According to Webster Dictionary, the term nonbinary means, “being a person who identifies with or expresses a gender identity that is neither entirely male nor entirely female.” Many nonbinary identifying people state that it is not that they hate their body, but that they feel uncomfortable being associated with either the male or female genders. Pronouns and gender stereotypes are a big part of gender, especially for nonbinary people. 

Ethan Rosengarten is a French teacher who travels between East and West Campus throughout the day who identifies as nonbinary. This is the first year the 33 year old instructor is teaching at MCHS.

Teaching is Rosengarden’s dream job, as it would be for any self-appointed “walking encyclopedia,” “[My favorite part of teaching is] getting to share my curiosity with my students!” 

While Rosengarten has officially been out for three years, they often have to come out over and over whenever they meet new people. They have been teaching for a one and a half years and often has to navigate coming out to students, and more often than not, explaining the entire concept of their gender identity. 

“Something that surprised me,” they say, “was how students I expected it from the least try the hardest to use they/them and the correct honorific when referring to me.” 

Rosengarten uses Mx instead of Mr. or Mrs. because the letter X is often used to make words gender neutral. They also drop the period at the end because, in French, a period is only used when it’s an abbreviation such as M. for Monsieur whereas Mx isn’t short for anything. 

The name Ethan comes from Latin descent and means “strength, firmness, and long-lived,” Rosengarten chose this name while at a fair when asked their name. “It was never a name I considered for myself,” they said, “but when they asked, I didn’t even hesitate when I said Ethan.”

While the concept of a nonbinary gender identity is new to mainstream media, it doesn’t prevent Rosengarten from living their best life. “Luckily, in the state of Illinois, I can’t be fired for being nonbinary because there are amazing laws in place to protect people like me.” 

Despite the challenges they’ve faced since coming out, Rosengarten is now thriving, happy, and gets to do something they genuinely enjoy—teaching—and creating a safe place where all students can learn.