By Dani Alexander-Burk, Lambda Legal Southern Regional Office Manager/Regional Program Coordinator
It’s Nonbinary Awareness Week! This week is a time to celebrate our amazing diversity, share our experiences, and create a space for education and advocacy.
As a proud nonbinary and transmasculine person, I have appreciated every moment of getting to know myself better and better. I deeply believe in Trans Joy and in sharing community with those who understand what it means to feel free.
But, it has also been isolating at times, especially in the workplace. Before Lambda Legal, I was often the only out nonbinary person and was tasked with having to educate my colleagues—whether paid or not. It was exhausting to discuss my life and existence as a debate rather than the fact of who I am.
But at Lambda, working alongside others who exist similarly to me and those with a demonstrated commitment to respect the fullness of my identity, I feel grateful. Given the current and persistent attacks on trans, gender nonconforming, and nonbinary people, this is super important. Here, I don’t have to explain to my colleagues why things feel heavy or how what’s happening in the world impacts me.
I watch them stand up for me on a daily basis, and it feels amazing.
My experience shouldn’t be rare. Every nonbinary person should be surrounded by love, support, and respect. I also encourage cis people to be our allies, educate yourself and others, and speak up for us. We can’t do this alone.
This Nonbinary Awareness Week, remember that being queer is our superpower. It is a lens, and—above all—it is a triumph. Remember that you are loved, not despite being nonbinary or gender diverse but because of it.