Focus on the individual, not the gender

Times are increasingly changing, and people are not thinking in black and white anymore – or should I say, blue and pink? In the past, differences between both sexes were considered a natural and biological fact. Boys and girls were brought up to behave according to socially prescribed roles that assigned the sexes unequal positions with respect to each other.

Right now, there is a change taking place in our society. There is need for a more personal approach focused on the individual rather than gender. Concepts of masculinity and femininity are shifting, their boundaries growing increasingly vague. Gender roles are increasingly considered limiting and insignificant – or at least, less fundamental to a person’s social role or standing than they were before.

Changing times

So why is this happening right now? A combination of environmental factors and cultural norms have led to greater human diversity, which includes the possibility of people feeling gender neutral. Moreover, the internet combined with the emergence of gender-fluid celebrities has made the diversity of gender and gender difference more visible. People feel like they can relate and express themselves accordingly.

Ruby Rose was one of the first celebrities to openly express her gender-neutral identity. She doesn’t identify as any gender. Ruby Rose: “I’m not a guy, I don’t really feel like a woman, but obviously I was born one. So, I’m somewhere in the middle, which – in my imagination – is like having the best of both worlds.” Miley Cyrus also identifies as gender neutral. She wants to break through traditional concepts and create greater awareness for people who feel neither male nor female.

It’s not a hype, it’s a trend!

People love the gender-bender trend because the focus is all about being true to one’s self. People don’t want you to put them in boxes, they want you to focus on them as individuals!

A study by Intelligence Group shows that 60 percent of people surveyed between the age of 14 and 34 think that gender roles are fading and that it’s the older generation who imposed these gender restrictions in the first place. More and more people refuse to accept these standards any longer. We are starting to live in a society in which gender plays a less important role.

Gender diversity becomes more visible and gendered marketing seems outdated – not cool at all. In fact, 70 percent of 13- to 20-year-olds surveyed say they strongly prefer gender-neutral branding. It’s important for companies to focus on the individual and not the gender. It makes consumers feel heard.

A lot of brands get it. You see gender-neutral products popping up everywhere. Gender-neutral clothing, gender-neutral toys, gender-neutral make-up … gender-neutral whatever; you name it, they’ve got it! Yep, there’s no denying it, the gender-neutral trend is one worth keeping up with!

Well I think you’ve got the message … Stop thinking in pink and blue and start thinking in technicolor.