Courtney Stodden Celebrates International Non-Binary People's Day, Says 'I Am No Longer Existing Under A Controlled Mindset'
Courtney Stodden is proudly celebrating International Non-Binary People's Day on Wednesday, July 14.
The 26-year-old took to Instagram on Tuesday, July 13, to discuss their identity after coming out earlier this year.
"Identifying as nonbinary, to me, means that I am no longer existing under a controlled mindset. I feel free," Stodden captioned a photo of the model throwing their arms up in the air in celebration.
"Identifying as nonbinary allows me to live outside of typical standards. Identifying as nonbinary, I believe, is a spectrum. Some identify closer to femininity — others identify closer to masculinity, or none at all," they continued. "I happen to fall right in the center."
The musician explained that some days, they feel more masculine and other days they feel more feminine. "It's up to me. It's fluid; I'm fluid," they wrote.
"Today is a great day. Everyday holds a beautiful opportunity to embrace yourself and all of the colors that exist inside of your heart," the Couples Therapy alum concluded.
Fans took to the comments to wish Stodden well.
"We love you Courtney! The non binary visibility we deserve," one fan gushed.
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"We all hope for the best of you and your identity Courtney. May your future be bright," another wrote.
"I'm extremely proud of you and wish you all the happiness you deserve! Thanks for being so visible with your platform 💜," a third fan commented.
Stodden came out as non-binary in April and clarified that their pronouns are they/them.
"I was bullied horribly in school because I was different. The other girls never understood me," they explained at the time. "It got so bad that my mom pulled me out of school. And still, i don’t fit in. I never really connected with anyone my age. My spirit is fluid with a kaleidoscope of color."
Stodden later admitted to OK! that their mom doesn't always understand their identity. "She will not call me they, she still calls me she and her," Stodden said. "I mean, that’s just her, so I try to just accept that and that’s who she is."
"I love her and she’s supportive in other ways, but really, I am taking this time in my life to support myself and I think that’s a huge priority," Stodden noted, adding they try to "not worry about too many other people and their opinions."
The model first made headlines in 2011, when they married then 50-year-old actor Doug Hutchison at 16 years old. The former couple's divorce was finalized in March 2020. Stodden later admitted on social media that they felt they had been "taken advantage of" and "manipulated."
They have since gotten engaged to Chris Sheng.
