Graduation Term
2019
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
School of Communication
Committee Chair
John Baldwin
Abstract
As there is limited research on non-binary individuals, researching the non-binary experience was essential to normalizing their existence. The qualitative research focuses on 12 non-binary individuals who were at different stages of being out. A thematic analysis helped in understanding multifaceted responses from the participants. The data showed that non-binary individuals experience invalidation each day. Heteronormative societies and individuals tend to only see a binary within gender identity and shape their language around it, whether it be from their refusal of learning or a lack of knowledge of the problem. This failure to acknowledge non-binary individuals influenced many of their androgynous appearances, and their communicative patterns with cisgender and transgender individuals.
Access Type
Thesis-Open Access
Recommended Citation
Richards, Mika Raylen, "“Picking My Battles ”: Examining the Experiences of Gender Non-binary Identities within the U.s." (2019). Theses and Dissertations. 1086.
https://ir.library.illinoisstate.edu/etd/1086
DOI
http://doi.org/10.30707/ETD2019.Richards.M