What is Gender Bending?

Simply put, gender bending is when someone blurs the lines between traditional gender expression stereotypes. Wikipedia describes it as sometimes a form of social activism undertaken to destroy rigid gender roles and defy sex-role stereotypes, notably in cases where the gender-nonconforming person finds these roles oppressive. It can be a reaction to, and protest of, homophobia, transphobia, misogyny, or misandry.” A gender bender is described as someone who challenges gender fashion stereotypes by wearing mixed/ambiguous/or fashion that may be considered opposite their assigned gender.

How Do I Get Started?

Start within your comfort zone. Think about forms of gender expression that are stereotypically assigned to a certain gender:
Male-suits, cigars, golf attire, wing tips, ties, suspenders, short hair, facial hair
Female: heels, long hair, berets/accessories, dresses, skirts, pantyhose, makeup
Next work some of it into your outfit choices. Maybe you decide to rock lingerie like in rocky horror picture show, or flash stunning heels like Elton John, Colorful makeup and accessories like David Bowie, or maybe you just decide to add some glam to your wardrobe, an heel to your shoe, etc. It is up to you! Gender bending is all about challenging the stereotypes of what it means to be male/female (ex: “real men wear pink”) and feeling awesome while doing it.