More and more celebrities have recently come out as non-binary, sparking a new wave of acceptance, education, and understanding for diverging gender identities.
Demi Lovato has been in the spotlight recently after announcing that they are non-binary, and use they/them pronouns. Lovato's announcement comes after the star claims that they have spent a year and a half doing "a lot of healing and self-reflective work."
"I'm still learning and coming into myself, and I don't claim to be an expert or a spokesperson...I'm doing this for those out there that haven't been able to share who they truly are."
Nonbinary is an umbrella term for those people who do not feel they identify strongly with either the male or female gender. People who are nonbinary may feel unattached to any gender, may switch between genders or feel that theirs is in flux in other ways, or may identify with more than one at once - what it means exactly depends on the individual.
Though Lovato is holding the spotlight right now, they are not the only celebrity that has shared their journey of being nonbinary in the past. Celebrities such as Jonathan Van Ness, Amandla Stenberg, Janelle Monae, Sam Smith, and various Drag Race alum have all shared their stories of accepting and embracing the nonbinary label in the past.
Late last year, Elliot Page came out as nonbinary and began sharing his journey medically transitioning. Page uses he/they pronouns, and showed people that nonbinary does not have to look a certain way - even if he is in the process of transitioning to make his body more masculine, this does not take away from his identity as a nonbinary person.
"I feel overwhelming gratitude for the incredible people who have supported me along this journey...I've been endlessly inspired by so many in the trans community," Page commented in his coming out message.
Though many have accepted these celebrities with open arms, they have all faced their fair share of controversy. Lovato has responded to criticism from individuals who do not see nonbinary as a valid identity, and some who have left hate comments on their posts discussing gender. Many detractors call out Lovato for wanting attention, saying she's claiming to be nonbinary to be in the spotlight again.
Comments such as "another one lost" and "gotta do something to stay relevant" are spread throughout Lovato's Instagram posts. However, these harsh words also sit among comments offering love and support, from fans who have been following their career.
Lovato has slammed these critics, and is embracing the support they are receiving from family, friends, and fans.
Celebrities coming out as openly nonbinary and/or trans act as much needed role models for youth questioning their gender and how they fit into the world. Even with all of the hate, these celebrities have played a critical role in normalizing the nonbinary identity.