International Non-Binary People’s Day takes place on 14 July each year and celebrates and raises awareness of non-binary people, who do not identify within the traditional gender binary. This takes place during non-binary awareness week from Monday 10 to Sunday 16 July.
Why 14 July?
The date, celebrated since 2012, was chosen as it falls between International Women’s Day on 8 March and International Men’s Day on 19 November.
What does non-binary mean?
The definition provided by Stonewall (Britain’s leading charity for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans equality) is: “Non-binary is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity doesn’t sit comfortably with ‘man’ or ‘woman’. Non-binary identities are varied and can include people who identify with some aspects of binary identities, while others reject them entirely.
“Non-binary people can feel that their gender identity and gender experience involves being both a man and a woman, or that it is fluid, in between, or completely outside of that binary.”
DMU is proud to support gender non-confirming staff and students and is a Stonewall top 100 employer.
Shushma Patel, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Student Experience and Dean of the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Media said: “International Non-Binary People’s Day is an important date to raise awareness of this often-marginalised community. At DMU we are proud, and support our non-binary staff and students and we encourage everyone to be their authentic selves by providing an inclusive place to work and learn.”
Protecting and supporting Trans, gender fluid and non-binary staff and students
We have recently revised the policy on Protecting and supporting Trans, gender fluid and non-binary staff and students, talking to staff and students through focus groups and ensuring that terminology was updated and the format was as user friendly as possible.
Guidance and what can I do to support
You can access the guide on how to be a good LGBTQ+ ally. The guide includes the importance of pronouns, using a person’s preferred pronouns is an inclusive way of recognising that person’s gender identity.
To find out how you can better support non-binary people, you can also access Stonewall’s 10 ways to step up as an ally to non-binary people.
Join the LGBTQ+ society for students
Through De Montfort Students’ Union (DSU), we also have student societies that can offer a forum and support for LGBTQ+ students and allies.
How to report homophobia, biphobia and transphobia and support available
DMU and DSU’s No Space for Hate project reinforces our commitment to challenge inappropriate behaviours and provide practical support to students who are victims, survivors or witnesses of hate or harassment. This comprises of a policy, website, anonymous reporting tool, a specialised service which outlines support and reporting options, specialist staff within Security and new mandatory training for staff involved in the disciplinary process.
Posted on Monday 10 July 2023