Binarism

(also: enbyphobia, exornormativity, exorsexism)

Introduction
General Information
AMAB vs AFAB
Legal Matters
External Links

Additional Resources

Introduction

Binarism refers to a system in which there are only two extreme options. In the context of this page, we will be discussing binarism in terms of gender. Specifically, binarism in terms of discrimination against nonbinary people and the outdated falsehood that there are only two genders.

General Information

Binarism is the idea that there are only 2 genders, and the subsequent discrimination against anyone who deviates from the gender binary.

AMAB vs AFAB

When it comes to being a nonbinary person, AGAB is quite rarely relevant (that is, of course, outside of certain circumstances; such as when the nonbinary person in question is talking to a physician or a potential partner). Two people with different AGABs can have the same nonbinary gender identity, presenstation, surgical goals, etc. The experience of being nonbinary has little to do with one's assigned gender. Regardless, those who fail to understand the idea of more than two options (never mind differentiating between genderqueer and genderfluid) seem to value AGAB or ASAB above all else.

People whose assigned gender is obvious (or at the very least perceived as being obvious) are often treated as that gender, rather than as their true nonbinary identity. Those who are (or perceived as) being AFAB are often treated or referred to as "woman lite" as though they are nothing more than a slightly modified version of a woman. Those who are AMAB (or perceived as) experience something similar, sometimes referred to as "boy lite". Slurs primarily intended for non-passing binary transgender people are sometimes used against those who are not trying to pass as either gender.

Some nonbinary people feel pressured into changing to a more "binary" presentation. For example, someone who was AMAB and does not identify as transfeminine may feel pressured into doing so due to a lack of acceptance of their true identity.

Assigned gender becomes a box to try and sort nonbinary people in. Most nonbinary people prefer not to fit neatly into little boxes. Those who do prefer to pick labels will rarely associate with assigned gender, because it simply does not matter when it comes to being nonbinary. Nonbinary people who do not medically transition, or do little to alter their overall presentation are often criticized for "not trying" or otherwise treated as though they are still cisgender despite not identifying as such. Nonbinary people who do medically transition are often pressured into simply identifiying as transmasculine or transfeminine.

Sometimes, AFAB nonbinary people are told that they must simply be butch lesbians. Similarily, AMAB nonbinary people are sometimes told that they must simply be gay men. For those who cannot wrap their minds around the complexities of human gender presentation, there is a curious instinct to non-consentually assign inaccurate labels; rather than simply listen and accept it when nonbinary people explain their own identities.

Legal Matters

In many places, nonbinary people are unfortunately not legally recognized as such. While some nonbinary people are lucky enough to be able to have their gender marker changed to "X" (a third-gender alternative to M and F), many more nonbinary people are unable to do so due to various transphobic laws.

The lack of legal recognition of nonbinary people is not restricted to life, however. It is not uncommon for nonbinary people to worry about their correct names or genders to be accurately reflected in their obituaries.