No Gender November No12: No Gender Generation

Generation Z increasingly identifies as non-binary. Instead of following gender norms, they define themselves.

Note: This is part of the November 2018 “No Gender November” portrait series on my 6yo’s lunch notes. Follow along and learn non-binary with me!
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A common thread among my conversations lately is how excited the nonbinary community is about the next generation. They’ve said these up and coming kids are just beautiful, more sure of themselves and freer to cross gendered lines. They didn’t just decide it. Under evolving cultural/societal conditions they’ve identified themselves and found their pronouns. Through school curriculum, the internet and slowly but increasingly more prevalent representation in popular media, they can name the unnamable.

In a church setting, a transgender advocate friend of mine speaking to 2–5th graders was shocked at how many hands raised when he asked who knew the word “transgender.” They didn’t have to go back to trans 101. Instead they talked about stuff like getting trucks for their birthday, who raised their hand vs. who didn’t and why not. These kids are getting it.

The internet and this new golden age of television has given voices to a lot of individuals not typically represented. It’s a culture shift. Reassuring faces on Instagram are a place to turn. Out-front nonbinary faces like Ruby Rose entering the DC Comics TV Universe, make nonconformity publicly a little more ok for somebody everyday. Oh the places the gender expansed next generation will go.