Gender and sex are different concepts, and neither are binary.  Sex refers to biological traits such as sexual anatomy, hormones and chromosomes. Gender is about how people feel on the inside (for example, man/boy, woman/girl, neither or both).

Gender expressions, identities and roles can vary across cultures and these notions are influenced by the people and society around us. When someone is ”cisgender”, their gender identity is the same as their sex assumed at birth. When someone’s sex assumed at birth is not the same as their authentic gender, they may use terms like ‘transgender’, ‘Two-Spirit’, ‘non-binary’ or others.

The term ‘non-binary’ is used a lot these days. Binary means having only two alternatives, like yes and no. Non-binary refers to a spectrum or constellation of alternatives beyond only two.

“I like being unique, not limited to a binary. Why would I limit myself when I’m just trying to be me?" – Youth on their identity and the importance of not being limited

Each person’s experience of gender is different, and like many other aspects of identity, it’s up to the individual to define what their gender is and what that means to them. Supportive environments where Trans, Two-Spirit, and non-binary youth can speak openly about themselves and their gender allows everyone the opportunity to be more authentically themselves.