In my desire to learn how to better support my fabulous youngest child, Lindsey (Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs), I scoured the internet and came across articles about International Non-Binary Day, which is celebrated worldwide each year on July 14, starting in 2012. I plan to spend the day celebrating Lindsey’s unique self with them.

I also wanted to post here to raise awareness and help others better understand how to respect and honor these individuals. Here are a few things I’ve learned and am working at becoming better at:

• Use the correct pronouns when addressing or referring to them. It seems so easy, but if you’ve been accustomed to referring to someone one way and that has changed, please make every effort to switch. If you get it wrong, apologize.
• If you aren’t sure, ask how they’d like to be addressed. This can mean their name as well their pronouns.
• Educate yourself. If you aren’t sure what non-binary means, check out the internet. Don’t ask them to explain it to you.
• When you’re introducing yourself, use your name and pronouns. This will make others around you comfortable in doing the same.
• If you don’t know how someone identifies, it is usually safe to use “They/Their.”

I wish you a safe and happy day!

Dorene (Pronouns: She/Her/Hers)