Written by Marcia Ore
International Non-Binary People’s Day is observed worldwide on July 14. This day recognises and celebrates individuals who do not identify exclusively as male or female. Non-binary people may identify as both a man and a woman, as neither, or as someone whose gender exists outside the traditional binary framework.
International Non-Binary People’s Day is celebrated every year on July 14. It was started in 2012 by Katje van Loon to raise awareness and celebrate people whose gender identity falls outside the binary of male and female.
The date, July 14, was intentionally chosen because it falls midway between International Women’s Day (March 8) and International Men’s Day (November 19), symbolising the space non-binary people occupy outside the traditional gender binary.
Why does International Non-Binary People’s Day exist?
International Non-Binary People’s Day raises awareness of non-binary individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community and the stigma and discrimination they often face around the world. The day serves to recognise and affirm non-binary identities, promote a sense of belonging, and educating the broader public about gender diversity.
Who was the first non-binary person?
The first recorded non-binary person is Jemima Wilkinson (1752- 1819), a U.S. religious leader and self-declared prophet.
After surviving a severe illness, Wilkinson claimed to have died and been reborn as the Public Universal Friend, a genderless being who rejected identification as either male or female. This non-binary identity was reflected in both their appearance and manner of dress.
The Public Universal Friend was also a vocal advocate for women’s rights and the abolition of slavery.
What does the non-binary flag represent?
- The non-binary flag was created by Kyle Rowan in 2014.
- Yellow stands for people whose gender doesn’t exist within the binary.
- White represents people of all genders or many genders.
- Purple represents individuals with genders that may be a mix of female and male.
- Black represents people who identify as not having any gender at all.
Non-binary celebrities
Several celebrities have stated they are non-binary Elliot Page (actor), Sam Smith
(singer-songwriter), Janelle Monáe (actor and singer-songwriter) Ruby Rose (actor, TV
presenter and model), and Olly Alexander (actor and singer-songwriter).
Celebrate and support
In recognition of International Non-Binary People’s Day, you can show your support for non-binary individuals by taking the following actions:
- Use inclusive, gender-neutral language in everyday conversations.
- Share your pronouns in your email signature, social media profiles, and virtual meeting platforms.
- Include your pronouns when introducing yourself to others.
- Respect others’ pronouns — ask if you’re unsure and avoid assumptions. Not all non-binary individuals use they/them pronouns.
These small steps help create a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.
Resources
Meet The Public Universal Friend, American History’s First Genderless Preacher
History of International Non-Binary Peoples Day
‘Why I invented Non-Binary Day’
Non-Binary People’s Day (14 July)
Beyond Binary – The Documentary Podcast
🎥 What it’s like to be non-binary: short video
Non-binary people have worse mental health than other genders, eye-opening study finds
