In recent years, the discussion about non-binary identities has begun to occupy an increasingly visible place in the media, art and politics. In Argentina, that conversation took shape with figures such as Manu Fanegoson of the remembered actor Daniel Fanegowho recently presented himself in public as a non-binary person and confirmed his relationship with the actress Zoe Hochbaum. Her story is a gateway to an issue that, far from being a fashion, calls into question the traditional categories of masculine and feminine.
Manu, 44 years oldis part of a generation that grew up questioning the limits of the genre. In recent interviews he explained that assuming non-binary was “an act of freedom”, a way of creating his own providence, without identity being tied to genitality or sexual orientation. “Gender identity is one thing, and tastes or sexual identity are another very different thing. One thing has nothing to do with the other,” he said. In his artistic career, which combines music, acting and performance, he brings that reflection to the stage. His play “Le Frigó”, premiered this year at the Teatro Picadero, explored precisely that middle ground between what society expects and what one really is.
Non-binary homeland. In Argentina, Manu’s case joins a list of diverse voices that redefine the borders of identity. Among them, that of the activist Gerónimo Carolina Gonzálezfirst person to receive a DNI with the nomenclature “X”, and that of the producer and manager Eme Delaswho defines himself as “a non-binary masculinity.” His testimony condenses the essence of the movement: “For generations we were taught that you could only be a man or a woman and that identity is determined by the sex you are born with. But we new generations understand that between these two extremes there is a whole spectrum. At one end is being a woman, at the other being a man, and in the middle an enormous variety of possible expressions.”
Non-binaryism starts precisely from that idea, not completely fitting into either of the two categories that structured human identity for centuries. “We must distinguish between sexuality, sex and gender. Sex has to do with genitality; gender, with the social impositions that one receives since childhood, with what they teach you to be“explains Eme. And he adds: “Non-binaryism suggests that one does not feel represented by either end of the spectrum, but rather inhabits that intermediate space naturally, at least for one, not for the rest.”
Along these lines, it is essential to distinguish three levels that are often confused: biological sex or genitality, which refers to anatomical characteristics; gender, which is a social construction; and sexuality, which has to do with the emotional or erotic attraction towards other people. Being non-binary does not determine a sexual orientation nor does it necessarily imply a physical transition; It is, above all, an identity experience.
Eme Delas sums it up in a phrase that condenses an entire way of life: “For me, being non-binary is signing a pact to confuse society. My appearance draws attention, but I enjoy that confusion, I like to see how people, when talking to me, disarm themselves of prejudices, then when they meet me, they realize that I am a “dulce de leche”. That is my daily militancy, generating doubt, moving structures and, above all, making people think.” In her case, she chose to retain masculine pronouns and build an identity that mixes feminine and masculine traits. “I am a feminine masculinity and it is what defines me,” she details.
Foreign stars. The non-binary movement also has international references that helped make it visible. Sam SmithBritish singer, was one of the first figures in pop music to declare himself non-binary and to use neutral pronouns. Jonathan Van Nessthe charismatic stylist of the show “Queer Eye”, Sara Ramirezthe “And Just Like That…” actress, and Indya Mooremodel and star of the series “Pose”, are other celebrities who publicly assumed their non-binary identity and became icons of a new gender representation.
However, the most paradigmatic case is that of Elliot Page. The Canadian actor, known for “Juno” and “The Umbrella Academy,” made his trans and non-binary identity public in 2020, and has since become an emblematic figure of global activism. In his memoirs, Page recounted the process of recognizing himself: “When I knew I was trans, when I understood that the identity I had lived until then did not take me into account, it was a before and after.” Her appearance on the cover of Time magazine in 2021 marked a cultural turning point: for the first time, a Hollywood figure naturally showed the transition to a non-binary identity and opened the conversation about neutral pronouns, mental health and self-determination.
The visibility of figures like Page, Smith and Moore helped dismantle prejudices and expand language. In English, the use of the neutral pronoun they/them became a form of respect, while, in Spanish, the discussion on the use of “e” as an inclusive pronoun still generates resistance, but reflects a search to name what did not previously exist in public discourse.
Actual population. In Argentina, the visibility of non-binary identities advanced alongside specific policies. The 2022 National Census included a question on gender identity for the first time, and the results were revealing. Almost 200 thousand people do not identify with the sex assigned at birth, and of them, more than 37 thousand defined themselves as non-binary. In addition, according to data from the National Registry of Persons, more than a thousand people requested the change of their document with the nomenclature “X” since the creation of that category in 2021.
Despite this, this recognition coexists with new tensions. The government of Javier Milei modified the Gender Identity Law by decree, limiting access to hormonal and surgical treatments for minors under 18 years of agewhich was denounced by LGBTIQ+ organizations as a setback in terms of rights. Added to this is the persistent bureaucracy faced by those seeking to modify their ID or access documentation that reflects their real identity. In many provinces, procedures continue to be cumbersome and computer systems do not adequately consider category “X”.
Still, progress is irreversible. The visibility of artists, activists and public figures not only redefines the human map, but forces us to rethink what it means to be a man or woman in the 21st century. “I grew up in a context where anything that challenges the pre-established was repressed,” Eme Delás rebukes. “And I convinced myself that I was a heterosexual woman, doing what was expected of me, I even had a boyfriend. Over the years I understood that my identity was taking a different path.” Today, Eme recognizes himself in a free, sensitive and mold-free masculinity.
The non-binary phenomenon is not, as some believe, a passing fad. It is the result of decades of struggle for self-determination and the right to redefine oneself. And although the obstacles persist, each story, from Fanego to Elliot Page, shows that gender can no longer be thought of as a destiny, but as a choice.
