Feature image Brigette Lundy-Paine’s Instagram
It was only a year ago that Atypical star Brigette Lundy-Paine came out in an interview with The Advocate stating “I come from a very queer family. I think it was just like a teary phone call to my mom when I had my first girlfriend. And then after that it was kinda like, Oh, I don’t have to really tell anybody else. I just date who I want and not have to put up with it.” In the interview, Lundy-Paine also said they’d received a message of support from someone saying their performance helped them come out as trans. “I don’t know why, but I love that so much.”
Big news!!! They’ve just come out as non-binary using a very artistic snap of a ginger cat basking in a sea of light from xe’s higher non-binary power.
In a post on Instagram the star wrote, “I’m non-binary, always felt a lil bit boy, lil bit girl, lil bit neither. using they/them as of late n it feels right. scary af to come out n been rly putting this off. But I feel I owe it to myself and to all of us who struggle w gender. If you’re NB comment and celebrate yourself! u r beautiful and u r whole. thank u guys ily 👽🔆”
Grab your flags folks because those are some full circle feels. Fellow Atypical actors Nik Dodani and Amy Okuda commented. “You are the most amazing human I know. My god I love you,” and “I love you so much,” showing support for their co-star amongst almost seven thousand more comments from fans on the social media platform.
Lundy-Paine’s character felt like the androgynous kid we all tried to be… some of us still trying even past high school, queer life y’all. Polo shirts, check shirts and midriffs galore. If you’ve seen season three of Atypical, you wouldn’t have forgotten Lundy-Paine bringing dapper suit realness to their character a few episodes before Casey and best friend Izzie finally made progress to becoming official girlfriends in the Netflix show. From holding fingers and then full hands in a car to kissing on a running field to SPOILER ALERT… PDA’ing in the hallway at school omg.
Readers, in true Lundy-Paine style, if you’re non-binary let us know and celebrate in the comments below! Show us your favourite outfit, your favourite song that affirms your gender (you betcha there’s a playlist we can all add to!) and if you’re an ally, share some affirmations or photos of your sun-basking pets!
It’s been a month for Lundy-Paine and their character Casey and Autostraddle could not be happier! From everyone at Autostraddle, we see you Brig.
this is rad
Yay more representation!
Yay Brigette Lundy-Paine! They (and their character Casey) are the only reason I keep watching Atypical.
I realize this is beside the point, but the rug in that photo is so nice!
i’m nb and this article made me binge atypical and i’m SO HAPPY I DID. what a fun, uplifting, gay gay gay show.
song suggestion: “slip away” by perfume genius (also the gay song of the year, featured in both atypical and also booksmart)
oops, I did not mean this to be a reply, but ups to this comment also!
Gender diversity makes me happy <3 congratulations to BLP!
Their presence is a pleasure on my screen. Casey has been and keeps being such un unsuspected gift.
Is Autostraddle ever going to review the new season of Atypical (specifically the major and beautifully acted evolution of Casey and Izzie’s relationship)? This was its 3rd season, and we all know that’s a do-or-die milestone for a Netflix show (ahem ODAAT), where a rise in viewership is critical (ahem ODAAT), and I for one would love to see a season 4 happen for Casey and Izzie.
Yay Brigette Lundy-Paine!I’m 65 and came out as Genderfluid 5 years ago. Wish there was more like them when I was their age – we didn’t even have the words to describe who we were then.