What it means to be nonbinary
Nonbinary is an umbrella term for gender identities that fall outside the man/woman binary. Some nonbinary people use they/them pronouns, others use a mix including she/her or he/him, some use neopronouns, and some alternate or reject pronouns depending on context. Being nonbinary is not a phase, a trend, or a synonym for genderqueer in every case; it is a legitimate, enduring identity shared by many cultures historically and globally.
Visibility matters because, for many people, seeing nonbinary public figures can normalize diverse identities and reduce isolation. Representation can also influence industries, from entertainment to corporate policy and medical care. This overview focuses on verified information, professional achievements, and respectful pronoun use to support understanding that reflects the real, evolving experiences of nonbinary people.
How we define verified information
For a public figure to be treated as a verified example, we rely on statements from the person, their official channels, reputable interviews, legal documents, and direct quotes. We avoid rumors, speculation, and headlines that distort or misgender. When names and pronouns are uncertain, we prioritize the individual’s stated identity and explain why details may be limited.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name and pronouns as stated | As provided by the person or their official channels | Interview, social media, or legal |
| Career field and milestones | Documented roles, releases, or events | Credits, news archives, official sites |
| Self-disclosed identity | If and how a figure uses labels like nonbinary, trans, or genderqueer | Direct quote or statement |
Why accurate names and pronouns matter
Using a person’s correct name and pronouns is a basic matter of respect and accuracy. Misgendering can cause real harm, especially when widely reported outlets get it wrong. Editors, writers, and readers should prioritize the way each individual describes themself. A brief pronoun note can clarify this without distracting from professional achievements.
Nonbinary famous people: profile breakdown
The following are publicly known nonbinary figures whose careers span entertainment, music, literature, activism, and sports. Profiles focus on their work, their stated gender identities, and notable milestones that reflect their impact. These highlights are intended as an evergreen resource rather than a breaking news summary.
- Sam Smith (they/them, she/her): British singer-songwriter, Grammy winner, who began publicly using they/them pronouns in 2019 and has spoken about nonbinary identity in interviews and advocacy.
- Laverne Cox (she/her): Actress and advocate, known for Orange Is the New Black; frequently discusses trans and broader LGBTQ+ issues, including policy and media representation.
- Indya Moore (they/them): Actor and model, known for Pose; has spoken about nonbinary and trans visibility in Hollywood and fashion.
- Halsey (they/them, she/her): Singer-songwriter who has discussed being nonbinary and bisexual, using both they/them and she/her pronouns at different times and in different contexts.
- Hayley Kiyoko (she/her): Singer-songwriter and actress who describes herself as a gay woman; her work centers queer storytelling in music and film.
- Lil Nas X (he/him): Rapper and singer whose visibility as a Black gay man has influenced conversations about sexuality, image, and authenticity in pop.
- Jonathan Van Ness (he/him): Comedian and television personality, recognized for Queer Eye, who speaks openly about queer culture and recovery.
- Jazz Jennings (she/her): Advocate and television personality, known for being featured on a reality series about a young trans person, and for youth-focused LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Legal recognition and milestones
Legal recognition of nonbinary identities varies by country and, in some places, by region or institution. Documented milestones include:
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Oregon allows a nonbinary marker ‘X’ on driver’s licenses | First U.S. state to offer a nonbinary option, setting precedent for others |
| 2018–2020 | Several countries and U.S. states introduce or expand ‘X’ markers | Increases legal recognition and reduces binary constraints in official documents |
| 2021 | Sam Smith updates pronouns publicly and discusses nonbinary identity in music and press | High-profile example of a mainstream artist affirming they/them usage |
| Ongoing | Corporate and media policies evolve to include pronoun fields and gender-neutral options | Impacts hiring, HR practices, and public representation |
Nonbinary representation across industries
Nonbinary visibility appears in entertainment, fashion, tech, and education, often intersecting with race, disability, and class. In music and film, pronoun use and storylines can influence mainstream conversations. In sports, policies around inclusion and name changes are still developing. In literature and journalism, editors face choices about names, pronouns, and context that affect credibility and respect.
Media and entertainment
Streaming platforms, awards shows, and newsrooms increasingly adopt pronoun fields and style guidance. These changes can normalize sharing pronouns while also raising questions about when and how to mention them. Profiles that include professional context alongside identity help readers understand the full person beyond a single detail.
Workplace and policy
Many organizations now offer gender-neutral bathrooms, pronoun in signatures, and training on inclusive language. Legal documents, such as IDs and health forms, are gradually adding nonbinary options in more jurisdictions. Representation in leadership and technical roles remains uneven, but momentum is building.
Common questions and clarifications
- Are all nonbinary people trans? Many, but not all, nonbinary people identify as trans. Some describe themselves as both trans and nonbinary, while others do not use the term trans.
- Can nonbinary people present in any way? Yes. Presentation varies widely; appearance does not indicate or confirm someone’s gender identity.
- What if I misgender a public figure? Correct mistakes promptly, use the person’s stated name and pronouns, and move on. Public apologies should focus on the impact and commitment to do better.
- Do pronouns define a person’s political views? No. Pronouns communicate respect and accuracy; they are not an indicator of politics, values, or profession.
Resources for further learning
For ongoing, respectful education, consult LGBTQ+ organizations, style guides from major publications, and the social media or official sites of nonbinary creators. Industry standards continue to evolve, so treat any list as a snapshot rather than complete or final.
By centering verified information and individual self-identification, this guide remains useful over time. Nonbinary famous people are part of a broader landscape of gender diversity that deserves accurate coverage, thoughtful language, and sustained attention across fields.
Quick comparison at a glance
| Name | Field | Pronouns (as stated) | Notable context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sam Smith | Music | They/them, she/her | Grammy winner; publicly nonbinary since 2019 |
| Laverne Cox | Acting/advocacy | She/her | Orange Is the New Black; trans and LGBTQ+ advocate |
| Indya Moore | Acting/modeling | They/them | Pose; nonbinary and trans advocacy |
| Halsey | Music | They/them, she/her | Singer-songwriter; identifies as nonbinary and bisexual |
Use this guide as a living reference that you can return to as language, policies, and representation evolve.