For example, Arlo writes about being non-binary:

“My name’s Arlo, and I’m transgender. That means I don’t identify with the gender I was assigned at birth. I’m not a girl, and the thing is, I’m not a boy either. So the word I use to describe my gender is non-binary.

Here are some things you need to know to understand who I am.

The gender binary is the Western concept that there are only two gender options: male or female. The most important thing to know about the gender binary is that it’s kind of a load of crap. Gender identity is one’s own internal experience and perception of self. And you know what? It’s completely separate to one’s sex.

In really simple terms, a non-binary person is someone who does not identify as exclusively a man or a woman. Someone who is non-binary might feel like a mix of genders, or like they have no gender at all.

Personally, I identify outside of the gender binary entirely. I am not a boy or girl at all. Some other non-binary people might identify partially with one or more of the binary genders – for example, a gender-fluid person (someone whose gender changes over time) who identifies as a girl sometimes and genderless other times. There are so many different ways to be non-binary, and we’re all still valid and real!

In a lot of ways I’m same person that I’ve always been. If anything, I’m a more authentic version of myself now that I can be open with people in my life. Like everyone, I’m still figuring out exactly who I am, and as I keep finding what works best for me I’ll ask my friends and family to change some things about how they treat me.

Here are some of the changes I have made. These might last for the rest of my life, they might not even last for the rest of the year. The important thing is that this is who I am right now, and although I know that linguistic shifts can take time to get used to, it means the absolute world to me when people strive to consciously change some of these habits to respect my identity.

Pronouns are the words that take place of a person’s name. Pronouns don’t have a gender, but some people feel more comfortable with certain pronouns than others. I use the pronouns ‘they/them’ since they’re what fit me best. So if someone was talking about me, they’d say, “This is Arlo, they’re awesome.” or “Oh, Arlo – Yep I’ve met them before.”

Minus 18 makes it possible for all young people and their families to access free help online no matter what part of Australia they’re from.

At St John’s, we welcome people in all their diversities. Can we support Minus18 by donating $1,500 towards online support for all LGBTQIA+ youth?

Donations to this appeal are tax deductible. You’ll find Outreach envelopes for September are available at the Outreach Board. Please: give your Outreach envelope with your offering, into the Donations Box, to a cathedral warden, or to the Cathedral Office Monday-Friday. If you need a receipt, please write your name and address on the envelope. Using electronic banking: BSB 034 003 Account No:385378 (narrate your deposit “Outreach 09” and email outreach@stjohnscathedral.com.au so we can include your donation in the monthly total. Provide your postal/email details for the receipt. Cheques: payable to Minus18. For other forms of payment, please phone the cathedral office [(07) 3835 2222] during business hours Monday-Friday. Receipts will be provided after the appeal is completed, usually in November. Thank you.