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Beyond gender: Companies embrace the non-binary.

Trend 04

Beyond gender

Beyond gender

Companies embrace the non-binary.

Trend axes

  • Genderless
  • Gender fluid
  • Gender neutral
  • Gender diverse

Some figures

47%

Share of people in the UK who agree that music awards should drop their separate male and female categories and offer a combined award.

$250

Fine that companies in California with 500 or more employees will face from 2024 if they do not display toys and personal care items for children in a gender-neutral way.

30%

Share of consumers aged 24 or under who already use genderless beauty products in their daily routine.

71%

Share of children who said they worry about being bullied if they play with a toy typically associated with the other gender, according to a study by LEGO.

A single identity: yours

Now, the rules of the game really have changed. Normative stereotypes of gender as a binary construction of masculine and feminine are fading. Styles are no longer rigid, nor are identities, and the trend is set by each person and by the moment.

Traditional gender norms are changing. Segregation by sex is completely at odds with people's current thinking, which is evident from childhood. Even so, any change to the social order in this respect is still a cause for censorship.

Right-wing political parties, media groups playing the fourth-estate card and governments, such as that of the United States (41% of books banned in American schools contained LGBTIQ+ elements), silence the voices raised against systemic approaches.

Here, brands play a fundamental role. The private sector has powerful tools to help break down the current barriers between genders: from recognising trans and non-binary people in their products and services to taking a social stance, acting for the rights of all humanity.

A path already being set by major cultural and leisure events, which include inclusive categories in their programmes, and which content creation has joined. People with influence raise their voices to offer dynamic and inclusive views of every aspect of reality. Because no one but the person themselves can own their identity.

Cases

01 / 03

Zorraquino spotlights

  1. 01

    Brands themselves limit their entry into certain markets and open or close product categories because they are exclusionary.

  2. 02

    Attempts at gender-based segmentation must not lead to misunderstanding and torment people with a forced choice.

  3. 03

    In the face of social polarisation, it is key for brands to take a stand and provide platforms for representative genderless stories.

Zorraquino playlist

  • FreedomChristine and the Queens · 2021
  • SexothequeLa Roux · 2014
  • Boys Wanna Be HerPeaches · 2006

More on the trend

References

Pages 87–103 of the report

War for talent: The talent shortage calls for reflection.

Next trend · 05

War for talent