The development and the expression of non-binary identities in Italian young adults. A qualitative study using consensual qualitative research

Introduction: Research focusing on non-binary individuals (i.e., people who perceive their gender as neither male nor female) (APA, 2015) is constantly growing. Nonetheless, most studies have focused on gender identity development in the cisgender or binary transgender population, with a few exceptions (Fiani & Han, 2019; Losty & ‘O Connor, 2018; Bradford & Syed, 2019). This has resulted in a lack of knowledge of the experiences and milestones that come with non-binary identification, including the many challenges of living in a binary world. The aim of the present study is to explore the complexity of the experiences of young Italian adults that do not identify in binary gender categories, shedding light on the processes behind the development of gender identity in this population. Method: A semi-structured interview created ad hoc for this study was administrated to twenty non-binary participants ranging from 19 to 36 years of age (M=26,61; SD=4,9). The interview protocol allowed to explore different aspects of the non-binary identification process, ranging from the internal experience of gender identity to gender expression, across time and in different contexts. The questions explored the different contexts of the individual’s life, starting with the family, the LGBTQI+ community, romantic and sexual relationships, and the broader social context. Results: Using the Consensual Qualitative Research (Blasi & Hill, 2015) method, the construction of gender identity is outlined through three dimensions: the ‘internal world’, which includes thoughts and feelings related to the body and one’s gender identity; the ‘external world’, which includes relationships, the social and cultural context and how they affected the achievement of self-awareness; and finally, we have decided to call ‘looking forward’ all the narrative elements that described the tension towards the future of an identity that is in constant evolution. Conclusions: In a society rooted in a binary gender system non-binary people face complex challenges, using multiple strategies to negotiate and express their identity. The lack of role models can often lead to a late acquisition of non-binary gender identity and a re-signification of past experiences, both positive and negative. A deeper knowledge and understanding of identity development in this population can help improve the therapeutic process with individuals who belong to a gender minority.