Am I Nonbinary Quiz: Neither, Both, or In-Between?

In the era of Instagram filters, we’ve grown accustomed to the idea that reality can be endlessly customized – adding shades, blurring boundaries, creating new images. But when it comes to gender, society often tries to squeeze all the diversity of human identities into two rigid templates. The quiz ‘Am I Nonbinary?’ offers a look at gender identity through the lens of a modern, more flexible understanding.

Who are nonbinary people?

The term “nonbinary” describes a broad spectrum of gender identities that exist beyond the traditional binary division. Imagine the gender spectrum as an infinite palette of colors, where “male” and “female” are just two colors among countless possible shades. Nonbinary people can be anywhere on this spectrum, combining various aspects of gender expression, or existing entirely outside this coordinate system.

It’s important to note that nonbinary isn’t a “third gender” or an intermediate state between male and female. It’s an entire world of diverse identities, each unique and inherently valuable. Some nonbinary people might feel a partial connection to male or female gender, others might feel no connection to either, while others might experience their gender as something fluid and changeable.

Nonbinary People in History and Culture

The history of nonbinary identity is as ancient as human civilization itself. Ancient cultures worldwide had concepts of gender that went beyond the binary system.

In Mesopotamia, priests of the deity Inanna held a special position in society, existing outside traditional gender categories. In Ancient Egypt, some pharaohs, including Hatshepsut, presented themselves simultaneously in male and female forms, which was reflected in art and official documents.

Indian culture has for centuries recognized the existence of hijras – people who don’t fit into the binary gender system. In modern India, hijras are officially recognized as a “third gender” and hold a special social status.

Native North American peoples used the term “two-spirit” to describe people who embodied both male and female spiritual qualities. These individuals often held respected positions in their communities as healers, spiritual leaders, and keepers of traditions.

In Polynesia, there exists the fa’afafine culture – people born with male anatomy but taking on social roles traditionally associated with women. Similar concepts exist among many peoples of Oceania.

What will the quiz reveal?

Our quiz explores various aspects of gender identity and self-perception. The questions cover a wide range of topics: from relationship with one’s body to social interaction, from personal preferences in self-expression to deep feelings of self.

Each question is created with consideration of modern gender identity research and real experiences of nonbinary people. The quiz avoids stereotypical assumptions about connecting certain interests, hobbies, or clothing styles with gender identity. Your interest in knitting or automobiles doesn’t determine your gender – it’s much more complex and interesting than that.

It’s important to understand that this quiz is not a diagnostic tool. It cannot and does not attempt to “determine” your gender identity. Instead, it offers starting points for reflection and self-analysis.

How to understand if you’re nonbinary?

Gender identity is a deeply personal experience, and everyone’s path to understanding it is different. While there’s no universal way to determine if you’re nonbinary, there are various manifestations and feelings that nonbinary people often share.

Internal Experiences and Feelings

Many nonbinary people describe a particular feeling of incongruence when it comes to traditional gender categories. This can manifest in different ways: from mild discomfort when having to define oneself as “male” or “female” to a deep internal conflict with one’s assigned sex at birth.

Often, nonbinary people note that traditional gender expectations feel artificial and limiting to them. This doesn’t necessarily mean completely rejecting everything “masculine” or “feminine” – rather, it’s a desire to freely combine various aspects of gender expression or create something entirely their own.

Social Interaction

In social contexts, nonbinary people may experience various feelings about how others perceive them. Some feel discomfort when they’re categorized as a particular gender, while others might be comfortable with different forms of address in different situations.

It’s important to note that social perception doesn’t define your identity. Many nonbinary people don’t strive to look androgynous or “neutral” – they might prefer any style of self-expression that feels comfortable to them.

Diversity of Nonbinary Experience

Nonbinary identity manifests differently in different people. There are many terms describing various nonbinary identities:

• Agender people might feel no connection to any gender at all. For them, gender might be an irrelevant concept, or they might perceive themselves as beings existing outside the gender coordinate system.
• Bigender people might feel a connection to both male and female genders, either simultaneously or alternating between them.
• Genderfluid describes the experience of people whose gender identity might change over time – from day to day or over longer periods.
• Demi-gender is a term describing a partial connection to a particular gender. For example, a demi-girl might partially identify as a woman but feel that this definition doesn’t capture the full extent of their identity.

Self-Expression and Appearance

There is no “correct” way to look nonbinary. Some nonbinary people prefer an androgynous style, others might dress more traditionally “masculine” or “feminine,” while others create unique combinations or constantly experiment.

It’s important to understand that appearance neither defines nor confirms someone’s nonbinary identity. You can be nonbinary and wear dresses, suits, or anything else. Clothing style is a form of self-expression that may or may not align with gender identity.

Social Aspects

In modern society, nonbinary people face various challenges. These might include misunderstanding from others, difficulties with documents and official forms that often assume only binary choices, or problems accessing certain spaces and services.

At the same time, visibility and recognition of nonbinary identities are growing. More countries are introducing third gender markers in official documents, companies are beginning to consider nonbinary people in their policies, and society is gradually becoming more open to gender diversity.

Conclusion

The “Am I Nonbinary?” quiz is a starting point for exploring your own identity. It doesn’t provide definitive answers but helps ask the right questions and, perhaps, better understand yourself.

Each person is unique, and there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to be nonbinary. Your experience and your feelings are valid, even if they don’t match the experiences of others or common perceptions of nonbinary identity.

Understanding yourself is a journey that may take time and include many discoveries, doubts, and reconsiderations. And that’s okay. What’s important is moving at your own pace and listening to yourself.