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Topic

Nonbinary Identity Development in Four Experiences: Dissonance, Catalyst, Delay, and Actualization

Department of Sociology

Date & location

• Wednesday, April 16, 2025

• 11:00 A.M.

• Cornett Building

• Room A317

Reviewers

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Aaron Devor, Department of Sociology, University of Victoria (Supervisor)

• Dr. Steve Garlick, Department of Sociology, UVic (Member) 

External Examiner

• Dr. L J. Slovin, School of Child and Youth Care, University of Victoria 

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Donn Feir, Department of Economics, UVic

   

Abstract

This qualitative master’s thesis project explores the ways in which nonbinary people experience gender identity development. Eleven semi-structured interviews with nonbinary people were conducted and analyzed in order to answer the central research question: How do nonbinary people come to realize that they are nonbinary? Based on the findings from these interviews, the author proposes that nonbinary identity development can be understood through a framework of four common overlapping experiences: (1) Unresolved Dissonance, during which one feels dissonance between their binary gender and their self-concept, but does not meaningfully acknowledge or address it; (2) Catalyst(s) for Change, during which one encounters events or information which prompt them to question their binary gender and consider a nonbinary one; (3) Complication and Delay, during which one encounters internal and/or external barriers that temporarily prevent them from coming into their nonbinary identities; and finally, (4) Identity Actualization, which occurs when one experiences stimuli and/or events that allow them to overcome the aforementioned barriers, and shift their self-concepts to include nonbinary gender identities.