Despite growing recognition of gender diversity, non-binary people’s experiences, particularly within family contexts, remain underexplored. Existing research suggests that non-binary people can experience family life differently from cisgender people, defining their family in nuanced ways and facing considerable misunderstanding and stigma. 

The Family Beyond the Binary project, led by Dr Susie Bower-Brown at the Thomas Coram Research Unit, is funded by the ESRC. The project aims to build a clearer picture of how non-binary people define, experience and navigate family relationships.

The study is now inviting non-binary adults across the UK to take part in an online survey.

Why this matters

Family relationships are central to wellbeing, but they don’t look the same for everyone.

This research will explore:

  • How non-binary people define and experience family
  • Support from family, being accepted for who they are, and whether they feel able to be open about their identity
  • How family life is connected to stigma, identities and wellbeing

Importantly, the study moves beyond narrow definitions of family to include chosen families – relationships with friends, partners, pets and wider communities.

At a time when trans and non-binary rights and protections are increasingly under threat, the research will help fill an important evidence gap and build understanding of how non-binary people experience family life. The longer-term ambition is for the research to inform more inclusive policy, practice and support for non-binary people and their families

About the study

The survey takes around 30 minutes to complete and is open to non-binary people, aged 18+ living in the UK.

The project is being conducted in collaboration with Gendered Intelligence and involves regular consultation with a Community Advisory Board, ensuring community perspectives shape the research throughout. The nationwide survey will be followed by in-depth interviews with participatory and creative methods. 

Take part

If you’re non-binary, over 18, and live in the UK, we’d love to hear from you

Open the survey

Find out more

If you would like to find out more, or you work with communities who may be eligible, find more information below

Project website

Related links

Image credit (top): Adobe Stock/Sophia Emmerich.