Rain Dove: How to come out as non-binary

Model and activist Rain Dove has told PinkNews their tops tips for coming out as non-binary.

Dove, a self-proclaimed “gender capitalist,” explained that they first came out as a number of different sexualities—including saying they were a lesbian and later pansexual—before deciding that they did not want to “confine myself by trying to define myself.”

The 29-year-old model explained: “Why can’t I just be I? Why can’t I just love who I love?”

Watch PinkNews’ interview with Rain Dove below:

The star, who is currently dating actor Rose McGowan, has outlined their guide for anyone wanting to come out as anything other than the male and female gender binaries.

Labels aren’t always necessary, says Rain Dove

For Dove, using labels should never be a requirement.

“You don’t have to say: ‘I’m non-binary,’ you just simply say: ‘I am I and I don’t identify as male or female. I don’t identify as anything except for myself,'” Dove told PinkNews.

“And if you want people to use neutral pronouns, you’re welcome to ask for those.”

Be patient with family and friends

Dove also explained that, while a non-binary person has had their “entire life” to digest who they are, it’s important to understand that “some people are just not going to get it.”

“Especially when it comes to parents, they were born with brainwashed ideas of what it means to be a parent,” explained Dove.

The model continued: “They have a lot to unravel, they have hopes and dreams for you.

“They had to come up with a name for you and pick out your clothing.”

“There is absolutely no limit to the you that is you, so don’t limit yourself.”

—Rain Dove

Dove explained that telling parents that “there’s something new that they have to consider” can seem “scary [to them] and it can feel like a threat.”

The model added: “It may not seem like good parenting when somebody is upset, but often times they just need some time, and you need to think of your end result.”