Toilets, bowties, gender and me | Audrey Mason-Hyde | TEDxAdelaide

Summary

In this thought-provoking talk, Audrey reflects on their journey of gender identity and expression, challenging societal assumptions about gender based on appearance. Through personal anecdotes, Audrey illustrates the discomfort caused by misgendering and the importance of self-expression, discussing their evolution from a girl in traditional clothing to embracing a more androgynous style. They emphasize that gender is a spectrum, not confined to binary definitions, and urge the audience to reconsider why gender matters in everyday interactions. Ultimately, Audrey advocates for greater understanding and acceptance of diverse gender identities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Gender perception is often based on appearance, leading to assumptions that can be incorrect.
• 😀 Audrey identifies as female biologically, but feels that gender is more complex than just biology.
• 😀 Personal style evolution can reflect one's changing experience and understanding of gender.
• 😀 Misrecognition in gender often leads to discomfort and alienation in public spaces.
• 😀 Audrey adopted a 'tomboy' label to navigate societal expectations while expressing herself authentically.
• 😀 Gender is not fixed and can be viewed as a dynamic spectrum, rather than a binary classification.
• 😀 Societal norms often lead to discomfort when individuals don't conform to traditional gender roles.
• 😀 Audrey found empowerment in wearing styles that blend traditionally male and female elements.
• 😀 Gender-neutral bathrooms provide relief and comfort, highlighting the need for inclusive spaces.
• 😀 The importance of recognizing individual identity over societal labels is crucial for understanding gender diversity.

Q & A

What assumptions do people make about gender based on appearance?

People often assume someone's gender based on their appearance, which can lead to confusion and misidentification, as illustrated by Audrey's experiences.

How did Audrey's style evolve over time?

Audrey's style evolved from wearing traditionally feminine clothing to adopting a more masculine presentation, reflecting her authentic self and changing understanding of gender.

What impact did school have on Audrey's perception of gender?

At school, Audrey faced misrecognition regarding her gender, leading to feelings of alienation and discomfort, which prompted her to adopt more masculine clothing.

What does Audrey mean by identifying as a 'tomboy'?

Audrey identified as a 'tomboy' to navigate social expectations while expressing herself through traditionally male clothing and activities without being labeled as a boy.

How did the film '52 Tuesdays' influence Audrey's understanding of gender?

The film '52 Tuesdays', which explores a mother's transition from female to male, exposed Audrey to diverse gender expressions and helped her understand that gender is not fixed.

What does Audrey suggest about the nature of gender?

Audrey suggests that gender is a spectrum and dynamic, not strictly defined by biological sex or traditional clothing choices.

How does the public's perception affect Audrey's experience in bathrooms?

Audrey's experience in bathrooms is often uncomfortable due to public assumptions about her gender, leading her to seek out all-gender or unisex facilities whenever possible.

What are Audrey's thoughts on gender-neutral bathrooms?

Audrey feels relieved by the presence of gender-neutral bathrooms, as they provide a safe space without requiring her to disclose her gender identity.

How does Audrey feel about being misidentified as a boy?

While sometimes enjoying the conversations that arise from being misidentified as a boy, Audrey also experiences discomfort and confusion when people make assumptions about her gender.

What message does Audrey convey about societal gender assumptions?

Audrey urges society to reflect on why gender assumptions matter and encourages individuals to consider the discomfort these assumptions can cause for those who do not fit into binary categories.