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some tips and stories

@comingoutasnonbinary / comingoutasnonbinary.tumblr.com

collection of stories and tips about coming out as nonbinary
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Anonymous asked:

If a friend is questioning their gender, would it be impolite to default to they/them without being asked, or is the correct course of action sticking with the pronouns you've always used for them unless they request that you use different ones? (sorry if that was confusingly worded)

Lee says:

Since it’s your friend, I’d say it’s best to ask them instead of assuming which pronouns they might like. 

Say something like “I know you’re questioning your gender, and I’m happy to use whichever pronouns you think might make you most comfortable. Would you like me to start using a different pronoun set for you now or are you sticking with [she/her or he/him] pronouns for now? And if you want a different pronoun set, do you want me to use those pronouns only when we’re with friends or all the time?”

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Anonymous asked:

Hey, I need help as I’d like to come out to my friends, and eventually my whole high school about me being nb. I have 2 close friends who I’d like to come out to first who I’m sure will be accepting but I have no clue how to tell them about my preferred pronouns and name (I’m biologically female and I want to use they/them or he/him and a more masculine name) any tips on how I should come out or when or how it could go? I’m so lost any help would be great, thank you so much

Hey!I’m sorry you’re feeling lost, coming out can feel very overwhelming. I’m glad you have two friends you feel will be supportive though!In terms of telling them about pronouns and a new name, I think just telling them works! You could give them a sample sentence with they/them pronouns if you’re worried they won’t understand how to use them. You could try to ease them into it by asking about their knowledge of nonbinary people first, and getting them to understand that before telling them about your self if that feels more comfortable for you. The best tip I have is to come out when you feel ready. Feeling scared or nervous can still happen when you’re ready, and that totally makes sense because you’re probably worried about being accepted. That’s really common to feel that way, so you’re not alone in that. I’m not sure how it will go since I don’t know the people you’re coming out to, but if you feel they’ll be supportive, then hopefully they will work at being understanding and altering how they refer to you. It might take them some time to get used to your name and pronouns, try not to take that as them not caring, as long as they’re working at it. Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any more questions 😊

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Anonymous asked:

How does one come out to a very gender essentialist mother? Although she constantly tells me (in her belief that I'm a guy) that men can cry/be emotional/etc (although I'm not), she has ideas about gender that I just can't seem to change, no matter how much I try. It's why I'm afraid to come out as enby to her. I don't think she'd find it real.

This is a difficult question. Unfortunately I don’t have any specific words that will help a parent understand gender, but hopefully with time she will come around. If your mother has ideas about gender that you can’t seem to change, trying might just stress you out. If she’s open to learning then you could try giving her resources to read on her own time possibly?If your mother is willing to read resources that you give her, I would suggest an essay or article by Julia Serano, who’s awesome at arguing against that gender essentialist way of thinking with her background in biology. (You can find a list of some writings of hers at juliaserano .com /writings).If she would be open to reading a more narrative essay rather than an argumentative, more science based one, then I would also suggest checking out the articles on genderqueer.me In the end, your mother may not believe that being nonbinary is real, but that doesn’t change the fact that nonbinary people exist and that you’re real! It seems she has some understanding, so I hope that she will put in the work to understand what you tell her. Being nonbinary tends to come with having our validity questioned, but try to remember that how you feel and express yourself is real and valid, no matter what other people think. And that nonbinary people have existed for a long time, even if we’ve gone by different names. Good luck with talking to your mom and let me know if I can help otherwise!

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Anonymous asked:

So I'm a minor and would like to come out as/transition being non-binary. I'm in that limbo summer between middle and high school and have already picked out my name and pronouns. I want to come out to my family first, then my friends, and then to my school. I've decided I'm going to bind but not have hormones or surgery. I'm worried buying new clothes will be expensive and I'm not sure how my Catholic school is going to take to it. I'm just in need of tips with the transition/coming out stuff

Hey there,So I’ll try to address generally the topics you’ve mentioned, but if you have any specific questions, please ask me because tips is really broad!Congrats on making a plan! That can feel really good to do. If coming out doesn’t go exactly as planned, try not to sweat it either. I came out first to some friends, then some family, then some other friends, and then my school, and then work, and then some other family, and more after that. It’s not as linear as it seems at first.That’s awesome you know what you want to do, that may not change at all with time, but also it might too. Just try to be kind to yourself through it all.Buying new clothes can be expensive, you could try to do it more slowly with help from your parents if they’re open to that. You could also look into clothing swaps and second hand stores, a lot of trans people get clothes from other trans people at clothing swaps!When I went to catholic school, I wasn’t out as trans or nonbinary and they were not open to it, but that’s not the case at all catholic or religious schools. I’m not sure how they will react, but if you have friends who you trust there, maybe try to come out to them first? The school may not be overly supportive, but maybe with parents, friends, or teachers also pushing for you, they will hopefully listen and be respectful. Let me know if you have any other questions and Good luck!!

