Why I am writing this article…

To be quite frank, I’m so tired of facing the social and medical consequences of what teenagers on Tumblr have made up and inserted into the trans community. I am not a hateful or controlling person, and I want people to do whatever they need to do on this planet to make themselves happy (as long as it’s not hurting themselves or someone else). There is this huge narrative being pushed all over the internet that being non-binary is made up because of the popularity of neo-genders that people have created. I do not support these ideas. I would like to remind readers that for most people, being trans is rooted in the medical condition of experiencing gender incongruency and/or in the medical condition called gender dysphoria*.

* For some deeper explanation on why transmeds believe you need gender dysphoria to be trans, please see Scientific Proof On Why You Need Dysphoria To Be Trans by Finn Lambo

In this article, I will do my best to 1) prove the existence of non-binary people in the DSM-5 and to 2) prove that there is currently no scientific or medical proof that neo-genders (typically found on Tumblr) are “non-binary” genders.

The sources I will be using for this article comes strictly from The APA. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) is the main professional organization of psychiatrists and trainee psychiatrists in the United States, and the largest psychiatric organization in the world. There are also international members of this organization. The APA is important because it publishes various manuals, journals, and pamphlets including the DSM, which is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders**. The DSM is the very manual that codifies psychiatric conditions and is used WORLDWIDE as a guide for diagnosing disorders. This is an unbiased medical, scientific and professional document that doctors all over the world use to treat mental disorders or conditions. This document is where we can find the official and unbiased definition of what being transgender is. For this reason, I will be quoting the DSM-5 as well as other documents written by the APA.

** I have provided a PDF copy of the chapter on Gender Dysphoria in the DSM-5 for your convenience and reference. Please see it here: DSM-5 Section II Diagnostic Criteria and Codes – Gender Dysphoria. I have also provided another APA Document: Definitions Related to Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity in APA Documents. Please see it here.

What is Gender?

Gender is a word used to “denote the public (and usually legally recognized) lived role as a boy or girl, man or woman, but, in contrast to social constructionist theories, biological factors are seen as contributing, in interaction with social and psychological factors, to gender development” (DSM-5, pg 451). Simply stated, the DSM tells us that gender itself is NOT a social construct, but rather, it is something we all experience psychologically as well as socially, and that it indeed is encompassed of biological factors. There are indeed many gender roles, however, are socially constructed.

Keep in mind that gender is different from sex, as sex is “the biological indications of male and female” such as chromosomes, gonads, sex hormones, and nonambiguous internal and external genitalia. (DSM-5, pg 451).

Now that we are sure of the meaning of gender, let’s look into where the existence of non-binary people can be found.

The Existence Of “Other” Genders In The DSM…

The first place in which the DSM mentions the existence of a gender other than male or female is in the definition of the term “gender identity”. It reads, “gender identity is a category of social identity and refers to an individual identification as male, female, or occasionally, some category other than male or female”. (DSM-5, pg 451).

Next, the within the list of diagnostic criteria for gender dysphoria in adults, the condition of experiencing “some alternative gender different from one’s assigned gender” is present in not one, not two, but THREE criteria. (see “Gender Dysphoria in Adolescents and Adults”, DSM-5, pg 452).

In the Diagnostic Features section of the chapter, the DSM says “experienced gender may include alternative gender identities beyond binary stereotypes” and that experiencing gender dysphoria is not limited to wanting to be the opposite gender (MTF or FTM), but can also “include a desire to be of an alternative gender” (DSM-5, pg 453). Later on, in the same section, the DSM notes that adults experiencing gender dysphoria “may find other ways to resolve the incongruence between experienced/expressed and assigned gender by partially living the desired role or by adopting a gender role neither conventionally male nor conventionally female” (DSM-5, pg 454).

How Being Non-Binary Fits The “Other” Genders You May Experience & Why Neo Genders…Don’t.

It is clear that the DSM acknowledges gender identities other than “man” or woman”. So what exactly are those “other” genders? Well, it’s pretty simple actually. Remember that in the definition of gender, the DSM makes a clear point to acknowledge the fact that gender has BIOLOGICAL influences and that gender is experienced socially as well as PSYCHOLOGICALLY. Biologically speaking, there are only 2 sexes: male or female (intersex is a medical condition, not its own sex). Thus, the “other” genders experienced would have to be “not male and not female”, which is precisely the definition of being genderqueer, also known as non-binary.

According to the APA’s list of sexual definitions, genderqueer is “a term to describe a person whose gender identity does not align with a binary understanding of gender (i.e., a person who does not identify fully as either a man or a woman)”. It then goes on to list all of the ways or combinations in which someone can experience their non-binary gender (please refer to the document for a list of terms people may use). As you can see, each of those terms is surrounded around the existence of only male and female sex/genders. This is why neo-genders are not non-binary/genderqueer genders. There is no biological ground for identifying with anything not related to the two existing human sexes, even when you are non-binary. According to the APA, someone can experience neither gender or a combination of both genders, but there is never any mention of anything outside of the two biological human sexes, male and female.

