InfoSearched
Published -
- July 21, 2021
- 11:44 pm
The world is becoming more open and accepting, particularly when it comes to gender identity.
For many people, it’s impossible to check a box as either male or female — they identify as neither, or both, or something entirely different. The term “non-binary” allows for those who identify outside of “man” or “woman” to live their lives more openly and honestly.
Celebs, like the rest of us, want and deserve to live authentically, and many have chosen to do away with gender-specific pronouns. Recently, more and more celebrities have been open about their refusal to adhere to heteronormative and binaried labels. These are the celebs who identify as non-binary.
Why do you think it is important for celebrities to come out and publicly identify as non-binary or genderqueer?
Non-binary identification, or identifying as neither fully male nor fully female, has become increasingly prevalent in modern society. As individuals become more open and comfortable with their gender identities, many celebrities have come out as non-binary or genderqueer. Here are some of the most well-known non-binary celebrities.
1. Sam Smith
Sam Smith is an award-winning singer-songwriter who burst onto the music scene in 2012. In 2019, Smith publicly came out as non-binary, preferring to be referred to as they/them instead of he/him. In an interview with Jameela Jamil, Smith said they had always struggled with their gender identity and felt like “not a man and not a woman.”
2. Jonathan Van Ness
Jonathan Van Ness is a Queer Eye star who identifies as non-binary and uses he/him pronouns. In a 2019 interview with Out magazine, Van Ness said, “The older I get, the more I think that I’m non-binary… I’m gender nonconforming.” He added, “Like, some days I feel like a man, but then other days I feel like a woman.”
3. Alok Vaid-Menon
Alok Vaid-Menon is a writer, performer, and activist who identifies as gender non-conforming and uses they/them pronouns. In their book, Beyond the Gender Binary, Vaid-Menon writes about their experiences of growing up in a binary world and how they learned to embrace their gender identity.
4. Ruby Rose
Ruby Rose is an Australian actress, model, and DJ who identifies as genderfluid – meaning their gender identity can change from day to day. In a 2015 interview with Elle, Rose said, “I am very genderfluid and feel more like I wake up every day sort of gender-neutral.”
5. Indya Moore
Indya Moore is an American actor and model who identifies as non-binary and uses they/them pronouns. Moore, who stars in the hit FX show Pose, has used their platform to advocate for LGBTQ rights and visibility.
6. Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe is a Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter, and actress who has talked openly about her gender identity. In a 2018 interview with Rolling Stone, Monáe said, “I’m open to learning more about who I am. I identify as a queer black woman in America, and that’s just what I am.”
7. Nico Tortorella
Nico Tortorella is an American actor and model who identifies as genderfluid and uses they/them pronouns. In an interview with The Advocate, Tortorella said, “I’ve been queer my whole life, and I’ve never really been able to identify within the binary of gay or straight or male or female.”
These celebrities are just a few of the many individuals who identify as non-binary or genderqueer. Their stories and experiences have helped to increase understanding and acceptance of non-binary identities in mainstream society. By sharing their journeys with the world, these non-binary celebrities are breaking down gender norms and helping to create a more inclusive and diverse society for all.
