Genderqueer and non-binary genders

Abstract

Non-binary or genderqueer people are those people who do not identify as male or female. They may have a fluid or a fixed notion of the degree of masculinity or femininity they have; or eschew the notion of a spectrum of gender altogether. The evidence regarding mental health is mixed; but there is certainly evidence that non-binary people are subject to societal opprobrium in many high GDP Western countries, which can lead to anxiety and depression. Accordingly, good clinical assistance should focus not only on the individual, but also on societal matters. Some non-binary people may seek physical interventions and there are limitations as to what may be achieved (cf. Richards, Bouman & Barker, 2017), however for people who have carefully considered the matter these are very effective interventions. In short, non-binary people should be treated with respect and without undue attention being paid to the gender status. Where there are gender-specific considerations care should be given to ensure they are specific to individual need.