Gender Non-conformity is Not A New Gender, Nor Does It Make You Trans

One last thing I would like to note is that the DSM specifically outlines that “gender dysphoria should be distinguished from simple nonconformity to stereotypical gender role behavior by a strong desire to be of another gender than the assigned one and by the external and pervasiveness of gender-variant activities and interest” (DSM-5, pg 458). It stresses the fact that gender dysphoria is not simply used to diagnosis a “tomboyish” girl or a “girly-boy”. Perhaps, many of these neo-genders found on the internet can be afforded to simple gender-nonconformity.

All in all…

I’d like to spread a new narrative around the interwebs.

To the trans community: can we please stop hating our non-binary siblings? Though they may experience gender in ways you may not understand, I hope this article was proof that it, in fact, does exist, and the same book that defines your very binary trans experience is inclusive of the non-binary experience as well.

To those who identify with a neo-gender: This article was in no way meant to invalidate your experience! If you are experiencing gender dysphoria, perhaps try to think of how what you are feeling relates to your body! Gender nonconformity is great, but it is simply not a basis for creating a new gender that has no biological factors. In fact, that goes against the very definition of the word gender. Feel free to identify in whichever way you choose, no kind and logical person would ever try to control you, but please be mindful that inserting your narrative into the trans community makes doctors apprehensive to treating those who are suffering.

Why I’m Writing This

Lately, a lot of people on Twitter have been asking me my take on the terms “non-binary man” and “non-binary woman”. I decided to write this post to express why I would NEVER use those terms, why I feel they are harmful to the community, and what terms can be used to express non-binary people without such confusion. I am not policing anyone’s language or invalidating anyone’s identity, at all. I have no problem getting along with anyone that identifies as a non-binary man or woman. However, these terms have yet to be logically explained, and I was asked my opinion of it so I have the right to speak up because these terms do affect my life greatly and in a negative way.

The Terms Non-Binary Man / Woman Are Oxymoronic.

Let’s look at the definition of the word non-binary. I will be using an excerpt from a previous article I’ve written entitled “Proof That Being Non-binary Exists, According To The APA/DSM-5, But Not In The Way It’s Popularized (Neo-genders) .”

In the Diagnostic Features section of the chapter, the DSM says “experienced gender may include alternative gender identities beyond binary stereotypes” and that experiencing gender dysphoria is not limited to wanting to be the opposite gender (MTF or FTM), but can also “include a desire to be of an alternative gender” (DSM-5, pg 453). Later on, in the same section, the DSM notes that adults experiencing gender dysphoria “may find other ways to resolve the incongruence between experienced/expressed and assigned gender by partially living the desired role or by adopting a gender role neither conventionally male nor conventionally female” (DSM-5, pg 454).

It is clear that the DSM acknowledges gender identities other than “man” or woman”. So what exactly are those “other” genders? Well, it’s pretty simple actually. Remember that in the definition of gender, the DSM makes a clear point to acknowledge the fact that gender has BIOLOGICAL influences and that gender is experienced socially as well as PSYCHOLOGICALLY. Biologically speaking, there are only 2 sexes: male or female (intersex is a medical condition, not its own sex). Thus, the “other” genders experienced would have to be “not male and not female”, which is precisely the definition of being genderqueer, also known as non-binary.

According to the APA’s list of sexual definitions, genderqueer is “a term to describe a person whose gender identity does not align with a binary understanding of gender (i.e., a person who does not identify fully as either a man or a woman)”. It then goes on to list all of the ways or combinations in which someone can experience their non-binary gender (please refer to the document for a list of terms people may use).

In short, “non-binary” means that you either experience neither gender or some combination of both. It explicitly says “NOT MALE or NOT FEMALE”. So, terms like “non-binary man” would mean “I am a man who is not a man”. It just doesn’t make sense.

“Well, what if I experience both genders?”

According to the DSM, experiencing some combination of both genders is valid; its definitely being non-binary. However, the terms non-binary man/woman still do not make sense in reference to you, because experiencing both genders still means you are not A MAN or A WOMAN. A cis man does not experience both genders, no matter how feminine he is.

“But, I experience one gender more than the other?”

It is possible to experience one gender more than the other. There are terms you can use to that are not oxymoronic and are more logical. The terms transmasculine and transfeminine are perfect for that. A transmasculine person is someone who was assigned FEMALE AT BIRTH but is transitioning to a more masculine identity. The term transfeminine is a person who is assigned MALE AT BIRTH and is transitioning to a more feminine identity. 

Because these are trans terms, there are limitations to who can use them. A person assigned female at birth can NOT be a transfeminine. If you are born a woman and identify with your gender assigned at birth, you are simply a woman. You can not transition to being a woman from a woman. Similarly, a person assigned male at birth can NOT be transmasculine. If you are born a man and identify with your assigned at birth, you are simply a man. 

