Understanding Gender-Neutral Symbols in Daily Life : Promoting Inclusivity and Equality.
The world evolves towards a more inclusive and fulfilling society. To make this process reach its goal, every human being in their integrity and humanity, must be seen as they want. From LGBT community to the more specific cases of gender neutral, or other types of sexuality that lead to the LGBTQIA +, every individual must be included. The plurality of gender entails a growing importance of gender equality.
Humanity has a tendency to attribute customs and habits to a genre, the classical “blue is for boys, pink is for girls” and no matter the changes and the will to remove these patriarchal, misogynic patterns, it is unavoidable to state how it built the world. The link people draw between an object, an idea, a theory, an image has an impact in the public sphere and shapes the construction of the world. In other words, gender symbols have consequences in the world’s perception and acceptance.
This article will explore the impact of gender-neutral symbols in daily life.
What Are Gender-Neutral Symbols?
A gender-neutral symbol is a symbol that does not represent a distinctive gender by its representation. As opposed to traditional symbols that refer to the two binary genders: male and female, gender-neutral symbols should cover all gender identities such as non-binary, gender-fluid, or other identities that go below the scope of the classical male-female roles.
These symbols strive to acknowledge equality and inclusivity throughout the means of eluding gendered assumptions and contributing to a more open, accepting representation of individuals no matter their genders.
Gender-neutral symbols should allow everyone to feel represented; from the classical binary identity to the most undefined one.
They are mostly present in bathrooms or other facilities under multiple forms like depicted here :
This is the type of symbol that you can usually find in public spaces, workplaces, institutions and stores that are gender-neutral friendly. It used to make people feel comfortable, at a safe place.
It is the most common one which represents the merging of the classical, binary, gender symbols, but the image proposed in A symbol for the totally non-binary takes into consideration the entire landscape of gender-neutral symbols. It is a good article to have alternatives to these non-original and still limited markers of gender-neutrality.
To assure inclusivity, these types of symbols can be relevant:
- The circle as the base of all gender symbols: the circle evokes unity, integration and harmony, important pillars of inclusivity.
- A deformation of the usual patterns that translate fluidity and openness: the circle appears but the half arc and the line on the right add this abstract, substantial, fluid vision, the circle that goes through emphasizes the fact that it is a part of society that must be integrated.
These representations are more innovative and represent gender under a new light including all the communities.
The semiologic meaning of symbols through gender neutral fashion
Public institutions, schools, businesses… were mentioned but gender-neutral symbols are also visible throughout clothing.
French philosopher, writer and essayist Roland Barthes wrote a well-known book taking fashion under a semiologic scope. Le Système de la Mode published in 1967 depicts how clothes are a symbol of one’s identity and the message they want to convey to the society. Clothes have the power to signify personal beliefs and individual choices.
This semiological approach helps understand how gender-neutral symbols in fashion express inclusivity and challenge traditional gender norms.
According to Barthes, a system of meanings consists of an expression plan and a continuous plan. Denotation (the direct meaning) relies on the first system, while connotation (the indirect, more symbolic meaning) develops from it.
In the context of gender-neutral fashion, clothing is not merely a sign of status or gender but becomes a symbol filled with deeper meanings related to contemporary ideologies. Thus, a gender-neutral garment, like other fashion elements, works according to both denotation (the visual, functional aspect) and connotation (the social and cultural messages it conveys).
These garments, through connotation, reflect social movements, cultural values, and modern myths that challenge traditional gender roles.
Therefore, fashion becomes a space where coded messages are intertwined, influenced by history, culture, and social evolution.
The Importance of Gender-Neutral Symbols in Society
The symbols are everywhere and refer to ideologies that have been integrated in humankind behaviour, thoughts and behaviour towards one another. Thus, highlighting gender-neutral symbols will begin this modeling process towards acceptance, understanding, care and inclusion about gender-neutral or other gender identity persons.
The classical hegemonic norms are perpetuated through symbols; if people are outcased, it is because these norms told them to be outcasted: it is only a question of perception. It is important to rebuild the actual visions and raise children according to updated norms to promote respect and inclusivity.
By doing so, gender stereotypes will decrease and so will the discrimination towards them: a place has to be given to gender diverse individuals within the midst of traditional gender roles.
Nevertheless, adopting gender-neutral symbols can be a challenge due to many reasons, for instance: cultural resistance (conservative environment won’t take them into consideration), or misunderstandings and misinterpretations (public spaces and institutions may fear a confusion about the symbols’ meanings).
Unfortunately, legal and regulatory compliance is still in the early stages, even if businesses have to comply to anti-discrimination laws, these laws are not accomplished in terms of gender-neutral recognition.
Papers, enrolments, administration, registration; all these processes require an identification in one of the classical gender binary boxes.
How Can Individuals Support Gender-Neutral Symbols?
To increase the presence of gender neutral symbols, thus, the inclusion of gender neutral individuals, education must be done.
The more gender-neutral symbols are exposed, the more people will acknowledge them or question. This is the key to an education for better inclusivity: baby steps are the best way to reach that goal. Simple actions like, signage in schools and businesses or following influencers like Stanzi Potenza or Capri Campeau for a daily-basis education can make the difference.
Above-all, gender neutral representation in media and fashion will add symbols to the idea of gender-neutral, and by these same means, to people’s appreciation, behavior and perception of gender-neutral persons. Media, clothing brands, advertising campaigns should incorporate gender-neutral icons, markers, people… By selling, wearing, sharing, spreading content that embrace inclusivity, individuals help normalize gender-neutral expressions in society. The emergence of Unisex clothing lines, cosmetics, and packaging with neutral designs is a step forward in this identity integration.
Open conversation, transparency and respect will grant the world a more understanding environment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, gender-neutral symbols play a crucial role in fostering inclusivity and promoting equality within our societies. By adopting and promoting gender-neutral symbols, we can create environments that are safe, welcoming, and supportive for everyone, regardless of their gender identity. Each small action contributes to a larger movement of acceptance and inclusivity. Therefore, it is essential for individuals, businesses, and communities to actively support the use of gender-neutral symbols. By doing so, we can contribute to a world where every person is seen and respected for who they are.