nonbinary.ch – in English

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Knowledge about non-binary gender – since 2016

Introduction to the topic of non-binary gender and links for further reading:

IN SHORT: Non-binary people do not identify, or only partially identify, with either of the two binary genders, “woman” or “man”. Since “non-binary” (shortened to “enby”) also serves as an umbrella term for various expressions of gender, the term can have very different specific meanings: Some enbies have no connection to the concept of “gender” at all; some experience their gender as a blend of femininity and masculinity or even of other genders; some others have a sense of gender that changes over time, and so on. Non-binary gender only says something about a person’s gender identity, and nothing about bodily characteristics, appearance, sexual orientation, or gender roles.

What is Non-Binary Gender?

Non-binary people do not identify with the categories “woman” or “man”. Some may present in an androgynous way, but appearance never determines non-binary identity.

Umbrella: trans {trans women, trans men, non-binary {genderfluid, agender, etc.} }

According to the definition of trans identity, non-binary people are also trans, but not all of them identify that way. Non-binary is an umbrella term that encompasses many gender identities, such as genderfluid, agender, bigender, neutrois, genderfree, demigender, etc.

Links:

Comic: Are you a man or a woman? – No, I am not

It is Important to Understand Sex & Gender as a Whole

Sex & gender have several dimensions: body, identity, expression, attraction, roles.

Sex & Gender Radar – dimensions of sex & gender

Non-binary gender refers solely to gender identity. It is not related to bodily appearance or sexual orientation.

Sex & Gender Radar – normative and expansive expressions

Non-binary gender is distinct from intersex, which refers to bodily characteristics. Intersex people may have a variety of gender identities, including non-binary ones. In Switzerland today, intersex babies are still victims of human rights violations!

Links:

Traditional Cultures

Image: Map of gender-diverse cultures (PBS)

However, “non-binary or trans identities” exist in many cultures around the world and are not a new phenomenon. These traditional cultures recognize more than two genders.

Links:

Nemo at Zurich airport after Eurovision Song Contest 2024 (Photo: WE EXIST)

The Realities of Life for Non-Binary People

Since Swiss society still adheres to a rigid binary gender system in many areas, non-binary people face discrimination on various levels – particularly in language, infrastructure (restrooms, changing rooms, forms, etc.), and the lack of legal recognition.

This lack of recognition can render non-binary people invisible or ignored in certain institutional settings. In Switzerland, it is estimated that there are approximately 103,000 to 154,000 non-binary people.

Links:

Communication

How to include non-binary people in language?

Inclusive writing

English already has fewer gendered word endings than other languages, so inclusive writing focuses more on avoiding unnecessarily gendered language.

Examples:

  • chairperson (instead of chairman/chairwoman)
  • firefighter (instead of fireman)
  • server (instead of waiter/waitress)
  • police officer (instead of policeman/policewoman)

Neutral formulations:

  • participants
  • everyone
  • the team, the staff, the group, etc.

Pronouns

Singular “they” is now widely used in English and accepted in many contexts. But some people use other or no pronouns at all.

Some people use …

  • they pronouns
  • neopronouns: ze/zir, xe/xem, ey/em, etc.
  • no pronouns (using the person’s name instead)
  • binary pronouns (“he” or “she”)

It is also possible to rephrase:

  • “the person in the red sweater”
  • “the person who spoke earlier”

Terms for people

Neutral terms:

  • child (instead of son/daughter)
  • person
  • specialist
  • colleague
  • doctor

Other neutral job titles:

  • teacher
  • cook / chef
  • author

Neutral constructions:

  • team member
  • person responsible
  • contact person
  • support person

Greetings

A first and last name can replace gendered titles such as “Mr.” or “Ms.”. In English there is also the neutral title “Mx.” (pronounced “mix”).

For one person:

  • Hello Kim Smith
  • Good evening Sasha Brown

Letter / e-mail:

  • Hello Kim Wilson
  • Dear Sasha Taylor

For a group:

  • Hello everyone
  • Dear guests
  • Dear attendees
  • Hey folks

Also important in personal interactions

  • Avoid making assumptions about a person’s gender
  • Respect the identities and wishes of non-binary people
  • There is no single “correct way” to be non-binary
  • Ask for a person’s name, pronouns, and preferred form of address
  • When introducing yourself, also share your own pronouns

Links:

Signage

Gender-neutral restrooms can be identified by pictograms that illustrate their equipment.

Signage: WC – all genders

More about signage: Signaletik [de]
(Download: Temporary Signs as PDF [de, en])

Forms

Including non-binary individuals in forms:

Questions to ask:

  • Do I really need this information?
  • If in doubt, don’t ask for it!
  • Do I need to know the genre or the title?

Gender:
☐ Woman ☐ Man ☐ _________
☐ Woman ☐ Man ☐ Non-binary
☐ Woman ☐ Man ☐ Another gender

Honorifics:
☐ Ms. ☐ Mr. ☐ Neutral form of address
☐ Ms. ☐ Mr. ☐ Mx.

Pronouns: ☐ She ☐ He ☐ They ☐ _____

Links:

Etikette: nonbinary.ch Gender Ale, Limonade mit 76 Gender Ingredienzen
Fictional products (other products, DE)

Fact Sheet

Information on the question “What is non-binary gender?” on an A4 sheet

Fact sheet [PDF]

Learn More – in German

This website offers a wide range of resources on non-binary gender in German. You can navigate the site using the menu, the site map, or the search function. Stay up to date with the latest information via the newsletter. The blog features articles on various topics and year-in-review posts about non-binary gender.

Do you have questions or feedback? Contact form

Text von: Evianne Hübscher
Erste Veröffentlichung: 1.6.2026 | Letztes Update: 1.6.2026