I recently conducted an interview with Osho Devgon, a fellow Young Reporter, about a topic that I personally feel is very underrepresented in the media. (answers have been modified for correct syntax and clarification)

What do you identify as, if you have a label on it?

I mainly identify as female. However, I also identify as gender fluid, and my pronouns are she/her and they/them. I don’t really mind either, to be honest.

What is your opinion on these kinds of labels?

In my opinion, I’m not a fan of labels, as I feel it limits people into boxes.

How do you feel about people asking for your pronouns?

Honestly, it’s better to ask than to guess. Like, yes, it may be awkward, but it’s better to be awkward initially than later.

Do you think gender is binary or non-binary?

Non-binary for definite. Gender is a spectrum; there’s a difference between gender and sex. Sex is what you are assigned at birth, as in male or female. But gender is much more fluid. Gender identity can be expressed in many different ways, it’s not just a 1 or a 0.

Do you think it’s important to have representation of non-binaries (known as ‘NBs’ or ‘enbies’ to some in the community) in the media?

Hell yes! In my opinion, it’s as important as racial representation.

How do you handle homophobia and/or transphobia, directed at you or others?

Well, it’s complicated. It depends on who I’m around when it happens. If I’m around family members who don’t know I’m a part of the LGBT+ community, I just sort of ignore them and try not to argue. But if it’s around family members who know, I will argue with them. Don’t hate on someone else’s life. My personal motto is “if someone lives their life and it doesn’t affect you, don’t try to shove your own ideals down their throat”.

Do you think non-binary/gender fluid people are a part of the transgender community?

Yes, I do believe they are a part of the trans community, mainly because I believe trans can be used as an umbrella term for anyone who is non-binary. However, that is just my personal belief.

What is your advice for those who are still closeted?

Don’t come out until you’re ready.

Do you think ‘coming out’ should be a big deal?

It shouldn’t be a big deal. Love who you love. Like, you shouldn’t automatically assume someone is straight.

What do you think is a good age to learn about LGBT+ related things?

Honestly, I’d say at like 10 years old? Just whenever you’re old enough to start developing romantic feelings.

How do you think ‘transtrenders’ affect the community?

They are the worst. People need to realise that this is a legitimate issue trans people have to deal with, and it’s not a trend. It’s the same with people who pretend they have a mental illness. My identity is not a trend or a joke.

Do you think that you need dysphoria to be trans?

No, they aren’t linked. The two things are mutually exclusive.

Do you believe you should raise a child with a genderless upbringing?

It depends, personally I believe they should be raised without the stereotypes, but without gender, they’d be more confused.

What do you think about members of the LGBT+ community excluding others who identify as something other than lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender?

They don’t deserve to be a part of the community. Everyone is valid unless they’re a paedophile, in which case they aren’t.

What do you think about the ‘f-slur’. and ‘queer’?

I feel that we should be reclaiming them. Like for instance ‘Queer Eye’ does this fantastically. They’re taking back years of discrimination from these slurs.

definitions

non-binary - any gender that isn’t part of the binary system of ‘male’ and ‘female’. often used as an umbrella term

gender fluid - not a fixed gender

closeted - a word/phrase often used by the community, referring to the act of telling others that they are not heterosexual (‘coming out of the closet’)

transtrender - someone who pretends to be transgender because they believe it’s a popular trend

dysphoria - the feeling of disconnect experienced from the person’s birthed sex