(dictionary.com)

How These Terms Affect NB People

If you experience anything other than your gender assigned at birth but you are not quite the complete opposite gender, then you are non-binary. Period. Gender is not a “feeling”, it is something you experience in your brain and also socially. Gender can not just flip flop and change whenever. Gender expression can, but not gender itself. Also, non-binary is not its own gender. So how can you claim to be a woman but still not have a gender? These things are what the terms non-binary man and woman are stating is possible. It can be very toxic to the community because they are illogical and a part of the reason why binary people and cis folk make a joke out of non-binary identities. If you are comfortable in your assigned gender, then by definition, you are simply not trans. Let’s not confuse gender non-conformity with gender identity or gender dysphoria. I don’t make the rules. 

There is a clear difference between Gender and Sex…

And in order to really understand the trans or genderqueer community, you first have to understand this difference. Growing up in America, these words are often used interchangeably. On applications, in school, in everyday speech, we use these words as if they mean the same thing. They do not, in any way.

Let’s take a look at the definitions of both words as noted in the APA Dictionary of Psychology

Sex (n): (1) the traits that distinguish between males and females. Sex refers especially to physical and biological traits, whereas GENDER refers especially to social or cultural traits, although the distinction between the two terms is not regularly observed. (2) the physiological and psychological processes related to procreation and erotic pleasure.

Gender (n): the condition of being male, female, or neuter. In a human context, the distinction between gender and SEX reflects the usage of these terms: Sex usually refers to the biological aspects of maleness or femaleness, whereas gender implies the psychological, behavioral, social, and cultural aspects of being male or female (i.e., masculinity or femininity.)

Now let’s look at the definition of “sex” in a different context as cited in the document American Psychological Association. (2015). Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People. American Psychologist, 70(9), 832-864. doi.org/10.1037/a0039906

Sex (Sex assigned at birth): Sex is typically assigned at birth (or before during ultrasound) based on the appearance of external genitalia. When the external genitalia are ambiguous other indicators (e.g., internal genitalia, chromosomal and hormonal sex) are considered to assign a sex with the aim of assigning a sex that is most likely to be congruent with the child’s gender identity (MacLaughlin & Donahoe, 2004). For most people, gender identity is congruent with sex assigned at birth (see cisgender); for TGNC [transgender nonconforming] individuals, gender identity differs in varying degrees from sex assigned at birth.

As I was looking up these definitions, I found some other words that I think are important to define here before I actually begin discussing gender and sex.

Gender Assignment: classification of an infant at birth as either male or female. Children born with AMBIGUOUS GENITALIA are usually assigned a gender by parents or physicians. (from the APA Dictionary of Psychology)

What Does It All Mean?

Now we know there is a clear difference between sex and gender, I would like to point out a few things that will help try to make it clearer in regards to my own enby identity. The APA defines gender in 3 options: man, woman, and neuter. The neuter gender is important to me, as it is the closest thing to what I can identify with as someone who is outside of the gender binary.

But wait.. is there even really a binary? As you can see above, the APA describes three gender options. Describing gender as a binary phenomenon would mean there are only 2 options, not three.

Hmm…

It is apparent that we as a society have decided to ignore neuter. That’s unfortunate. We, as American people, chose to ignore what doesn’t apply to us all of the time (like all of the contradictions in the Bible, but that’s another story for another time) and we only honor things we feel/care about…because if we don’t agree and don’t experience a particular phenomena ourselves, it doesn’t exist, right? *EYEROLL*

I would also like to point out that the APA notes that gender is assigned based on sex as a “guestimate” type of situation by doctors and parents. It goes a little something like this:

Doctor: Okay, so this baby seems to have a penis. This baby most likely will grow up to be a male. 

Doctor: Alright, that’s a vagina. This baby most likely will grow up to be a female. 

Doctor: Hmmm.. this baby is sexually ambiguous. *looks at parents* Mom, Dad.. wanna call this one a girl?

While this system may work for the majority of humans (which is great) it in no way should be used to invalidate the experience of humans it DOESN’T work for. Am I saying we should stop this? Not necessarily. As I said, on average it works. But, what we do need to stop is forcing people to identify with their assigned gender once a person discovers their true self. We also need to stop making it hell for a person to live as their true gender or lack of gender.

To those that refuse to let people like me live a happy life:

If you accept the definition of gender in regards to being a man or being a woman as defined by the APA, then why are you ignoring the third option that is so clearly laid out?

Let’s stop inherently fearing what we don’t understand and instead ask questions. Let’s stop automatically denouncing things we don’t agree with but instead educate ourselves. Let’s stop being insensitive to each other’s feelings just because we are not experiencing those feelings ourselves. We are all human. Let’s start acting like it.

Genderqueer, transgender, gender non-conforming, gender non-binary people, etc. are not here to threaten your masculinity or femininity. We are here to just live our lives, much like you