Non-Binary vs Trans: What’s the Difference?
Understanding gender identity can be confusing, especially when there is a range of diverse terms and identities like non-binary and transgender that are used in our communities. You might be wondering, non-binary vs trans – are they the same, or is there a difference? The short answer is that these identities overlap but aren’t interchangeable.
In this post, we’ll break down what each term means, how they relate, and clear up common misunderstandings. Our goal is a friendly, accessible explanation that welcomes everyone, whether you’re queer, trans, non-binary, an ally or just curious.
Before we dive in, if you’re new to some of these terms, you might also enjoy our posts What Does Enby Mean? and Understanding Non-Binary Identity for more background. And if you’re unsure about pronouns, check out The Power of Pronouns for why they matter.
What Does “Transgender” Mean?
Let’s start with transgender (often shortened to “trans”).
Transgender is an umbrella term describing anyone whose gender identity is different from the gender they were assigned at birth. In other words, a trans person does not identify strictly as the sex/gender they were labelled when they were born. For example, someone assigned male at birth might know themselves to be a woman – that person is transgender. Likewise, someone assigned female at birth might identify and live as a man – also transgender. These are examples of binary transgender people (since “man” and “woman” are within the binary).
However, transgender is broader than just those two categories. It simply means “not cisgender.”
What is cisgender, you ask? Cisgender refers to people who do identify with their birth-assigned gender. So, any person who isn’t cisgender can fall under the transgender umbrella. This includes not only trans men and trans women, but also many people who identify outside the man/woman binary, which is where non-binary folks come in.
Key point: Transgender = not identifying as your assigned gender. This term focuses on the relationship between your personal gender identity and the sex you were assigned at birth. If there’s a mismatch, “transgender” can apply.
Now let’s define non-binary and see how it fits (or doesn’t) under this umbrella.
What Does “Non-Binary” Mean?
Non-binary is a term for gender identities that don’t fit neatly into “male” or “female.” If the word transgender tells us someone doesn’t identify as their birth-assigned gender, non-binary tells us how someone identifies specifically, outside the two traditional genders. Non-binary people often say, “I’m not exclusively a man or a woman, my gender is something else.” This “something else” can take many forms and varies from person to person.
Think of non-binary as an umbrella term, too. It encompasses a wide range of specific identities and labels, such as genderqueer, genderfluid, agender, bigender, and others. Non-binary folks might feel they are a mix of genders, no gender, or a different gender entirely. Some non-binary people feel their gender is fluid (changing over time), while others feel consistent in an identity that isn’t simply male or female. There’s no single way to be non-binary; it’s a broad category defined by not fitting into the binary gender categories.
You might also hear the term “enby”, which is a cute phonetic spelling of the letters “NB” (for non-binary). Enby means the same thing as non-binary; it’s just a slang or colloquial term many non-binary people embrace.
For more on the term enby and its origin, see our article "What Does Enby Mean?" which explores how this term came to be used for non-binary individuals.
Importantly, non-binary does not mean “confused” or “in between being a man or woman.” Non-binary people have a real, valid gender identity, just one that doesn’t align strictly with man or woman. Non-binary identities have existed throughout history and across cultures, even if the language is relatively new. (We cover that in A History of Non-Binary Visibility, proof that gender diversity isn’t a 21st-century trend!)
Key point: Non-binary = any gender identity outside the male/female binary. It describes someone who doesn’t exclusively identify as a man or a woman.
How does that relate to being transgender? Let’s explore the overlap and distinctions.
Is a Non-Binary Person Transgender?
This is one of the most common questions: Is being non-binary the same as being transgender? The answer can be a little nuanced. By definition, if transgender means not identifying as your assigned gender, a non-binary person then falls under the trans umbrella because a non-binary person isn’t cisgender.
Non-binary people are transgender by definition.
However, and this is important, not all non-binary people personally identify as trans. Identity labels are ultimately up to the individual. Some non-binary folks proudly embrace a trans identity (e.g. calling themselves trans non-binary, or just trans). Others prefer not to use “trans” for themselves, even though they aren’t cis. Both choices are entirely valid.
Why might a non-binary person not identify as transgender? There are a few reasons someone might feel this way:
They might see “transgender” as referring mainly to transitioning from one binary gender to the other (society often talks about trans men and trans women). A non-binary person might feel that “trans” in everyday use doesn’t describe their experience if they’re not living as strictly a man or woman.
Some non-binary people have faced exclusion or gatekeeping from others in the trans community (for example, a few binary trans individuals invalidating non-binary identities). This could make someone hesitant to adopt the “trans” label if they haven’t felt welcomed under it.
It could simply be personal comfort; the word “transgender” might not resonate with how they see themselves, even if technically it fits. And that’s okay! How you identify should be on your own terms.
On the flip side, not all transgender people are non-binary. In fact, most trans people are binary, meaning they identify as men or women (just not the gender they were assigned at birth). For example, a trans woman (assigned male at birth, now lives as a woman) is transgender but not non-binary; she’s a binary gender. Similarly, a trans man is not non-binary; he identifies as a man within the binary.
So, while many non-binary people do see themselves as part of the transgender community, it’s not a requirement. Think of it this way:
“Transgender” is a big umbrella that can include anyone not cisgender. This umbrella has room for binary trans men and women and for non-binary people.
“Non-binary” is a specific cluster under that umbrella, focusing on identities beyond male/female.
