14 July 2022

International Non-Binary People's Day is observed each year on 14 July to raise awareness around the issues faced by non-binary people around the world. The day was first celebrated in 2012.

CNWL's Pride@CNWL LGBT+ Staff Network has worked hard for a number of years to increase awareness, inform policies and practices and be an active support network for staff members. The Trust and network work closely with Stonewall to achieve this.

Madi Gianfrancesco, PRIDE@CNWL's Non Binary Lead and social worker at Queen's Park and Paddington Community Mental Health Team, said

“This Non-Binary People’s day I want to recognise all those whose essence cannot be contained by the words ‘man’ or ‘woman’. Non-binary is a western term, and a fairly recent one, but I would like to recognise the Hijra community of India, Pakistan and Nepal. I would like to recognise the Fa’afafine people of Samoa. I would like to recognise the Two-Spirit and Muxe people of the Americas, and the Bakla people of The Philippines. I would like to recognise my Yoruban ancestors, for whom society was organised not by gender but by age. And I would like to celebrate all of those people like me, who see the binary option that modern Western society has presented to us and said ‘thanks, but that’s not who I am!’.

“Today is a time to celebrate, and also to recognise that we cannot be complacent. We are an inclusive organisation who recognise all our colleagues and we are here to support them in the workplace in any way we can. We know that non-binary people are disproportionately impacted by depression and anxiety and that society is seeing an increase in attacks against trans and non-binary people so I would encourage everyone who considers themselves an ally to us to join the CNWL LGBT+ Staff Network and be vocal and call out discrimination when you hear it.

Happy International Non-Binary Peoples’ Day!”

Read more about what it is like to be Non Binary today on Stonewalls website

CNWL staff wear progress rainbow badges to help staff and volunteers show their support for their LGBT+ patients, carers, visitors and colleagues. By wearing this Badge, staff and volunteers are sending a message of being a safe listening ear and someone they can turn to for support.