forum How do I write a non-binary character? (please halp)

Started May 17, 2019 by @Lunar_Eclipse

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How do I write about a non-binary character??? Or even a genderfluid character? I need loads of help, anything is useful! I know the basics, but any little details that I could miss would be helpful. I don't want to mess anything up.

(Heads up I'm a cis girl) May I recommend Rick Riordan's Magnus Chase series? In the second installment he introduces a genderfluid character, Alex Fierro, and although he is a cis man writing the story I feel like he goes about it very well, especially with how the series is aimed at a middle school audience. As with writing any minority character, just remember to make your nb character's non-binary trait a trait, one among many that make up your character. That's all I have off the top of my head, haha, hope it's helpful though!

Okay, yeah I started Magnus Chase but never really could get into it. I'll be sure to check it out before continuing with my story. Thank you for the extra tip! It's very helpful.

Glad to hear it! :)

I identify as genderfluid! I can't speak for all genderfuild or non-binary individuals, but if you have any more specific questions I'd be glad to help ^^

So I'm writing about a non-binary character, is it okay that I use the pronouns, 'they' and 'them'?

I think so! Other people may be sensitive to it, but I think if your character states that they're comfortable with those pronouns, then it should be fine ^^

Alright, are there any other pronouns I should use that aren't as offensive to others?

Well…I'm not terribly savvy on other pronouns, but obviously don't use "it". Or "she/him" if your character doesn't identify as a binary gender. I found this really helpful tumblr blog that listed a ton of different pronouns, as well as NB titles and classifications: https://genderqueeries.tumblr.com/pronouns
Hope that helps!

Honestly, most nb people I know and have heard of is they/them, I don't know of anyone who would have a problem with you using those pronouns for your character unless they were transphobic lol

What the person who commented like 17 seconds before me said is good too! Lol

Haha, thank you guys! This is very helpful! I just didn't want to mess anything up or offend anyone of the way I am writing.

No problem! I know the feeling, it can be like walking through a minefield if you don't have anyone to advise you ^^; Good luck with your story!

Thank you!

The way to write a good non-binary character is to just WRITE A GOOD CHARACTER

Haha, thanks.

As a non-binary, I can give some tips. Not all non-binary people use they/them (I do,though). Some still use she/her or he/him, and some are fine with either. Some also use ze/hir, zie/zir, or xe/xem, but those are less common than they/them pronouns. However, even with writing non-binary characters, there is really no big difference from writing characters of other genders, for they're all still people. Some non-binary people aren't fully between male and female. There are people who are non-binary feminine, or non-binary masculine, in which they display feminine or masculine trait or personalities, but still don't identify as either male or female. I hope this was helpful, but I'm bad at explaining things.

No, that was great! I know that there isn't any big differences from people with genders and non-binary people, I just wanted to know some of small details. I didn't want to mess up at all or offend anyone with my writing. I don't know everything, but this was extremely helpful! Thank you, guys! :D

Also just one thing I see a lot of people point out: nonbinary people don't always look vaguely masculine. A nonbinary person can have long hair, or a beard, or wear a dress, or wear pants. Whenever I see things about writing nb characters a lot of people in the comments point out how they're sick of nonbinary characters being tall slim white teenagers with pixie cuts or ponytails, and always wearing suits. What about elderly nonbinary grandparents, or a middle aged person who figures out that they're nb later in life?

I actually have a non-binary character that I really need to develop, and if anyone looks at them, they would think they look like a girl at first. So, don't mind me stalking this.

Oh never thought about that Jynnie, thanks for the tip!
Yeah my non-binary character is actually more feminine than masculine.