Enby, Lauren Woolfrey

Enby

Lauren Woolfrey

Keyword: Enby

The word Enby is derived from the word nonbinary. It comes from the phonetic pronunciation of NB, the abbreviation of “non-binary”. An enby is someone who's gender identity does not conform to exclusively man or woman. Enby is a term that can be used to describe someone who is a member of the LGBTQ community as it relates to the T in this abbreviation, meaning transgender. Many people who identify as enby also identify as transgender because their gender identity does not conform to their assigned gender at birth. Enby can be seen as an umbrella term that can include those that identify as bigender, agender, or gender queer. Enbies may use a combination of different pronouns to identify themselves including they/them, she/they, he/they, and many others that exist. The infographic created by the community organization the 519 and can be accessed from the519.org, describes how to use gender neutral pronouns. Although enby and non-binary are essentially the same thing it is important not to assume how someone identifies. One person may feel affirmed when using “non-binary” while others may find that the term “enby” is more approachable, comfortable, and light. Giving students access to this language can help them to make meaning of their feelings and experiences.

Cisgender, heteronormative identities have historically, and continue to be, projected on to youth by adults whether intentionally or unintentionally and therefore many queer identities are seen as

abnormal or deviant. As discussed by Waddell, the many complexities of development can often be related to what was projected on to children by the adults in their lives and making meaning of one’s feelings and identity is derived from experiences Many topics that directly relate to queer students go undiscussed in schools or at home due to a fear that discussions of these topics will cause youth to become queer and therefore abnormal. Despite this fear, and regardless of what is being projected on to them, many queer adolescents experience feeling different, and the inability to make meaning of these feelings can impact the health and development of these youth. Schools can act as a place of exploration of these identities rather than a place of repression as discussed by Jen Gilbert in her book on the function of sexuality in school and the limits of education.

The Canadian Trans and Non-binary Youth Health Survey in 2019 found that 36% of Canadian trans youth felt unsafe at school. As school is a major part of the adolescent experience, we have a responsibility as adults to make the lives of enby youth better. Most enby youth know that their gender identity does not conform to their assigned gender from an early age. An understanding of the term "enby" can help to guide educators, policy makers, health providers, and others. Lack of knowledge and representation is a major obstacle in validating the identity of enby youth. Openness, validation, and support of gender diversity at school can positively affect trans and non-binary or “enby” students’ health and safety. Where to look more:

Non-academic sources about the meaning of the term enby and nonbinary:

DotGay. [@dotgay]. (2022, February 14). What Does ENBY mean? [video]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@dotgay/video/7064738671085423918?_r=1&_t=8XHhtTSF2nu &is_from_webapp=v1&item_id=7064738671085423918 Kassel, G. (2022, March 21). 8 Enby faqs: Meaning, pronouns, sexuality. Healthline. Retrieved November 6, 2022, from https://www.healthline.com/health/enby The 519. Retrieved November 2022, from https://www.the519.org/

Academic sources on the well-being of enby youth:

Kelley, J., Pullen Sansfaçon, A., Gelly, M. A., Chiniara, L., & Chadi, N. (2022). School Factors Strongly Impact Transgender and Non-Binary Youths’ Well-Being. Children, 9(10). https://doi.org/10.3390/children9101520. Retrieved from https://journals.scholarsportal.info/pdf/22279067/v09i0010/nfp_sfsitanyw.xml Taylor, A.B., Chan, A., Hall, S.L., Saewyc, E. M., & the Canadian Trans & Non-binary Youth Health Survey Research Group (2020). Being Safe, Being Me 2019: Results of the Canadian Trans and Non-binary Youth Health Survey. Vancouver, Canada: Stigma and Resilience Among Vulnerable Youth Centre, University of British Columbia. Retrieved from https://apscsaravyc.sites.olt.ubc.ca/files/2020/03/Being-Safe-Being-Me- 2019_SARAVYC_ENG.pdf