Abinary

Key Features

• Abinary identities challenge societal norms that enforce a binary understanding of gender.

• People who identify as abinary might use a variety of pronouns (e.g., they/them, xe/xem, or others) or reject pronouns altogether.

• Abinary can overlap with terms like genderqueer, genderfluid, or agender, but it also stands as its own distinct identity.

Context

The term abinary is used in discussions about gender diversity and provides a more nuanced perspective beyond “non-binary.” While many non-binary identities may still reference or relate to binary gender concepts in some way (e.g., androgynous or genderfluid), abinary individuals reject binary gender connections entirely.

• Abinary people may feel like their gender exists outside the realm of male, female, or anything in between.

• They may identify as a specific gender, but it is not tied to cultural or societal ideas of masculinity, femininity, or binary expressions.

Abinary vs. Agender

While abinary and agender share similarities, they are not identical:

• Agender: Often refers to a lack of gender or being gender-neutral.

• Abinary: Rejects binary genders but does not necessarily lack gender—it can involve a strong sense of gender that stands completely apart from the binary.

Example: An abinary individual might feel a strong gender identity but describe it as something entirely alien to male, female, or anything associated with those terms.

Abinary in Practice

• Gender Expression: Abinary individuals may present in ways that defy traditional gender norms. For example, they might wear clothing or accessories that are neither masculine, feminine, nor androgynous.

• Pronouns: Abinary people may choose neopronouns or other gender-neutral pronouns that reflect their disconnection from the binary. Examples include xe/xem, ze/zir, or even noun-based pronouns like star/stars.

• Identity Exploration: An abinary person’s experience of gender can be unique and personal, involving metaphors, feelings, or experiences not tied to cultural gender expectations.

Example: An abinary individual might describe their gender as “celestial,” “void-like,” “undefined,” or "entirely unique" to convey its detachment from binary concepts.

Cultural Relevance

Using and understanding terms like abinary is essential for fostering inclusivity and respect in conversations about gender diversity. Recognizing abinary identities affirms the wide spectrum of human experiences and promotes a more nuanced appreciation of individuality.

Rejection of Binary Norms

Abinary individuals challenge societal systems that rely heavily on gender binaries:

• Traditional roles of “man” and “woman” are central to many cultures, but abinary identities show that gender can exist beyond these categories.

• This can lead to questioning of gendered systems such as pronouns, clothing, restrooms, or expectations in relationships and workplaces.

Example: An abinary person might use neopronouns like xe/xem/xyr or others (e.g., e/em/eir) to reflect their identity, which has no connection to he/him or she/her.

Visibility in LGBTQIA+ Spaces

Abinary people help broaden the understanding of gender diversity within LGBTQIA+ communities, encouraging recognition of gender identities beyond binary or even non-binary norms. This identity allows people to express experiences that are not well-described by terms like "androgynous" or "neutral."

Global and Historical Parallels

While the term abinary is relatively new, concepts of genders outside the binary have existed across cultures:

• Many Indigenous cultures have recognized gender identities outside “man” and “woman.”

• Examples include the Hijra of South Asia, Two-Spirit identities in Native American cultures, or Bakla in the Philippines.

These identities, while distinct, reflect the idea that gender diversity is not new and that binary systems are culturally imposed rather than natural.

Language and Identity Development

The creation of terms like abinary reflects the need for more precise language to describe diverse gender experiences:

• Many existing terms like “non-binary” still rely on the binary as a point of reference. Abinary rejects that entirely.

• This distinction can help people articulate their identity without being defined by comparison to maleness or femaleness.