What is it to be non-binary?
Non-binary people don’t identify as male or female, and tend not to conform to gender norms of either.
The idea of a ‘male’ or a ‘female’ is well established, but some people identify as a gender that mixes elements of both, or some do not identify with either gender. Typically, people who do not see themselves as being male or female refer to themselves as non-binary.
It is to be noted that most transgender people are not to be assumed to be non-binary as they have a gender that is either male or female. Intersex people also may not necessarily be non-binary.
Demi’s Coming out
“Today is a day I’m so happy to share more of my life with you all,” Demi Lovato (28) wrote on Twitter. “I am proud to let you know that I identify as non-binary & will officially be changing my pronouns to they/them moving forward.” Using they/them as pronouns “best represents the fluidity I feel in my gender expression,” the Stone Cold singer added.
Demi said they had come to a conclusion regarding their gender identity after indulging themselves in “healing and self-reflective work” over the past year. They also said they are still “learning and coming into themselves” and don’t consider themselves an “expert or spokesperson” on the subject. “I’m doing this for those out there that haven’t been able to share who they truly are with their loved ones,” Demi added. “Please keep living in your truths & know I am sending so much love your way.”
Demi Lovato’s Journey, loud and inspiring
Demi announced earlier this year that they were pansexual – which means someone is attracted to other people, regardless of their gender. During her interview with Glamour Magazine for their cover story in March, Demi Lovato had said: “When I started getting older, I started realizing how queer I really am. This past year I was engaged to a man, and when it didn’t work, I was like, This is a huge sign.” They were previously engaged to actor Max Ehrich. Later on, they confirmed they are pansexual through a podcast: “I’m so fluid now, and a part of the reason why I am so fluid is that I was super closeted off.”
However, all through their career, Demi has been an outspoken supporter of LGBT rights. Demi, along with Nick Jonas, canceled tour dates in the US cities of Raleigh and Charlotte in 2016 as a response to an anti-LGBT bill being ratified in North Carolina. Not only this, but they showed active involvement with the fight for LQBTQ+ rights by writing a letter to the LGBTQ+ community for Billboard magazine, as part of its Pride Month coverage, in 2017.
“I struggle with wrapping my head around the fact that we live in a world where love and equal rights still have to be questioned or discounted,” they wrote.
Non-binary representation
In an interview in 2017, UK singer Sam Smith confirmed they were non-binary and also use they/them pronouns. Smith said they feel “just as much woman as I am man.”
Netflix’s “Atypical” star Brigette Lundy-Paine said they “always felt a lil bit boy, lil bit girl, lil bit neither.” Amandla Stenberg identifies as non-binary but said she doesn’t need gender-neutral pronouns “to feel comfortable.” Batwoman star Ruby Rose’s short film “Break Free” was an ode to gender fluidity and autobiographical.
Other notable Hollywood celebrities identifying as non-binary are Janelle Monáe, Jonathan Van Ness, Nico Tortorella, etc.
Fan’s Reaction
Many fans have said they’re “proud” of Demi’s announcement, with some describing the singer as a “role model.”
One fan wrote, “Demi! Your honesty will help many people live their authentic truths. Proud of you”, another wrote, “My sibling is non-binary, so to have a celebrity like @ddlovato be vocal about their pronouns and their journey is beyond important. I’m learning with my sibling, and it’s important to know that you don’t need to fully understand everything, just embrace it with empathy and love.”