- First impressions. When a human encounters another human, they have the power, intentional or unintentional, to attract an embracing or criticizing point of view which leaves a lasting impression.
The word non-binary floats as an umbrella term for a wide range of non-conforming gender types by people in various parts of society who just like any other person born into the world want to be accepted for who they are and treated with compassion, dignity and respect. For thousands of years, the spectrum of gender identities and behaviours has been undeniably challenged facing discrimination throughout history leaving some gender identities unacknowledged. In recent years the idea of non-conforming gender identity by some is seen as a fad or a trend and this makes the term seem relatively foreign. Contrary to popular opinion, this is not the case, according to history, the likes of ‘Joan of Arc’, ‘Alexander the Great’ paint a different picture. Non-binary is a gender form of self-expression that extends beyond the biological identification or physical appearance which identifies harmless behaviours of feminine, masculine, male or female, either in-between or outside both identities.
According to a survey, “Globally, 1% of adults currently describe themselves as transgender, non-binary, non-conforming, gender-fluid or “in another way”, rather than as male or female.” More recently, the occurrence of this is even younger; children, pre-teens and teens, exposing them to rejection, incidences of bullying and even hate. As society continues to move the dial on equality, growing recognition of gender identities and expression, shows gradual acceptance which perhaps paves the way to more open conversations in a non-judgemental space, that being gender fluid does not make you any different, it just makes you human. Despite societal changes in the last few decades, men and women have not always been identified between two gender categories. All over the world, there are several documented ways of self-expression in gender identity, which go beyond male and female. Hundreds of indigenous cultures are not exempt to the expression of non-binary gender, they are known to identify even more than five genders.
These cultural practices were confronted with western colonization of gender theories that a gender type of two categories of man and woman only exist. In India, Justice KS Radhakrishnan, who headed the two-judge Supreme Court, said this in his ruling “Recognition of transgenders as a third gender is not a social or medical issue but a human rights issue,”. This ruling gave a sense of hope to the Hijras community, who are assigned male at birth but take up a feminine appearance in their gender identity and expression, making them one of the most common non-binary groups in the history of South Asia dating as far back as the 15th century BC. Outside of their gender identity, the Hijras also perform ceremonial activities at the births and weddings of Hindus within the community. In the southern Oaxaca in Mexican culture, the third gender is also associated with the Muxe community and has for years defiled the western ideology of gender. In Egypt, Hatshepsut despite her gender became one of the greatest pharaohs in Egyptian history. In yoga philosophy, there are two powerful gender energies that exist, the masculine and feminine which is harnessed with the goal to create a uniform balance within the world.
The fashion industry has always been ahead of the curve on discussions around gender identity, boldly embracing the ideology throughout its history and even associating them with apex creativity. Thom Browne a contemporary fashion brand has created notable gender-fluid fashion collections that do not conform to a specific gender identity. A few brands in their marketing campaigns, have taken up the social issue related to non-binary gender identity with the vast majority of brands still taking a more cautious approach to the idea in their marketing campaigns. The goal is to balance and script the reality of different gender types within the precepts of social constraints and focus on relevant and meaningful storytelling on how this impacts its audience, while remaining harmless and positive. Diversity is seen as the new frontier within the marketing industry creating possibilities for an embracing environment, that identify with the non-binary community and enable them to thrive within safe spaces. Fenty’s campaign in recent years is an example of an inclusion ideology where self-expression and self-love are championed. A bold move by its founder Robyn Rihanna, Fenty emphasized the need to recognise the changes in society with regards to inclusion and the spectrum of targeted non-binary consumers, fully represented in their campaigns and collections.
Happiness is often considered the ultimate goal of human existence. We serve a greater purpose the moment we recognise, that when we love and embrace each other, we enable a paradigm shift in self-expression as a form of human gender. We create a world that does not criticize or condemn but celebrates diversity without having to abandon authenticity, allowing happiness to be accessible by all.
Written by,
Kate Yemisi Williams
Edited by,
Nnenna Hemeson
