Beyond Binaries (WIP)
The voices of non-binary individuals are often unheard. This project aims to change that by documenting the experiences of non-binary people through photography and interviews. By sharing their stories, we highlight the resilience, challenges, and beauty of living outside the traditional gender binary.
The project was supported by the Vidnova Fellowship Ukraine 2024, implemented by Insha Osvita in partnership with Commit by MitOst gGmbH and the Foundation for Memory, Responsibility and Future (EVZ).
Rave, they/it
Photo by Artem Baidala
Photo by Artem Baidala
Search for Their True Self
For Rave, changes happened when they were nine years old, when their body began to transform. They saw themselves in the mirror and felt that something was wrong.
“At the time, I didn't realize that I didn't like my body; I just thought I wanted to be seen in a less stereotypical way. I guess that's where it came from, that I thought I was a lesbian,” Rave shared.
When the Rave thought they liked girls, they wanted to dress differently and came across the term “tomboy” on the Internet. Their parents didn't allow them to cut their hair, so they sometimes twisted it under a cap searching for their hairstyle.
Rave came across the meaning of the word “trans guy” online as well. They realized that they did not want to be a woman. However, the pronoun “he” did not seem natural to them either. Rave's self-determination continued as they learned about non-binarity and changed their pronouns to “they/he”. Later, they discovered the concept of “agender”, and the pronouns “they/he” went away and changed to “they/it”.
The Name
They like their name in the passport, Zoriana. They love stars and space, and their whole room is covered in stars. Rave wants to change it to a more neutral “Zoriano” to keep the meaning and the name. They had been in the fandom for one webcomic, and two characters from there were comfortable and particularly appealed to it. Rave took the surname of one of these characters because it felt even more right. And when the name Rave came up, it was by design: they wanted to find a name for themselves.
“First, I asked people the word that first came to their minds, and then I found the same word in a different version,” they said.
Rave drew the character “I”, and it helped them understand how they wanted to see themselves in life.
“When it changed its name, it actually changed in me until I found my own — Rave. When it changed its appearance (dramatically), I think every time I started to realize something new about myself,” they shared.
Photo by Artem Baidala
Photo by Artem Baidala
Relationships With Others
When Rave accepted themselves and started dressing the way they wanted, people on the street started approaching them and complimenting them on their appearance. Once, when Rave was wearing a dress, a person in the subway asked them their pronouns. It was the first time someone thought about it and didn't immediately jump to conclusions.
“One day, I had five people come up to me to tell me how good-looking I looked. One even gave me a Snickers. Usually, only kind people approach me. Those who didn't like it usually looked at me sideways or laughed behind my back,” they said.
Future Plans
Rave is a creative person and plans to connect its life with art. Their primary interest is acting, but they aspire to develop in many other mediums.
“I still want to be an actor, yes. But there are a lot of things I really want to do in life; I want to write a book, maybe even several. And maybe someday I can start a webcomic too. I just love a lot of creative things, music, photography, and stuff like that. So my big thing is acting, but if anything, I hope I can do some other stuff of it,” Rave said.
Interview conducted with Rave on July 16, 2024.
Theo, he/him
Photo by: Artem Baidala
Photo by: Artem Baidala
Tell me about your first realizations regarding your gender identity.
— It started in childhood. I remember being in the bathroom in front of the mirror, crying because I didn’t understand why I was a girl if I didn’t feel like one. In kindergarten, I was more interested in building blocks and toy cars — and I’m grateful they bought me those, rather than “girly things,” though that did happen sometimes. Over time, my family understood which toys didn’t suit me. But even then, I couldn’t understand why I wasn’t interested in playing games that were supposed to be for girls, even though I seemed like one of them.
Were there moments in adulthood that helped you understand yourself better?
— Yes, the turning point came in college. My only friend at the time was a trans guy. He introduced me to the concept of gender and non-binarity. This sparked some internal insights, and memories from childhood began to make sense. I started experimenting with labels, trying on different identities. Eventually, I arrived at non-binarity as the most understandable and fitting umbrella for me.
How do your close ones feel about your identity?
— It’s complicated. My mom initially reacted critically, even cried when I asked her to use the name Theo and male pronouns. The family still doesn’t take it seriously, calling it “nonsense”. But thanks to my nephews, they’ve gotten used to my name. My university friends and colleagues accept me well.
Why male pronouns specifically? What’s important to you about their use?
— The pronouns “he/him” are the most comfortable for me. It’s not a choice, but more of a “fit”. I tried others: “it/its” seemed interesting, but society isn’t ready for that; it’s seen as too strange. “They/them” works, but it evokes a sense of plurality, which isn’t me. And “she/her” feels completely wrong — it’s not how I feel.
Photo by: Artem Baidala
Photo by: Artem Baidala
How do you deal with negative reactions from society?
— It’s hard for me to step outside of my “bubble”. It feels safer here. Although I understand that society won’t change on its own if attention isn’t drawn to these issues. I’m lucky with my environment — many people treat me with respect, even asking about my pronouns, for example, at one of my previous jobs. It’s important to see non-binary people in different spheres.
Do you feel a connection between your neurodivergence and your gender identity?
— Yes, I believe they are strongly connected. People with autism often find it difficult to identify themselves within rigid social frameworks. I don’t want to be tied to the binary system of “male/female”. It’s just not me. I rather see myself as an abstract being, not attached to anything fixed.
What, in your opinion, would help society better understand non-binarity?
— I believe we need to explore and not limit ourselves to what’s familiar. We often accept the binary system because it’s easy to understand, but this blocks the development of thinking. If a person believes they are worthy of respect and are ready to show it, this topic will interest them.
How do you see your future?
— I won’t change, no matter how “strange” it may seem to someone. But I hope I can continue exploring myself and remain in harmony with the world.
Interview conducted with Theo on June 7, 2024.