Over the years, media has increasingly played a vital role in shaping societal perceptions and attitudes of minority communities. For many, tv, film, literature, podcasts, and other forms of media are the only way in which they are exposed to these communities, and so it is important that representations are true to life to ensure myths and misconceptions are not perpetrated.
When it comes to non-binary representation, the media has the power to challenge gender norms, promote understanding, provide validation for non-binary individuals, and even dispel myths and misconceptions that have resulted from previous unrealistic medias.
In todays article, we will explore the current state of non-binary representation in movies, TV shows, books, and other forms of media. We will discuss positive examples of non-binary representation, highlight the progress that has been made, and address the ongoing challenges that exist in improving representation.
The Importance of Non-Binary Representation
Validation and Visibility
Realistic representation in media is crucial for both non-binary individuals and our allys.
For non-binary individuals, validating our experiences and identities is incredibly powerful. Seeing ourselves represented on screen or in literature provides a sense of affirmation and belonging, helping us to feel seen and heard and reducing feelings of isolation.
For everyone else, seeing non-binary people in media helps them to understand and relate to them. When realistic narratives and stories are told, others are able to support their non-binary community based on facts rather than discriminate against them based on myths and misconceptions. The more realistic stories that are told, the more non-binary allys we we gain and the louder our collective voice becomes as we fight for equality.
Challenging Gender Norms
Non-binary representation in media not only challenges the traditional gender binary, but it also expands our understanding of gender diversity as a whole.
By featuring non-binary characters and storylines, media can help break down gender stereotypes and provide a more nuanced portrayal of all genders.
Breaking down the frankly out of date societal construct of gender allows all women, men, and non-binary people to express themselves however they would like. After all, who decided what it means to be a man? or a women? or a non-binary person?
Disregarding these unnatural expectations promotes a more inclusive understanding of gender identities for all.
Positive Examples of Non-Binary Representation
Television and Web Series
In recent years, there has been a notable increase in non-binary representation on television and web series. Shows like "Billions," "Supergirl," and "Brooklyn Nine-Nine" have introduced non-binary characters, providing visibility and exploring their experiences. Web series such as "The Feels" and "Non-Binary Diaries" have also emerged, focusing specifically on non-binary stories and perspectives.
More recently, non-binary characters and actors have been included in prime-time television slots, within hit Netflix tv series, and on multi-award winning games shows. For example...
Cal Bowman, Sex Education
Cal Bowman joined the cast of Netflix’s award-winning series Sex Education in 2021. Played by non-binary singer Dua Saleh, Cal instantly became a hit with viewers, acting as a vehicle for discussions about gendered dress codes and dating as a non-binary person.
Dr Kai Bartley, Grey’s Anatomy
Non-binary actor E. R. Fightmaster has played Dr Kai Bartley in ABC’s long-standing medical drama Grey’s Anatomy since 2021. Considering the series has been running for a whopping 18 seasons, with an ever-growing fan base, it was about time Grey’s introduced its first non-binary character. Since joining the show, Fightmaster has praised the medical drama’s creators for their nonchalance approach to Dr Bartley’s gender identity, enabling the character to not be reduced to the one trait. The actor has also had the opportunity to discuss with writers how they should address the topic.
Jim Jimenez, Our Flag Means Death
The first season of pirate comedy Our Flag Means Death dropped on BBC iPlayer in January, and viewers were quickly introduced to Jim Jimenez. Played by non-binary actor Vico Ortiz, Jim starts the series by donning a fake beard to fulfil their dream of being a pirate. The facade drops, but Jim attempts to ensure their shipmates see them as they are – not as masculine or feminine, just as Jim.
Brooke Hathaway and Ripley Lennox, Hollyoaks
Channel 4’s Hollyoaks has been a pioneer when it comes to non-binary representation in British soaps. In 2018, the soap introduced Brooke Hathaway, played by trans actor Tylan Grant. Grant was the first actor of colour to portray an autistic person on TV, while their character later realised that they are non-binary. Brooke came to that realisation after meeting and befriending Ripley Lennox, who was introduced in 2020 as the first openly non-binary character in the show. Brooke and Ripley form a friendship, before eventually beginning a relationship.
