Hey, I’m non-binary have a question abt names. So I really want to start going by my more gender-neutral middle name, but I feel super attached to my first name, the name I’ve always gone by. When I imagine being addressed by my middle name by close friends or family, it feels weird. But like I still want to go by it. I just wish I had always gone by my middle name. Is this normal? Thanks
Hi,
Of course it’s normal, it’s a name you’ve gone by your whole life so it’s only expected to be attached to it.
Remember that names don’t really have a gender and that it’s more of a societal thing, so don’t feel like you have to go by your middle name just because you feel like it’s more neutral.
There are guys called Ashley and August which we would typically associate as more feminine, and girls called James and Ryan which are typically more masculine. You don’t have to change yours just because it may not be neutral.
So if you really are attached to your first name then maybe you should keep it! But if not, don’t sweat it. Your first name can always be part of you if you want it to be. Maybe you could get a pendant with your first name on it or a tattoo or any other accessory as a reminder that it’s always part of you, and still go by your chosen name.
Hope this helped!
- Lola
