By Melissa Muiznieks
If someone were to come out as transgender or gender conforming 20 years ago they’d be looked at strangely.
The discussion of LGBTQ issues was historically marginalized. Now, the conversation has opened up.
Stephanie Casio, a freshman majoring in nursing who identifies as ‘agender’—term used for individuals who do not identify as either gender— believes there are as many genders in the world as there are people.
Gender non-conforming describes a person whose gender expression is different from conventional expectations of masculinity and femininity.
To be gender nonconforming, one does not follow the normal binary that is embedded in our brains from the day we were born.
A person may have the physical features of a male, however, they may identify as another gender than the one assigned at birth.
Casio, who welcomes all pronouns, described being agender as intimidating and nerve-wrecking.
Casio admits that there were times where people were confused on which pronouns to properly address her by.
She and her friends also faced discrimination and micro-aggressions, sometimes being told they were going through a phase.
“If you’re not inside the binary then people view you as faulty,” said Casio.
A person who is demigender, according to The Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health is someone who identifies their gender as partially but not completely connected to their gender identity. And that is just one identity in a pool of so many more.
It may be a bit confusing at times when addressing someone and not knowing what to say.
When in doubt, Casio says the most respectful thing to do is to ask for a person’s pronoun.
“In a perfect world, I’d like people to ask me what my pronoun is,” said Casio. “Come out to yourself first and trust your gut,” said Casio. “Make sure that if you are going to tell someone that you feel completely safe around them.”
LGBTQA Initiatives, an organization in the University that acts as a safe ground for the students.
However, one thing that Casio wants people to remember is that, “happiness and safety is definitely two things to consider when coming out .”
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