Overlap: Non-binary folks often share similar experiences with binary trans folks, like being misgendered, needing others to respect their gender, possibly transitioning, etc. Both groups can face transphobia for not fitting societal expectations. In day-to-day community and activism, non-binary people are frequently included under the trans umbrella, including during Trans Day of Visibility, Trans Awareness Week, and so on.
Differences: Non-binary experiences can also be distinct. For example, a binary trans person typically transitions from living as one gender to living as another (man ↔ woman), often involving changes like different pronouns, maybe medical steps, etc. A non-binary person’s transition path might look different; it could be more about finding an androgynous or unique gender expression, using gender-neutral pronouns, or medically transitioning in a way that doesn’t result in a strictly male or female body. Or it might not involve a “transition” in the traditional sense at all, aside from coming out. There’s no one script for this.
The crux is that non-binary and transgender are not mutually exclusive categories. Non-binary people can be (and often are) considered trans, but identifying as one doesn’t automatically mean you identify as the other. It ultimately depends on personal identity. And regardless of labels, both trans and non-binary identities are valid and deserving of respect.
Related: Our deep dive “Understanding Non-Binary Identity” further explores what it means to live outside the gender binary, and why there’s no single way to be non-binary.
Transgender vs. Genderqueer: What’s the Difference?
We’ve talked about non-binary vs transgender, but you might also encounter the term genderqueer in these conversations. So, transgender vs genderqueer are these different?
Genderqueer is actually very similar to non-binary. In fact, many people use “genderqueer” and “non-binary” interchangeably. Both terms describe identities outside the binary genders. However, genderqueer often has a bit of a different flavour or connotation. It emerged from queer activist communities and can carry a more political or rebellious tone, pushing back against the idea that gender must be one of two options. Where non-binary is sometimes seen as a descriptive term, genderqueer might emphasise actively queering or breaking gender norms.
That said, in practical use, there’s a considerable overlap. A person might identify as genderqueer, non-binary, or both. Genderqueer folks, like non-binary folks, generally don’t identify strictly as men or women. So, under the transgender umbrella, genderqueer people would also fall under it by the same logic: they aren’t cisgender, so they can be considered trans. And just like with the word non-binary, some genderqueer individuals embrace a trans identity, and others do not.
In summary: Transgender is broad (any non-cis identity). Genderqueer is a specific identity under that broad umbrella, much like non-binary. There’s no “versus” in opposition; it’s more about definition. A genderqueer person usually is transgender in the broad sense, though they might or might not call themselves that. Essentially, genderqueer is often used as a non-binary term, with an added dash of queer activism heritage. The “difference” is essentially a matter of personal preference and context, not a strict divide in meaning.
The key takeaway is that these terms (non-binary, genderqueer, genderfluid, etc.) describe experiences outside the binary gender norm. Each person may choose the label that feels most empowering to them.
Pronouns and Respectful Language
You might be wondering how pronouns play into all of this.
Pronouns are an essential way we gender people in language (like “he,” “she,” or “they”), and using the proper pronouns is a simple but powerful way to respect someone’s identity. For transgender men and women, that often means using he/him for a trans man, or she/her for a trans woman, just as you would for any man or woman. For non-binary (and genderqueer) individuals, many use they/them pronouns or other gender-neutral pronouns (like xe/xem or ze/zir). Some non-binary folks use a mix (e.g. he/they or she/they), and yes, some might even use no pronouns or very neo-pronouns.
The key is: never assume. If you’re not sure of someone’s pronouns, it’s okay to ask politely or to share yours first as a hint that you’re open to hearing theirs. Using the correct pronouns shows you see the person for who they are. Misgendering someone (using the wrong pronoun or gendered terms) can be hurtful, even if it’s accidental. It’s as vital to a trans or non-binary person as using the correct name.
And remember, using “they” in the singular is perfectly grammatically acceptable; we all do it in casual language already (e.g. “Someone left their phone here. I hope they come back for it.”). Nothing prevents us from using they/them for a singular person if that’s what makes them feel recognised.
For a more detailed look at pronouns and how to use them with confidence, see our guide The Power of Pronouns. It offers guidance on getting comfortable with new pronouns and why this minor language change makes a significant difference in creating an inclusive environment.
Embracing Both Identities and Learning More
Ultimately, non-binary vs trans is not a battle; it’s a conversation about understanding identity. Many people in the LGBTQ+ community find that learning these terms helps them understand themselves or support others better. You don’t have to pick a side between the two; in fact, as we’ve seen, you can be both non-binary and trans, one or the other, or somewhere in between. These words exist to give language to our experiences, not to constrain us.
If you’re exploring your own identity and are not sure which labels feel right, that’s okay! Some people use one, both, or change labels over time. The most important thing is finding a description that makes you feel seen and comfortable. If you prefer not to use any label beyond “just me,” that’s valid as well.
For those wanting to deepen their understanding, we have more resources on our site. Check out Understanding Non-Binary Identity for a deep dive, or explore A History of Non-Binary Visibility to learn how non-binary and gender-nonconforming people have always been part of human societies (long before these modern words existed!). Knowledge is power, and the more we all learn, the more inclusive the world can be.
In conclusion, Non-binary and transgender identities are both part of the beautiful diversity of gender. Non-binary refers to where someone exists in relation to the gender spectrum (outside the binary), while transgender refers to the journey someone has relative to their birth assignment (identifying differently than what they were assigned). They intersect, but understanding the difference can help us discuss gender with greater care and precision.
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