How to Sign "Nonbinary"
To sign *nonbinary*, you will combine the signs for NOT and BINARY. Start by forming an 'A' handshape with your dominant hand. Place the tip of your extended thumb just under your chin, and pull it straight forward away from your body to sign NOT. Next, transition both of your hands into 'V' handshapes with your palms facing down. Bring your hands together in front of your chest, tapping the extended fingers of your dominant 'V' hand against the fingers of your non-dominant 'V' hand to represent the concept of a binary.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This sign is a literal, visual translation of the English word *nonbinary*, created by compounding two distinct ASL concepts. The first part of the movement is the standard ASL sign for NOT, indicating negation. The second part of the sign uses two 'V' handshapes, which represent the number two. By tapping these 'two' handshapes together, the sign visually depicts a pair, a duality, or a rigid 'binary' system. Together, they literally express the idea of existing outside of that two-part system.
Signing Tips
When signing *nonbinary*, focus on making the transition between the two parts of the sign as smooth and fluid as possible. After pulling your thumb forward for the NOT portion, immediately drop your hands into the 'V' handshapes. Keep your wrists relaxed so the tapping motion feels natural and not stiff. Remember that the 'V' handshapes should have the index and middle fingers spread apart, and your palms should be facing downward when they meet in the middle.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is pulling the thumb downward from the chin instead of straight forward during the NOT portion of the sign. Moving it downward can confuse the meaning. Another common error is using 'U' handshapes (where the index and middle fingers are kept tightly together) instead of 'V' handshapes (where the fingers are spread apart) for the second half of the sign. Make sure your fingers are clearly separated to accurately represent the 'binary' concept.
Regional Variations
Because ASL vocabulary surrounding gender identity is continually and rapidly evolving, there is no single universally agreed-upon sign for *nonbinary*. While the compound sign shown here is used, many signers in the Deaf LGBTQ+ community prefer to simply fingerspell the letters 'N-B' to convey the term. In some regions, you might also see signers use the ASL signs for 'NOT EITHER' or 'NEUTRAL' to describe a nonbinary identity. It is always best to mirror the terminology preferred by the local Deaf community.
Examples Using "Nonbinary" in a Sentence
1My sibling is nonbinary.
To sign this, start with the possessive sign MY by placing a flat hand on your chest. Next, sign SIBLING by bringing your dominant index finger down to meet your non-dominant index finger. Finally, use the compound sign for NONBINARY to complete the thought.
2They identify as nonbinary.
Begin by pointing your index finger at the person to sign THEY. If they aren't present, point to an empty space. Then, sign NONBINARY. In ASL, you often don't need a separate sign for 'identify as' when the context of the sentence is clear.
3Are you nonbinary?
Point directly at the person to sign YOU, then sign NONBINARY. Since this is a yes-or-no question, make sure to raise your eyebrows and lean forward slightly while holding the final 'V' handshape to indicate that you are asking a question.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to use this sign or fingerspell "N-B"?
Both methods are perfectly acceptable, but fingerspelling "N-B" is currently very popular and widely recognized within the Deaf LGBTQ+ community. The compound sign shown in the video is especially helpful when you want to explicitly explain the literal concept of being "not binary" to someone unfamiliar with the term.
What does the second part of the sign mean?
The second half of the sign uses two "V" handshapes, which represent the number two in ASL. Tapping these two handshapes together visually represents a pair, a duality, or a "binary" system. When combined with the sign for NOT, it perfectly illustrates the concept of existing outside a two-gender system.
Do I need to sign the word "gender" before this sign?
Usually, you do not need to sign GENDER first. If the context of your conversation is already about identity, pronouns, or the LGBTQ+ community, the sign for *nonbinary* will be clearly understood on its own. Adding GENDER might make the sentence feel unnecessarily repetitive or clunky.
Related ASL Signs