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i want to get a binder before going to uni in a few weeks' time, but do that i'll have to come out to my parents. i identify as genderfluid and nonbinary (since i mostly switch between nonbinary genders) and i know my parents won't be completely supportive. they've never been fully supportive of my sexuality, they think it's too confusing or i'll outgrow it, so i'm really hesitant with coming out this time but i really want the binder before i go away. it's really upsetting me. any advice? ty :)

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Hi,I’m sorry if this is late, I wasn’t notified of this message and I can’t see a date, sorry about that!First off, I’m sorry your parents haven’t been supportive of your sexuality. Of course that doesn’t always indicate how they’ll react to your gender, but if they’ve been unsupportive in the past, they might be with this too. In terms of coming out to them, you should do that whenever you feel ready and safe in doing so. If you want resources to give them to read, there’s some on this blog or I can direct you to more.Do you have any other support systems or supportive people in your life you have told or could tell? Maybe they could help you advocate for your self with your parents if they would be open to that. In terms of the binder, there are often give-aways on tumblr that you could search for, but also, if you have like $40, you could get a prepaid card at the store and order one online, if that’s a concern or barrier for you. Please don’t bind unsafely and get a proper binder if you can, and please reach out to me if you need any more help 💗

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Anonymous asked:

Hi so i recently came out as nb to my gf & she’s super accepting and I love that. thing is, I’m not very good at correcting ppl bc I’m shy and quiet and I always feel bad. It’s been a few months and I know it takes time for people to get used to new pronouns and names but she still hasn’t used my preferred pronouns or my name. I asked her about it and she feels horrible because she says she forgetful and now she’s telling me she’s not worthy of me. I still love her, but what do I do?

Hey Anon, sorry it took me so long to answer this!

So, first of all, I’m glad your gf has been supportive in theory. But i’m sorry she hasn’t been supportive in practice.

I totally understand feeling bad about speaking up, but this is about you being who you really are, and that’s important as hell. If you haven’t, maybe explain to her why this is so important, or if that feels too much, show her to a video or site that talks about the importance of honouring pronouns and names.

I would tell her to try to stop feeling guilt feelings about this, and instead frame it as a lesson she can learn and get better at.

Continuing to use pronouns and a name that doesn’t make you feel comfortable is shitty for sure, but guilt is not a productive feeling. Guilt will make Her feel like she is the victim in the end, which helps neither her or you.

If instead she takes this as a wake up call and puts the work in, then she can change. I believe that anyone can change if they Want to, regarding this type of thing at least.

Has she done everything possible to involve your name and pronouns in her day? Has she changed the contact for you in her phone to your name? (She could even put your pronouns next to your name in the contact to remind her to use them)

Has she practiced using your pronouns with you? Has she practiced with anyone else who knows those pronouns for you (not sure if that is possible)? Has she written your name and pronouns down? Has she texted you using that name?

There are simple ways to include this in her day that will make it near impossible for her to forget. If she accepts you and wants to make a shift and loves you and wants to be with you, then there are ways to help her remember. Phone contacts, sticky notes, non-toxic pen reminders on her hand, etc. If she wants to find a way, she can.

I hope she wants to work on this, and I hope this was helpful!

Let me know if you want to talk anymore!

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neutrois

Have a story to tell about hormones? I encourage you to email me with a draft or simply an idea. 

Details

  1. You can submit a blog post, a video, a comic strip – anything that tells a story.
  2. No word count or length, whatever you feel is appropriate for a “blog post.”
  3. Add a short 1-3 sentence bio with any links to your site. Yes, you can use a pseudonym.
  4. Include photos or images that represent the text. These do not have to be of you, they can be of your surroundings, or stock photos.
  5. No hard deadline, but the sooner the better.

Read more #nonbinary stories on Featured Voices.

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Anonymous asked:

Do you have any tips on how to come out to your significant other as non binary?

well I have never been in that position myself, but from friends I've talked to who have and my own coming out in other situations, here are some tips:-try to explain to them what you're feeling about your gender and be as open as you feelcomfortable (could be as simple as "I'm not a boy or a girl, but something else" or more specific, if they don't know anything about nonbinary or trans people, this might take some patience and explaining (if they don't know any trans stuff I would explain this first maybe)-reassure them that this doesn't change how you feel about them or who you are (this may seem redundant or basic, but big announcements can make relationships feel unstable sometimes)-if you have a different name or pronouns that you want them to use, then try to introduce these, although it is up to you how much you are willing to let them slide on that stuff (for some people it's a deal breaker if a partner can't get this stuff--which is totally okay, but give them a few weeks at least to get acclimated)-really all you can do is just tell them, whether through letter or in person (in person is sometimes received better although for me it is anxiety-inducing), and then see how they react. I'm not sure if this answer was what you were looking for but let me know if there's anything else! also good luck!!!