Mae, Feel Good
Netflix and Channel 4’s Feel Good features non-binary comedian Mae Martin as Mae, a fictionalised version of themself. While Mae’s gender identity in the first season isn’t explicitly discussed, that changes in season two, when they realise they are “transgender or non-binary or whatever” and switch to using they/them pronouns. The character has propelled its actor to new heights of fame, with Martin recently releasing their new Netflix comedy special SAP.
Adira Tal, Star Trek: Discovery
Adira Tal is the first non-binary character across the entire Star Trek universe and, considering the franchise’s extensive legacy in popular culture, that’s a pretty massive deal. Played by non-binary actor Blu del Barrio, Adira was introduced in series three of CBS’s Star Trek: Discovery, before becoming a series regular in season four.
Desire, The Sandman
Neil Gaiman has faced a lot of flack for casting non-binary actor Mason Alexander Park as Desire in the 2022 Netflix series The Sandman, but unbeknownst to the critics, Desire was actually non-binary in Gaiman’s original Sandman comics.
“I give zero f***s about people who don’t understand/haven’t read Sandman, whining about a non-binary Desire or that Death isn’t white enough,” Gaiman said, defending representation in the series. “Watch the show, make up your minds.”
Che Diaz, And Just Like That
By far the most discussed non-binary character on television right now – and possibly most discussed character, full stop – is And Just Like That’s Che Diaz, a swaggering comedian and podcast host played by Tony Award-winner Sara Ramirez. While Diaz has arguably been the most polarising addition to the Sex And The City reboot, it matters immensely that Sara Ramirez has had a say in a story that shares many aspects of their own.
Film
While TV is making a tonne of progress with non-binary representation, film, well, isn't. Sure, there have been some positive steps in non-binary representation, the movie "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" featured a non-binary character, played by non-binary actor Indya Moore. Additionally, films like "Tangerine" and "The Miseducation of Cameron Post" have included non-binary characters, highlighting their experiences within the narrative, but that's pretty much it.
When it comes to hit franchises, or standalone masterpieces on the silver screen, non-binary people are almost always nowhere to be seen. And as an avid film lover and cinema goer, this isn't great. Of all the star-studded films that have come out or are coming out this year, Barbie, Oppenheimer, Mission Impossible, Indiana Jones, Transformers... even The Flash which stars non-binary actor Ezra Miller... there is only one film set to release with a known non-binary character, and that's Disney and Pixar's latest movie "Elementals".
Now, don't get me wrong, I think it's amazing that kids are going to be exposed to the non-binary character 'Lake', voiced by non-binary actor Ava Kai Hauser, but what about us adults?
Literature and Books
The most significant increase in non-binary representation come from our good friend the book. It's pretty obvious why...writing and self-publishing a book on a platform like Amazon/Kindle/Audible is much easier and more accessible than making a movie or tv show. As a result, non-binary folk are able to much more easily tell stories and take charge of realistic narratives, both fiction and fiction. Here are some of my favourites:
She Who Became The Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
As a piece of non-binary fiction, She Who Became The Sun explores the life of someone who is at first a woman disguised as a man, but who later finds their identity as both and neither. Zhu Chongba is a truly inspiring non-binary protagonist.
Nettleblack by Nat Reeve
Nettleblack warms and entertains in equal measure; it is a celebration of strangeness and difference. It congratulates those of us who don’t fit the status quo and gives us a wonderful world to escape to.
In a scene that should go down in history, Henry’s meeting with Property involves them explaining they/them pronouns by asking Henry to “stumble in sweet Shakespeare’s footsteps and use them“.
Paul Takes the Form of a Mortal Girl by Andrea Lawlor
This is, at its heart, a coming-of-age story about a young queer man in the early ’90s. The twist is that Paul can shapeshift. He can make himself taller, change his penis size, and even transform into a woman.
This is a smart, fun, funny, raucous novel about self-discovery, hedonism, gender expression, and sex. A clever and engaging non-binary novel.
Loveless by Alice Oseman
While the focus of Loveless is on its protagonist, a young woman figuring out her asexual identity, an important secondary character is Sunil, a non-binary character who plays the role of new president of Durham University’s queer society.
Chlorine by Jade Song
This is a raw and difficult coming-of-age story, a tale of sapphic love and self-hatred. A story of frustration and pain; a difficult read that tackles many difficult themes with honesty and empathy.
