Glossary

Nonbinary

Nonbinary is an umbrella term used to describe gender identities outside of the gender binary of male and female. It is often used synonymously with genderqueer. The identity is generally considered to be under the transgender umbrella, but not all nonbinary people self-identify as transgender. People who identify as nonbinary may also feel that their gender is both male and female or no gender at all. These identities are known as bigender and agender respectively. 

Being nonbinary is not a modern concept. Nonbinary people have existed for centuries, with even some religious figures in different cultures being described as neither male nor female. Similarly to other sects of the queer population, the concept of nonbinary gender expression has not recently appeared; instead it has lost the intense stigma associated with it that would prevent nonbinary people from coming out as such.

NSSI

Non-suicidal self injury (NSSI), also known as self-harm, is the intentional damaging of one’s own body with a lack of suicidal intent. Self-harm behavior includes the cutting, burning, or hitting of skin and tissue, and tends to affect the arms, wrists, thighs, and abdomen. NSSI is most often first exhibited between the ages of 12 and 14 and is much more common in sexual minorities.

The reasons behind NSSI vary from person to person. The most common include getting relief from negative thoughts and feelings, finding within themselves some evidence of living through pain, or punishing themselves for their perceived wrongdoings. NSSI is disproportionately associated with mental disorders like depression, anxiety, and eating disorders such as anorexia nervosa.