Defying Gender Roles

What are gender roles? According to plannedparenthood.org, “Gender roles in society means how we're expected to act, speak, dress, groom, and conduct ourselves based upon our assigned sex.” Women are expected to display polite, femine, accommodating attributes. Whereas men are presumed to be strong, powerful, and the epitome of masculinity. From a young age, the expectations of your assigned sex are ingrained in your mind. Though media is beginning to evolve, representation is still limited and necessary for gender fluidity. Celebrities such as Harry Styles, Ezra Miller, Billy Porter, and David Bowie have embraced their femininity and promoted androgyny throughout their fashion and overall image. Acceptance of these ideas is the ultimate goal. Endorsing these beliefs and accomplishing inclusion is difficult without change. However, with continued effort for exposure and unity, the gender stereotypes will diminish and freedom for individual expression will prevail.