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Do you mind if I use your letter as some sort of a template for my coming out?

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not at all :) that's what it's there for! I would suggest adding your own personal touches and experiences to make it a better representation of you, but if it helps you get started then please go for it!

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Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has revealed plans to expand gender recognition laws

These plans include:

  • The right to gender self-declaration (though those under 16 would need parental permission)
  • The recognition of non-binary genders by 2021
  • The choice to have ‘X’ on passports instead of ‘M’ or ‘F’
  • Teaching children about LGBTQ+ acceptance from primary education onward
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It all just feels like so much work all the time. I don’t want to deal with this stuff! I have other things to think about!

Related: Trans people aren’t ‘obsessed’ with bathrooms, we don’t care about bathrooms ‘too much’. We want to not care about bathrooms at all. You’re the the weird ones obsessed with bathrooms. Don’t put that on us.

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xoashm

TRANS & NON-BINARY SWIMMING GROUP (Ages 16+)

⚠️⚠️PLEASE reblog this even if you’re not in Scotland, you may have followers who will find this valuable!! ⚠️⚠️ Thnku!

Seahorses Glasgow is a trans and non-binary swimming group set up to provide a judgement free, safe zone for anyone under the trans umbrella (including anyone questioning their gender!) who may not feel comfortable swimming/changing in/or at a public pool during normal hours.

It’s organisers worked hard to have it put in place and so numbers would be greatly appreciated to keep it running!

WHERE: Whitehill pool, Dennistoun, Glasgow (about a 20min walk from Queen Street train station but buses etc are available).

WHEN: Last Sunday of each month between 3pm & 4pm. Next session is 24th April ‘16.

PRICE: £5 but will be decreased as numbers increase. If you can’t afford it - go along any way and something can be worked out so you can participate, don’t worry.

OTHER INFO: Gender neutral changing facilities and private cubicles. Staff are LGBT+ friendly.

QUESTIONS/HELP GETTING THERE: Send a message to @tracybering on Tumblr / @transceur on Instagram (who is happy to walk with people to the group) or contact the official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Seahorsesglasgow/

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lgbtqsu

We’re doing a zine!

Hey Tumblr! QUMBC’s got something exciting in the pipeline, and we’re proud to officially announce this: we’re doing a zine! It’ll focus around LGBTQ themes, obviously, but will specifically focus on showcasing the upsides and positive things about being LGBTQ. We’re calling it the Pride Pages, and submissions are open NOW! If you have a piece of art, prose, poetry, anything LGBTQ themed related you want to put out into a zine, you can send it straight to us at qumbc@umbc.edu, and it’ll be in the running to go in the first ever edition of the Pride Pages! Curious if your work qualifies? Check out queers-united.tumblr.com/zine for more information on what we’re looking for. Submissions are due March 7th, by 11:59 pm. We look forward to your submissions and putting out a great first edition!

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davenaz

Starring Buck Angel, Michelle Austin, Birdmountain, Matty Boi, Jonelle Brooks, Eva Cassini, Colten, James Darling, Afro Disiac, Jade Downing, Evie Eliot, Jenny Elizabeth, Michelle Firestone, Foxxy, Jamie French, Khloe Hart, Mis Isabella, Tara Jolie, Tasha Jones, Riley Kilo, Kristel, Jiz Lee, Eva Lin, Kelli Lox, Venus Lux, Mandy Mitchell, Chelsea Poe, Andre Shakti, Shawn, Kendra Sinclair, Stefani Special, Tiffany Starr, Wendy Summers, Tristan Taormino, Courtney Trouble, Wolfe Moon

Music by Kid Congo & The Pink Monkey Birds (In The Red Records)

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buzzfeedlgbt

Could you illustrate it? BuzzFeed LGBT wants to see your artwork.

We’re looking for illustrations from people who live with or have experienced gender dysphoria. You know what your bad days feel like, but could you draw it? What would it look like? We want to see your drawings, illustrations, and sketches along with a short paragraph description of your piece. And don’t say you “can’t” draw — stick figures are acceptable. 

Share your response with us via email at Sarah.Karlan@BuzzFeed.com for the chance to be featured in a post focusing on gender dysphoria for BuzzFeed’s Body Week!

In the event we use your response, please let us know if you would like us to publish it anonymously, credit your name, or include a link to your blog. 

Deadline: January 15th

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