Phoenix Extravagant by Yoon Ha Lee
Put bluntly, Phoenix Extravagant is one of the coolest non-binary books you’ll ever read. A fantasy novel about art and politics and dragons.
An Unkindness of Ghosts by Rivers Solomon
Rivers Solomon is one of the most exciting non-binary writers of today, making An Unkindness of Ghosts one of the most exciting and topical non-binary books, especially when considering its mainstaging of racism through science fiction.
I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver
Mason Deaver’s novel I Wish You All the Best is at the top of a lot of readers’ lists of non-binary books. It tells the story of Ben, a senior in high school who comes out to their parents as non-binary and are then immediately kicked out.
Outlawed by Anna North
Taking place in the wild west, loosely inspired by real people and events, Outlawed follows the story of Ada, a young woman who cannot conceive. Confined both mentally and physically by her community, she escapes and joins the outlaw Hole in the Wall gang.
The Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey
The Echo Wife is non one of the defining non-binary books in an ordinary sense, since this excellent piece of science fiction includes only cisgender characters. Its author, however, is a non-binary writer.
Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe
Tracing a line from childhood to adulthood, Gender Queer uses a blunt and honest openness to create a kind of discourse between writer and reader, encouraging the reader to listen and consider and understand.
Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon
Written as a short manifesto and survival guide for queer people of all stripes, Beyond the Gender Binary seeks to educate, enlighten, and celebrate genderqueer lives. Written with love, kindness, and understanding by a gender non-conforming American icon.
A Quick & Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns by Archie Bongiovanni and Tristan Jimerson
This is a short and fun graphic guide created by two best friends — one a non-binary artist and the other a cisgender guy, both of whom want to help the world understand and navigate the world of pronouns.
Gender Euphoria by Laura Kate Dale
This is such an important book for young readers who are figuring out that they might be trans or non-binary, or for anyone who needs to see the positive, the good, the powerful side of being a non-cisgender person.
In Their Shoes by Jamie Windust
Of all the non-binary books that exist, this is the one I wish I could have written. A frank, funny, uplifting, inspiring book about being non-binary from a non-binary writer living their happy life.
Life Isn’t Binary: On Being Both, Beyond, and In-Between by Alex Iantaffi and Meg-John Barker
This is an engaging, almost interactive, book that invites readers to consider their own binaries. It discusses the fluidity of human experiences. It uses the non-binary and bisexual experiences as examples of a less rigid way of seeing and experiencing the rigidity of modern life.
What’s the T? The No-nonsense Guide to All Things Trans And/or Non-binary for Teens by Juno Dawson
Juno Dawson is a former teacher and trans author who has invited other trans and non-binary writers to offer up their own insights, ensuring that, like Gender Euphoria, What’s the T? is a diverse examination and celebration of trans and non-binary experiences.
Challenges and Areas for Improvement
Limited Representation and Tokenism
Despite progress, non-binary representation in media is still limited. Non-binary characters are often relegated to supporting roles or tokenized, which can perpetuate stereotypes or overlook the depth and diversity of non-binary experiences. There is a need for more central, complex, and authentic portrayals of non-binary individuals in various genres and mediums.
Misgendering and Lack of Authenticity
Misgendering, where characters are consistently referred to by incorrect pronouns or addressed using binary terms, remains a challenge in non-binary representation. This not only undermines the authenticity of the character's gender identity but also perpetuates harm by reinforcing the gender binary. It is essential for writers, directors, and producers to consult and collaborate with non-binary individuals to ensure accurate and respectful representation.
Intersectionality and Inclusive Storytelling
Intersectionality, which considers the interconnectedness of identities such as race, ethnicity, and disability, is often overlooked in non-binary representation. To improve inclusivity, media should embrace diverse perspectives and avoid stereotypes associated with certain identities. There is a need for stories that reflect the experiences of non-binary individuals from various backgrounds, cultures, and identities.
Non-binary representation in media holds immense potential to challenge gender norms, validate identities, and foster understanding. While progress has been made, there is still so much work to be done. By providing positive examples of non-binary characters and storylines, media can contribute to a more inclusive society that embraces gender diversity.
It is essential for content creators and media professionals to prioritise accurate and respectful representation, consulting and collaborating with non-binary individuals to ensure authenticity. Let us continue striving for increased non-binary representation, celebrating diverse experiences, and amplifying non-binary voices in the media landscape.
Comments