“Posing nude has allowed me to view my body as a separate entity”
BY LARA IQBAL GILLING, IMAGE BY DIVERSIFYLENS/CANVA
Just as each non-binary person differs in how they express themself, the ways that they validate their gender vary too. From nude modelling to getting a “tramp stamp” tattoo, this is how seven non-binary people affirm their respective genders.
Zane Lece (she/he/they), receptionist
Working as a life drawing model has changed the way Zane sees her body. “Posing nude has allowed me to view my body as a separate entity,” she explains. “The artists are not drawing me nude in a sexualised way in which a lot of AFAB bodies are seen.”
Sometimes they draw her without a face or other body parts. Other times, the drawings don’t even resemble a human being. Zane says this allows her to feel distance from the binary way that she has been conditioned to view herself.
In Zane’s home country of Latvia, her name is used for women, but in the UK, it’s usually given to men. “Being in a space where Zane is seen as a more masculine name has helped me move away from femininity,” she says.
Mar Serra (they/them), graphic designer and illustrator
“Something that really affirms my gender is building things,” says Mar. They like to put together furniture for others and fix things for their girlfriend. “I was just tightening all the screws in the house while wearing a skirt, and something ignited inside of me.”
Eden J Howells (they/them), musician
As a trans masc non-binary person, Eden likes their appearance to transcend binary norms. “What affirms my gender, or lack thereof, is being able to play with ‘gendered’ items of clothing or behaviours,” they say. “Gender bending in every sense of the word, whether that’s wearing a cute little crop top, or not shaving my legs.”
They’re planning on getting a “tramp stamp” – another way to add to their discordant gender presentation.
Lucy Lamia Tatarusanu (she/they), storyteller and therapist
Lucy defines her gender as “amorfi-gen”, under the non-binary umbrella. She says it’s a Romanian translation of gender amorphous, which has connotations of shapeshifting and fluidity.
Because she doesn’t see herself represented in Romanian media, she connects to her gender and heritage through fictional characters, particularly those who lack a physical form, like Alucard from the manga and anime Hellsing. “That aspect of it is euphoric for me – that I relate to this character who also doesn’t belong in this world,” she says.
Melanie Fleming (they/them)
Melanie affirms their gender through their clothes. “I’m not limited to which section I will shop in, and I will blur the lines,” they say. “I may wear a binder, but then I’ll wear a skirt. I’ll wear quite a masculine shirt, but I’ll wear makeup – and quite a bold and expressive look.” This androgyny gives them confidence. “It makes me feel powerful and like I own my body.”
Izzii Grace (they/them), musician and live music night organiser
What affirms Izzii’s gender most is being surrounded by other non-binary, gender non-conforming and trans people. “Those around me are the people that make me feel the most comfortable in my skin,” they say.
Another way that they feel experience validation is when people – especially their parents – use their pronouns and describe them using non-gendered words. “People from an older generation getting it right is so affirming – I’m obsessed!”
They also stopped shaving, which they describe as “the most empowering thing in the entire world”.
Chedva Ybgi (any pronouns), mental health support worker
Chedva is gender non-conforming and finds affirmation in queer spaces which are labelled “sapphic” or “FLINTA” rather than “lesbian+”.
“‘Lesbian and others’ can feel like they are considering you a lesbian or like they have to give you that space, whereas when it’s ‘sapphic’ or ‘FLINTA’ it feels automatically inclusive of anyone that’s queer and not a cis man,” they say. “It makes me feel quite euphoric that that space is wholly inclusive to me.”
DIVA magazine celebrates 31 years in print in 2025. If you like what we do, then get behind LGBTQIA+ media and keep us going for another generation. Your support is invaluable.
✨linkin.bio/ig-divamagazine ✨
