Dress, Gender, and Identity: An Inclusion of Many

Abstract

<p>In recent times, there has been a paradigm shift with regards to gender prompting cultural changes not only in conversation, but in many facets of society. The purpose of this concept paper is to investigate different gender identities as defined in current literature and to propose research and teaching strategies for dress scholars that incorporate these definitions. One database provides a list of gender identities and definitions is provided by the NYC Commission on Human Rights. Characteristics of these genders will be detailed in this presentation. Through theme analysis of these definitions the constructs used to define gender include physical traits, dress/appearances that are male and/or female, neither male nor female traits, gender less, incorporation of a combination of genders, sexual orientation, and sexuality on a continuity. Dress scholars can be part of this movement to redefine gender beyond the traditional male/female dichotomy in both teaching and research.</p>