Nonbinary gender identities

• Published in: Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology Vol. 88; p. 102338
• Main Authors: Bouman, Walter Pierre, Thorne, Nat, Arcelus, Jon
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01-06-2023
• Subjects: Gender diverse; Gender-affirming; Hormones; Nonbinary; Surgery; Nonbinary; Transgender; Gender diverse; Hormones; Gender-affirming; Surgery
• ISSN: 1521-6934; 1532-1932
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102338

A description of the meaning and terminology as well as population estimates of nonbinary gender identities is given. Respectful use of language, names and pronouns of people who identify as nonbinary is discussed. The chapter further includes the need for access to gender-affirming care and barriers to care; gender-affirming medical treatment interventions, including hormone treatment, speech and language therapy, hair removal and surgeries for bodies assigned female at birth (AFAB) and for bodies assigned male at birth (AMAB); and the importance of fertility preservation for this specific patient population.
•There is a sizeable proportion of the population that identifies as nonbinary and has their own unique, specific treatment needs within transgender health.•The provision of individualized assessment and treatment that affirms nonbinary people's experience of gender is good clinical practice.•Gender-affirming surgical interventions in the absence of hormonal treatment are recommended for this patient population, unless hormone therapy is required to achieve the desired surgical result.•Information to nonbinary people about the effects of hormonal therapies/surgery on future fertility and options for fertility preservation prior to starting hormonal treatment or undergoing surgery is important.•Longitudinal studies in nonbinary people exploring the outcome of gender-affirming treatment are required.