What is Non-Binary?
Written by Rev. Dr. Scott Paczkowski
“Love one another with affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. ”
In this age of political extremism, with social media continuing to affirm and entice our anger, it is easy to become calloused and even rude to others. Additionally, society’s medical technology and ethical demands have caused us to experience change at ever-increasing speeds. Rather than complain, people of faith are to react with compassion and patience. Care is essential when people’s lives and self-worth are at risk.
In our society, community, and even within our congregation, some consider themselves “non-binary.” Just a few years ago, most of us wouldn’t even know the term “non-binary.” Even today, if we’ve heard of “non-binary,” we may not know enough to formulate a proper definition. Individuals who identify as non-binary are those who do not identify as male or female. Self-identification can be confusing for a non-binary person to describe themselves with pronouns. It can be challenging when one considers oneself neither male nor female.
It can feel like a lie, diminishing oneself, describing oneself, or be defined by others in a way that feels untrue. So, to clarify oneself as non-binary, individuals use the pronoun “they.” “They” is gender-neutral, like how the non-binary person understands themself. As persons of faith, we are called to be compassionate and respectful of all God’s children. Compassion and respect do not require understanding or even full acceptance. Being Christian means being loving in our care for others.
Today, when you hear someone you know call themselves “non-binary” or describe themselves with the pronoun “they,” each of us is called to respond the way the other person wants to be addressed. First, pray for the dedication to try to make the transition. Ask God to forgive your mistakes because this type of pronoun usage takes practice. Further, pray for the non-binary person’s patience with us. If we try to use pronoun usage, they request respect, and love should overcome frustration. Acceptance and love are our calls, as we seek to love others, as we would wish to be loved.
