In 2019, headlines were buzzing with Brigette Lundy-Paine coming out as non-binary. You may know the actress best as Casey Gardner in the popular Netflix show, Atypical.
On an Instagram post that the actress shared on November 8th in 2019, she said “I am non-binary, always felt a little bit boy, little bit girl, little bit neither.”
The actress mentioned that using the pronouns they and them feels right to her because they are less limited. She also mentioned that it was a very scary experience to try to come out with this information. This was because she was initially worried about how people might feel about her reveal.
She mentioned that she owes this to people who struggle with gender. So that is why she chose to make this bold step. But what exactly does it mean to be non-binary? Here are the things that you need to know.
What is Non-Binary?
Being non-binary simply means that a person chooses to not be identified as either male or female. These people simply do not feel that they fit into the category of being either a man or a woman.
When a person, as exemplified by Brigette Lundy-Paine, is binary — they usually feel like their gender has elements of being either male or female but not exclusively one or the other.
Even though people think that this is a very new trend — that could not be further from the truth. Being non-binary is nothing you. This is something that is not dictated by contemporary thought or feeling, or any social trend. But it is something that has been an element of society for thousands of years.
The only reason that this is getting more attention now, is that people are now more tolerant of this idea. Many would not be as quick to judge someone who comes out as being non-binary.
Some non-binary people choose to undergo medical procedures. These procedures can be especially invasive. They involve hormone treatments to be able to achieve some of the elements of their chosen gender identity. Not all non-binary people choose to do this, however.
Also, some people actually confuse being non-binary as being intersex. But they are not the same things. Intersex people actually have anatomy and or genetics that are not typical of a male or a female. Being non-binary is more concerned about identity rather than anatomy.
Why People Choose To Be Non-Binary
Having all of this said, people often wonder why some people would choose to be non-binary in the first place. They often complain that these people are confusing themselves and others and there is no point to them trying to deviate away from the gender that they were born with.
The sentiments are very misguided because at the end of the day – people have a right to choose who they want to be as long as it is not harming other people.
The thing that we all have to remember about being biological organisms is that nothing is absolute, everything is at the mercy of change and evolution. To say that a person’s birth gender is the only gender that that person should choose to identify with does not at all take into account the flexibility of being human.
How to Be Respectful to Non-Binary People
So – if you are not non-binary person yourself, how do you show your respect and support for Non-binary people?
The first thing that you need to keep in mind is that you do not have to fully understand why someone chooses to be non-binary in order to respect them. It is wrong for you to assume that you know why someone chooses to be that way. Show your respect by breaking away from predispositions and unwarranted judgment.
The second way that you can respect non-binary people, of course, is to go by the name and pronouns that they want to be addressed by. Calling someone he or she even if these pronouns make that person uncomfortable is very disrespectful.
Lastly, do your best to be completely understanding of a non-binary person’s choices. For example, it could be very confusing for a newly non-binary person to choose which bathroom to go to. Show your support by being as understanding as you possibly can when you see something like this.
An “Atypical” Actress Coming Out
So, you may be wondering what the greater impact of the Brigette Lundy-Paine coming out maybe for binary people. It is actually very beneficial because now the masses are aware that even celebrities with such high stature can make such a bold leap.
It is very similar to how celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres came out as being gay for the first time on national television. That moment was considered one of the most impactful for the history of the LGBTQ community and it helped eliminate the alienation of people towards members of this community.
At the end of the day, it is simply all about being respectful. Brigette Lundy-Paine coming out was only the beginning. You cannot possibly know how it feels like to be someone else, so the next time you encounter a non-binary person – show politeness, demonstrate your respect and make that person feel that they belong.
7 Must-watch Movies with Brigette Lundy Paine
There is no denying that Brigette Lundy Paine is America’s next big star. We loved her in the Netflix series Atypical. And, we love her in these 7 must-watch movies below. Her acting is real, genuine, and totally buzzworthy. Plus, we can’t get enough of her style and look.
If you haven’t jumped on the Brigette Lundy Paine train yet, then you are definitely missing out on the next big thing. But, don’t worry we are here to catch you up. Because nobody likes to be behind on the times!
The Glass Castle
The movie “The Glass Castle” is based on a memoir of the same name. The story follows the journey of four siblings as they learn how to be adults in a very untraditional household. They are raised by free-spirits who do not do well carrying the role of “parent”. These four siblings must learn responsibilities and how to take care of themselves while dealing with an almost-never sober father and a mother who does not want to put in the work to raise a family. Not only is our dear Brigette Lundy Paine in this one, but so is our favorite girl, Brie Larson.
Downsizing
This movie with Brigette Lundy Paine is one that has definitely never been done before. This whimsical and kooky screenplay plays on the idea of scientists shrinking people down in size so that are able to live in a small community in luxury. Sounds crazy, right? Well, in the film Paul and his wife Audrey decide to take the leap and shrink down in size. See where it all goes wrong by watching this funny film!
Irrational Man
Brigette Lundy Paine isn’t the center of this film, but that’s ok because we get to look at the beautiful Emma Stone for the majority of the film, which is just as good! This film follows the story of a philosophy professor going through a mid-life slump who decides to take up a relationship with one of his students on a small college campus. We love this untraditional love story. Given the nature of the film, obviously, Woody Allen directed this.
Bill & Ted Face the Music
This ingenious screenplay is one that will have you talking for years. It’s a true comedy in nature, based on a simple plot. The storyline is that musicians, Bill and Ted, are told by someone from the future that one of their songs will be able to save lives and ultimately solve world peace. Just thinking about two creatives having this information at their disposal has us laughing at all the possibilities that could occur in this film.
Bombshell
It’s only right that Brigette Lundy Paine has a part in this girl-power masterpiece. In this film, a group of women employees of the infamous Fox, combat toxic male culture in the workplace. This drama has major comedic moments because of the real-world nature of this film. And, we guarantee you’ll be rooting for these ladies all the way through!
The Wilde Wedding
If you are a comedy-lover, then you will definitely love this funny film. The Wilde Wedding follows the story of a retired movie star on the path to marry her fourth (yes, fourth!) husband. When the movie star’s exes start showing up to her wedding getaway, sparks start flying, and the action ensues from there. This comedy will you roaring with laughter. It is a situational comedy at its best.
Action Point
This high-energy comedy is lucky enough to have the beautiful Brigette Lundy Paine in it. This is not one of her typical roles, but we still love her no matter what. The film follows the owner of an amusement park that has minimum safety for the most amount of fun! Pretty crazy, right? Soon, another amusement park opens next door and the future of Action Point Park is threatened. Watch the film to see if they can make it last!
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