Beyond the gender binary: Being non-binary in Turkey

Discrimination based on gender identity is a serious problem at national and global levels. Gender identities are commonly assessed within a binary system in the prevailing heteronormative order. However, the existence and visibility of people who define themselves outside the binary gender system are increasing day by day. Despite the increase in awareness and visibility of non-binary gender identities, there remains widespread confusion regarding different gender identities and the lack of representation of these identities in society, media, and research. Within the scope of this thesis, the in-depth examination of the gender identity development experiences of non-binary individuals in the context of Turkey and their evaluation from a queer perspective is aimed. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used in this qualitative research, and data was collected using the purposeful sampling method. Semi-structured interviews lasting approximately 45 to 75 minutes were conducted with 11 participants who identified outside of the binary gender system. In these interviews, questions were posed regarding non-binary individuals' first awareness experiences about their gender identity, their experiences from awareness to acceptance, their emotions and behaviors during this process, and the ways in which they express their identities. The data obtained from the interviews were analyzed using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The analysis resulted in (1) the theme of "Turning Points in Identity Development" with sub-themes "Awareness," "Ambivalence-Dual Imagination," "Non-binary Identity Construction," "Authentic Identity Realization," and "Persistent Exploration"; and (2) the theme of "Factors Influencing Identity Development" with sub-themes "Cisheteronormative System," "Legal Rights," and "Discrimination and Marginalization." While the themes that emerged from the study create a foundational framework for understanding non-binary gender identity development, it was observed that each participant's experience is unique and does not follow a linear trajectory. The findings were discussed in line with the literature.