5 Artists That Defy Gender Norms

Like the global icons Prince and Freddie Mercury of Queen, the 5 artists below have never been afraid to be themselves and take a stand against what’s deemed as socially acceptable.

Wonho 

Wonho rejects the hyper-masculinity stigma that is pushed on male artists. He has never been afraid to push the boundaries when it comes to fashion and wears items that are considered feminine. Wonho can be seen on stage wearing crop tops, bodysuits, and revealing clothes. Through Wonho unapologetically being himself, he is an inspiration to his followers by encouraging them to never conform to social norms and to be themselves.  

Lady Gaga 

Lady Gaga wasn’t afraid to embrace her masculinity in this memorable Vogue Hommes Japan 2010 spread where she unleashed her male alter ego Jo Calderone. 

Harry Styles 

Harry Styles said in an interview with The Guardians “ What women wear. What men wear. For me it’s not a question of that. If I see a nice shirt and get told, ‘But it’s for ladies.’ I think: ‘Okaaaay? Doesn’t make me want to wear it less though…”. By Harry Styles highlighting that fashion has no gender, he is a motivation to fans. He lets them know that they too should wear whatever they want regardless of what society has to say about it.

Julia Roberts

In the 1990s, Julia Roberts accepted her first Golden Globe award in an oversized men’s suit. During this period, it was common for women to wear evening gowns when attending events like this. By not being afraid to rock a men’s suit to the Golden Globes, Julia Roberts showed that you could look just as beautiful in a three-piece suit as you could have in a shiny evening gown.  

Ruth Bell

Ruth Bell shaved off her hair for an Alexander McQueen campaign. When asked if she would grow her hair out again, she told Elle “Hell no, I don’t miss hair. I don’t want to ever again. This is so much better.” By shaving off her hair, Bell highlights that hair does not define one’s beauty. 

With the increase in public figures challenging gender norms, it makes everyday people feel more comfortable with expressing themselves through fashion. With this article I hope that those reading it know that they should never be afraid to stand out.

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