What’s so funny with men in dresses?: Gender expression is not a punchline
By Jewyz Ann Bunyi
We yearn for prosperity in the economic and political spheres of our society, yet the social facet, specifically LGBT rights, has been left behind in the process. Amidst homophobic statements, misogynistic views, and widespread prejudice, the LGBTQIA+ community has long fought for a safe and inclusive society. And with the recent cross-dressing performance by De La Salle University’s (DLSU) men’s basketball team, our unwavering battle for equality and a non-discriminative environment continuously lives on.
As an initiation to DLSU’s annual tradition of welcoming new athletes, rookie members of the team performed a TikTok-inspired dance number while wearing dresses. The performance drew flak for its insensitivity in making cross-dressing and feminine gender expressions a complete mockery for comedic purposes. While the university strives to combat all forms of harassment and discrimination, the pep rally performance infringes on the university’s advocation for safe space and inclusivity.
I’m not implying that all of the performers were cishet men, but the intention of gaining mere laughs and applause entails the heteronormative views that we are attempting to ostracize. That it’s all in good fun for cishets, but members of the queer community face harsh insults and repercussions for expressing their true selves.
Misaligned intentions vs. impact
Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines cross-dressing as the act of dressing in clothing that is not typically designed for one’s sex. Cross-dressing is uniquely diverse and personal. For some, it could be a hobby, an art, or to deal with dysphoria. And as performance art, it is known as drag, wherein it entails exaggerated attires, from wigs to mannerisms, that portray the other sex or other forms of gender expression. It should be noted that neither of them is gender-exclusive and every individual can perceive gender in their own unique manner.
What differentiates the cross-dressing issue from dragging is the intention. Dragging is meant to empower, detach conventional binary norms and embrace the fluidity of the queer community, as opposed to the issue’s purpose of being a comedic act for cheap laughs. Not to mention that they weren’t even wearing heavy makeup or excessive outfits. And even if they did act exaggeratedly to impose female qualities, it was still a disrespectful performance meant to disparage gender expressions and was not even a tad close to the art of dragging.
From every angle, the thought of “real men” wearing dresses is sexist and alarming. Especially if it is used as a punchline for a joke. Yes, everyone is free to wear dresses, flowy skirts, baggy pants, or anything they please. However, the way they dress or present themselves doesn’t make them less of a person or more of a man. It should be perceived as them wearing anything they want because they simply want to — that their expression makes them confident and empowered. No one should be forced to wear a dress just to prove that they are indeed a “real man.” That’s toxic masculinity at its finest. Stereotypical clothing to adhere to one’s gender identity shouldn’t also be forced on them only to fit into your ostensibly non-existent societal customs. And this must be applied to all genders as well.
Fashion holds no gender
Fashion is no easy feat, especially for non-binary folks. Clothing is androgynous. Yet they must be purchased from either the women’s or men’s section, even if the buyer doesn’t identify as such. And the established two-gendered fashion excludes a lot of people who don’t fit within the gender binary to the point of criminalizing gender expressions.
Prior to the gendering of clothes, the distinction of clothing was first based on social class. Tailors made tunic-styled clothing for both men and women until the 17th century. During the rule of Louis XIV, seamstresses organized a new guild catering solely to women, separating themselves from tailors. Men’s and women’s clothing began to branch out, with tailored clothing like suits becoming associated with masculinity. As differences in fashion became increasingly gendered, gender itself became a binary; so intensely ingrained in the public’s consciousness that it took on a shape of its own. Individuals were strictly classified into one of two genders, with clothing standards so stringent that cross-dressing was outlawed in many countries.
Filipina drag queen Eva Le Queen voiced her fury over how some people view cross-dressing as a joke without considering the atrocities the queer community went through. Many were dehumanized and imprisoned for simply expressing themselves, and it’s seething to think that the queer community’s sufferings and injustices are utilized for cishet entertainment. When society conserves the notion that fashion is gendered, we lose our ability to not just define our personal style, but also to genuinely express who we are.
Embrace gender fluidity
In today’s time, the gendering of fashion is starting to evaporate. The spectrum of sexual and gender expressions and identities is expanding and diversifying as more individuals venture beyond the binary. From KZ Tandingan wearing a white suit on her wedding day to Marc Jacobs’ style staple of skirts and dresses, gender norms are becoming more progressive, and eventually, society’s perceptions too.
We aspire for an inclusive society, but there will be bumps in the road like this controversy. Despite that, there are legislators who are in pursuit of safe spaces and inclusivity, like Sen. Risa Hontiveros with the Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity and Expression (SOGIE) Equality Bill and Sen. Robin Padilla’s aim to institutionalize same-sex civil unions. Along with this is a memorandum from the Department of Education outlining the Gender-Responsive Basic Education Policy to promote gender equality, equity, and sensitivity at the basic education level. Reforms like these are already significant for the whole queer community — but there is still a long way to go to achieve inclusiveness.
One’s gender expression changes, and so does their identity. We are not always meant to conform our expression to our identity, and everyone should deal with that. If cross-dressing is your way to feel like your authentic self, go for it! You’ll never know until you try it. Go outside of your comfort zone and feel free to experiment.
In the first place, we shouldn’t feel confined to the non-existent standard binary norms that society dictates we should cling to.
