough. Because I have facial hair. Because I don't

always dress femininely. Because the easiest version of me to categorise gets read as a

man. And that makes my gender less believable. Not only to straight people. Inside trans

spaces too. Because denying someone's gender based on presentation is still gender policing.

Even when it's done using all the right language. My facial hair doesn't always mean the same

thing to me. Some days, it makes me feel dysphoric. Some days, it's something I wear to make myself

easier to categorise. And some days, it makes me feel completely at home. But I didn't leave

one gendered performance to audition for another one. Non-binary people don't owe you androgyny.

We shouldn't have to make ourselves harder to read before you agree to see us differently.

We're not confusing. We just reveal how much you rely on shortcuts. How much you need a body to

tell you what to think. Before you've heard us speak, my gender isn't invisible. You've just

been trained only to recognise it when it performs for you.