Non-binary is defined as being outside of the male/female gender binary. While it is an umbrella term, it can mean many different things for different people. 

Like most identities, being non-binary can come with a lot of misconceptions. There is not one singular “look,” as all non-binary people express themselves differently.

Hali Piepsny (they/them) of Fairlawn, Ohio is a 23-year-old non-binary preschool teacher and colorguard instructor. They identify as non-binary or trans masculine, but experimented with different labels in the past. 

“In high school I experimented with the term gender-fluid,” they said. “I eventually realized I’m most comfortable being neither male or female instead of being fluid between the two.”

Piepsny expresses themself through clothing by dressing masculine and adding feminine details. “I typically will always have my nails painted, and I love to accessorize with fun jewelry and bolo ties,” they said. 

Throughout their career and personal life, Piepsny is able to live as their true self. 

“I’m fortunate enough to be able to express being nonbinary daily, and to just be myself wherever I am. My wonderful partner uses inclusive, gender neutral terms. At my job, I go by ‘Teacher Hali‘ instead of the binary terms Mr. or Mrs.,” they shared. “I also think that the arts are typically a safe space for queer people, so whenever I’m teaching a colorguard group, I feel safe to be my full authentic self.”

Paige Beal (they/them) is a 22-year-old non-binary Digital Media Production student and dancer at Kent State. 

“I identify as non-binary, and I see that as a part of the transgender umbrella,” Beal shared. “I think most people who aren’t non-binary don’t automatically consider it that way.”

Experimenting with different clothing and styles can be important for non-binary individuals to discover how they prefer to present. 

“It took awhile for me to find the style that I felt supported my identity. I like a combination of tight and loose clothes, so I can choose how I like to present in that moment. Keeping my hair short has been really important for being comfortable in my identity.”

Beal also is able to express themself through the arts, such as dance. 

“I like to do a wide variety of choreographies. I enjoy more masculine, heavy dances, as well as feminine moves using your arms and waist,” they said. “When I got into the ‘meat’ of being non-binary, dance was something I could use to accept myself.” 

Piepsny and Beal are just two non-binary people, meaning their experience is not universal to all. However, non-binary people can frequently deal with the same misconceptions from others outside of the community. 

“One thing I wish more people knew is that being nonbinary isn’t just a transition between the two binary genders. Me dressing more masculine or pursuing top surgery doesn’t mean that I’m on my journey to coming out as a trans man,” Piepsny said. “Non-binary and gender nonconforming people can look, feel and present so different many ways. Ultimately, no matter what identity or orientation, everyone is different.”

Non-binary people are not just the third option besides male and female. There is a spectrum of different ways to present, and there is not one specific look. If a non-binary person does not meet your expectations of how they should present, that does not mean they are not non-binary.

“Some people think there is a one size fits all to being non-binary,” Beal said. “It’s so confusing, there’s not even a social ‘norm’ way to be non-binary. Being open and not being afraid to be corrected or wrong is a very important part of understanding other people.”