KAZ THOMAS DEFINING NON-BINARY

dont be afraid to figure out who you are

Kaz Thomas

Exploring your own gender or sexuality comes with growing older, but this can be hard to navigate alone. Kaz Thomas, a student at Georgia Southern, is still navigating their path. They do preface that they are not perfect, nor is everyone’s story the same, but here is their story on identifying as non-binary.

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WHAT NON-BINARY MEANS TO THEM

Non-binary is an umbrella term for gender identities that are not specifcally male nor female, identifying outside the gender binary. Thomas defined non-binary as,“Fitting in the middle of the gender spectrum, or adrongnous.”

Finding a new identity can be hard and for Thomas, it started in college. They began to feel “different”. While this may not be how everyone feels, they are still facing this challenge.

“Gender is a spectrum and everyone fits into that differently,” they said. “I’ve been happier ever since I figured out that little piece of the puzzle about myself and I don’t think it affects how people interact with me in everyday life.”

When they first began opening up to people about their identity, they said many people had a hard time using their new pronouns (they/ them). However, Thomas says many people do put forward the effort to try.

While Thomas does express their pronouns, they do understand that not all people may grasp or use them correctly. They mentioned this can be saddening, but stated,“It is not a big deal, especially to people I am not out to yet. I do understand I was born female, it’s just when people make an effort to [not use correct pronouns], I simply do not interact with them.”

They recommend to those ready to come out, to do what feels best. They are aware that some people have certain living situations that may affect their safety, so it is best to “feel out the vibe” on others’ stances. Before all else, they say to make sure you are safe and to tell the people you are closest with.

“Embrace it, don’t be afraid of it, and don’t be afraid to figure out who you are and I say take it day-byday,” said Thomas to those that are still finding themselves. “Every day you find out something new about yourself and who you are.” Backlash is something a lot of people face when expressing new identities, opinions or genders. “It can be really hard, and really heavy to face that, especially with people who you may have grown up with, people who you trust and I know it’s hard,” Thomas said when asked about overcoming these difficult situations. “Do not give up, do not put yourself back in a place where you can’t be who you are. Because you are amazing and whoever you turn out to be, that person is gonna be amazing too. Keep living that journey.”