Today (Monday, March 31, 2025) is International Transgender Day of Visibility. Although it has been an annual event since 2009 observed by the Trans community and supporters, this is the first time I have written about it.

I’ve “come out” several times in my gender and sexuality journey, but when you’re constantly learning about oneself and other people, that can happen. I’m also very open about that journey.

For several years, I’ve identified as “Gender Non-Conforming,” or Gender Fluid. Over the past few years, I’ve become comfortable referring to myself as Non-binary or Trans Non-binary.

What does that mean?

I have hesitated writing this blog because it could mean defining these things for other people. As an autistic 58 years old, I can unequivocally state I have no claim on understanding gender.

I am linking a page from the Rainbow Project that explains these identities a bit more in detail.

I’ve often claimed “Autigender,” a gender designation that is based in neurotype as the way we (autistic people) approach gender can be very different than how allistic people do.

Whether I use “AutiGender,” Genderfluid, or a “Nonbinary” gender designation, my gender is “non-conforming.” Non-conforming to the gender I was assigned at birth and non-conforming to the current president’s executive orders.

Speaking of the world’s biggest bully: I’m not ignorant enough to think this blog won’t bring me some hate. As a 58-year-old grandparent, I feel like it is my place to metaphorically stand up for all trans and gender nonconforming people.

Back to my transition.

As a part of socializing to my gender, I have had my sex marker on my birth certificate and I had my driver’s license sex marker changed to “X.”

To be nonbinary or to be gender nonconforming or even to be transgender, you do not have to have any medical intervention. Those who believe the opposite to be true are referred to as “medicalists.”

However, I will be open about the fact that I have and will continue to change my body both based on my medical needs and my gender.

I have had a full hysterectomy, including my ovaries, for health reasons when I was in my young adult years, and I have been involved in the long process of obtaining top surgery for the past few years.

I’m currently on a waiting list after having completed my consultation with a plastic surgeon. It can’t come quick enough. I’m looking forward to having a flat chest back. I’ve chosen to finish without nipples to make for less chance of offending my OCD.

I recently received word that my surgery is in line to be sent to insurance for pre-approval. It is my fervent hope that it will be approved.

All of that being stated, I consider my gender to be “Trans nonbinary.”

Genderfluid and nonbinary are gender designations under the “gender nonconforming” umbrella, which is considered to be underneath the transgender umbrella.

That doesn’t mean everyone who is nonbinary considers themselves trans. They may not. But I do.

So, if you know me, you know a trans person. Happy Transgender Visibility Day!

Any questions?