Dear Center Community,
I’m David Vance (they/them), Director of Advocacy and Civic Engagement at The Center, and I’m excited to invite you to join us in celebrating Nonbinary People’s Day on July 14, marking the beginning of Nonbinary Awareness Week and San Diego Pride Week!
Nonbinary is an umbrella term for someone whose gender identity is not exclusively “man” or “woman.” Nonbinary people may identify as both, neither, somewhere in between, or as a different gender entirely. Some may use terms like genderqueer, agender, bigender, or genderfluid to describe their experience. I first came out as nonbinary in 2016, which is when I founded the Nonbinary Gender Identities discussion group—the very first nonbinary space at The Center!
Nonbinary identity is not new. Cultures around the world have recognized more than two genders for centuries. What is new is the growing visibility and recognition of nonbinary people in mainstream conversations about gender and identity. As a nonbinary person myself, Nonbinary Awareness Week is a great opportunity to bring to light our stories and uplift identities beyond the gender binary, so that all nonbinary people can be celebrated as our full selves.
Nonbinary People’s Rights Are Under Attack
This year’s Nonbinary Awareness Week arrives in the shadow of escalating attacks on the rights of transgender and nonbinary people across the country. The Trump administration has continued to push anti-trans policies that restrict access to healthcare, education, and public life. These attacks affect trans and nonbinary individuals who are frequently excluded from legal protections, discriminated against in education and employment settings, and denied access to health care that affirms their gender identity. Many nonbinary people face harassment at work, in housing, and in public spaces. And yet, our resilience and vibrancy continue to shine through.
That’s why Nonbinary Awareness Week is so important—it’s a chance to educate ourselves, challenge our assumptions, and expand our understanding of gender beyond the binary. It’s a time to listen to nonbinary voices, honor their experiences, and commit to creating spaces where they feel seen, safe, and celebrated.
Join Us for a Celebration at The Center
To mark this important day, The Center will host a Nonbinary People’s Day Celebration on Monday, July 14 from 12-1pm, featuring special guest speakers. This gathering is a space for connection, learning, and joy. Whether you identify as nonbinary, are questioning your gender, or simply want to show your support, we invite you to join us. Together, we’ll build community, share stories, and celebrate the beauty and diversity of nonbinary lives.
Learn more about Nonbinary Awareness Week at The Center:
https://thecentersd.org/nonbinary-week/
As we near San Diego Pride, let’s remember that nonbinary people have always been part of our movement and our fight for justice and liberation. This July, join us in raising our voices for nonbinary visibility, challenging the binary, and celebrating the full spectrum of who we are.
In community,
David Vance (they/them)
Director of Advocacy and Civic Engagement