Week of July 13
Gender-neutral policies were discussed this week. Multiple articles discussed the Royal Canadian Navy plans to replace their rank “seaman” with a more gender-neutral title. The United Kingdom is debating adding a gender-neutral “X” option on their passports. Meanwhile, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently unionized her campaign workers and implemented a section on gender neutrality in their contract, making sure to use gender-neutral language in “on-boarding materials and policy manuals”.
Multiple articles from India discussed gender-neutral practices and policy changes. Activists in India are currently working to make laws about rape and sexual assault gender-neutral offenses. One article highlighted a project titled “The Purple Board” in which teachers in India work to make school environments gender neutral in order for trans and nonbinary individuals to feel comfortable. One customer recently called out the gender markers on certain Scotch-Brite items involving housework for the India-specific packaging. The company responded stating, “We wish to clarify that Scotch Brite’s new logo that will be released in the next few months, will not display the image of a woman because we recognize that household chores are equally shared by all family members, and we understand the need to make the product packaging gender neutral.”
Gender-neutral parenting was another topic discussed this week. One father wants to make an animated film about gender-neutral parenting in order to “give young kids permission to be true to themselves, even when it’s uncomfortable.” Multiple articles about gender-reveal parties have actually posted gender-neutral options for items such as cake toppers, party games, and party-favors. Another article discussed gender-neutral baby names that were inspired by Disney movies.
Gender-neutral fashion and brands were also mentioned in the news this week. Brands and companies using “gender neutrality” to market their items have become very popular, from Adidas’ gender-neutral Pride hoodie to Louis Vutton releasing a gender-neutral fragrance. One article posted an analysis report predicting trends for gender-neutral clothing in the global market. An article from Vogue Business claims that venture capitalists are investing in gender-neutral fashion brands. Another article mentioned that Rihanna is releasing a Fenty skincare line that is gender-neutral.