(143) Approach to the Non-Binary Person: An Interdisciplinary Sexological Perspective

Abstract Introduction Non-binary identities challenge traditional binary conceptions of gender that have long structured medical, psychological, and surgical practice. Historically, psychiatry and endocrinology have operated within a binary framework, while contemporary sexology and queer theory emphasize gender as fluid, embodied, and socially constructed. Despite growing visibility, non-binary individuals continue to face disproportionate rates of depression, anxiety, and minority stress due to systemic invalidation. These disparities underline the need for integrative clinical approaches that recognize identity diversity as part of human variation rather than pathology. Objective This work aims to explore how an interdisciplinary model - combining sexology, psychiatry, endocrinology, psychology, and gender-affirming surgery - can promote health, autonomy, and well-being among non-binary individuals. Drawing from the Minority Stress Model and the American Psychological Association's Affirmative Model of Gender Diversity, we integrate theoretical, empirical, and clinical perspectives, highlighting the experience of our Gender Diversity and Sexology Unit as a practical example of collaborative, affirming care. Methods A narrative review of the literature (2012–2024) was conducted through PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus, focusing on non-binary identity, mental health outcomes, sexual well-being, and affirming interventions. Theoretical frameworks from queer theory were analyzed to contextualize the epistemological shift from binary models toward gender fluidity. Clinical insights are drawn from our Gender Diversity and Sexology Unit, a multidisciplinary team comprising endocrinologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, and sexologists. The Unit aims to offer personalized care pathways for gender-diverse individuals, including non-binary people, emphasizing shared decision-making, bodily autonomy, and sexological well-being; sometimes contrasting with the rigidity of previously established clinical intervention protocols. Results Across reviewed studies, non-binary participants consistently reported higher levels of anxiety, depression, and social invalidation compared with both cisgender and binary transgender peers. Studies found that 71% of non-binary respondents experienced significant depressive symptoms, and 50% reported suicidal ideation. Clinical experience from our Unit aligns with these findings: distress among non-binary individuals often stems from external invalidation, rigid medical systems, and lack of inclusive protocols rather than from identity itself. Affirming interventions - individualized hormone therapy plans, flexible surgical pathways, psychotherapeutic validation, and sexological counseling focused on pleasure and embodiment - significantly improved psychological well-being, sexual satisfaction, and self-congruence. These outcomes support the integration of affirming sexological principles into standard medical care. Conclusions The interdisciplinary model developed at our Gender Diversity and Sexology Unit demonstrates that combining biomedical expertise with sexological and psychological affirmation fosters comprehensive, ethical, and person-centered care. By situating clinical practice within the frameworks of minority stress and gender affirmation, this approach helps reduce distress linked to social stigma and promotes positive sexual and mental health outcomes. Recognizing non-binarity as an authentic and healthy expression of gender diversity is essential for advancing inclusive healthcare and dismantling the residual pathologization of gender variance. Disclosure No