It’s important to always use a binder instead of something like bandages or tape, which can cause significant injury, or even permanent harm.

They come in a huge variety of colours and styles, and are specifically designed to evenly distribute the pressure on the chest.

If you’re not sure whether or not someone is non-binary, it’s best just to ask.Ī chest binder is an elasticised undershirt, similar to a sports bra, that is designed to reduce the appearance of breasts. It only describes that they don’t look specifically masculine or feminine, not that they are male, female, or non-binary. How come some non-binary people look feminine or masculine, and some binary people look androgynous?Īndrogyny is a term of outward appearance and is not necessarily indicative of someone’s gender identity. While some non-binary people may express themselves androgynously, it is a personal choice that is not a requirement of non-binary gender identity. Androgynous refers to an outward appearance of indeterminate gender. Non-binary is a term that refers to any gender identity that isn’t male or female. What’s the difference between non-binary and androgynous? While the way non-binary gender is currently understood and described is perhaps more recent, there are significant historical and cultural precedents for non-binary gender all over the world. There’s a growing number of people acknowledging a commonality of experiences that are to be taken seriously. In simplest possible terms, what it feels like to be non binary is what it feels like to “be” male or female, but it’s not “being” male or female. There’s a temptation to try and understand non-binary gender as hostility or frustration against binary gender, this just ends up framing non-binary experiences and feelings in binary terms. This article was amended on 18 September 2020 to attribute the quote from Jaguar Land Rover to Dave Williams, as opposed to a company spokesperson as an earlier version had it.A difficult thing to quantify not only because very few people can even describe how it feels to be binary gendered, but because the experience of being non-binary can be different from person to person. We are committed to creating an environment where everyone can flourish, where our employees feel listened to, understood, supported and valued equally.” “Jaguar Land Rover does not tolerate discrimination of any kind. We continue to strive to improve in this area and we respect the outcome of the case. White added: “I’m aware of other cases where non-binary/gender fluid individuals have suffered disadvantage in the workplace.”ĭave Williams, executive director of human resources at Jaguar Land Rover, told Forbes magazine: “On behalf of Jaguar Land Rover, I would like to apologise to Ms Taylor for the experiences she had during her employment with us. I pay tribute to my brave client … I see no reason why this ruling should not extend to other complex gender identities such as a-gender and genderqueer.” “Once again the courts have shown themselves willing to stand up for the rights of individuals in a manner which demands respect and admiration. Her barrister, Robin Moira White, of Old Square Chambers, who has transitioned from male to female, said: “This is an important judgment, albeit at first instance, recognising for the first time the rights of a small number of individuals with complex gender identities. Taylor, who prefers to use the female pronoun, is now working as an engineer with another firm.

The judge said gender reassignment “concerns a personal journey and moving a gender identity away from birth sex”. The judge ruled that it was “clear … that gender is a spectrum” and that it was “beyond any doubt” Taylor was protected. The protected characteristics covered in the act are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. Part of the argument was whether being gender fluid/non-binary was a protected characteristic under section 7 of the 2010 Equality Act. She said she did not receive support from the management and won her constructive dismissal claim. A further hearing next month will establish what damages Taylor should be awarded.Īfter Taylor, who had been an engineer with Jaguar Land Rover for more than 20 years, began wearing – usually – women’s clothes, she suffered insults and abusive jokes. The ruling was delivered by Employment Judge Hughes at a Birmingham tribunal earlier this week. Until now, there was uncertainty over whether Equality Act protections covered those who who fell into the category of gender fluid/non-binary.Īlthough the case, heard at an employment tribunal, does not technically establish a legal precedent, it is bound to be influential in similar claims.

Non binary and gender fluid