Nepal was the first country to recognize a third gender option in 2007. Here’s what that means for nonbinary youth. On nearly every continent, and for all of recorded history, thriving cultures have recognized, revered, and integrated more than two genders. Last November Germany became the first European country to officially recognize a "third gender" category, this time on birth certificates for intersex infants. In some countries, such classifications may only be available to intersex people, born with sex characteristics that "do not fit the typical definitions for male or female bodies". Here’s what that means for nonbinary youth. Canadians can now identify as gender neutral on passports after a third gender ‘X’ option was introduced to the application process on 31 August. Pakistan, Bangladesh, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and Canada also legally recognize nonbinary or "third gender" people. Germany will soon become the first country in the European Union to offer a "third gender" option on birth certificates. The … Many other countries have laws against discriminating on the grounds of gender or orientation of any kind, but a special law allowing you to register as belonging to a diferent category is still rare. In certain countries, third or nonbinary genders are only recognized if a person is born with sex traits that fall outside the usual definitions for male and female bodies. In other countries, they may only (or also) be available to people with gender identities that differ from their sex assigned at birth. The “third gender” are enjoying more civil rights; being counted in the census, right to vote, option to display third gender on passports, and other freedoms. Metcalf said that to get to a place of understanding Two Spirit or non-binary identity, it helps to try shifting your frame of reference. Share All sharing options for: States are starting to recognize a third gender. Sekrata in Madagascar. In other countries, they may only (or also) be available to people with gender identities that differ from their sex assigned at birth. Nepal was the first country to recognize a third gender option in 2007. Canada has become the latest country to introduce a gender neutral ‘X’ option on passports. And state governments are moving to recognize that fact by giving residents the option of a third gender identifier, neither exclusively male or female. In some countries, such classifications may only be available to intersex people, born with sex characteristics that "do not fit the typical definitions for male or female bodies". Making an effort to get to know people of all points on the gender spectrum is part of creating a more tolerant and accepting world. The cultures which have open approaches to gender around the world can act as a guide for acceptance of nontraditional gender roles. No matter a person’s gender, everyone deserves equal human rights.