Non-Binary and Genderqueer People: A Critical Review on Health, Stigma and Resources

Abstract

The expression non-binary and genderqueer (NBGQ) refers to individuals who have a gender identity that is not-conforming to gender binary, identifying themselves with a neither exclusively masculine nor feminine gender, but rather situating themselves beyond the gender binary, fluctuating between genders, or rejecting the gender binary. Despite the considerable increase in knowledge achieved over the last decade about the transgender population, psychosocial research has often treated such a population homogeneously, not highlighting crucial differences in diverse experiences and identity, such as those concerning NBGQ people. The current contribution collected and examined, through a critical review, international studies that in recent years were focused on the NBGQ population. Appropriately differentiated from transgender people, NBGQ individuals experience peculiar identity processes and specific needs, barriers, and health risks. Data on the NBGQ health, although still scarce and unclear, highlighted the presence of strong health disparities and psychosocial risks, due to the stigma towards gender nonconformity. The brief clinical and research recommendations provided underline the need for a rethinking of the normative structures based on gender binary and an expansion of the approaches guiding professional practices.