Back by popular demand is our series of posts here at Jessica Who?, titled “Word of the Week”. In these short articles, published most Fridays, we explore the various labels and umbrella terms used to label us. By doing this, I hope to educate not only myself, but also anyone who may not be familiar with these terms. Feel free to add your own knowledge to each post by leaving a comment 
.
The label that we will be examining this week is: unisex.
Standard Definition
Not distinguishable as male or female. Suitable or designed for both males and females.
Derogatory?
Not really, although it would probably make sense if this term was re-dubbed “unigender”.
What’s It Really Mean?
Clothes, hygiene products and restrooms, among other things, that are labeled “unisex” are appropriate for both men and women alike.
My Take
I can vividly recall during my youth that I would be abhorred by anything deemed “unisex”. I’m willing to bet that this stemmed mainly from my avoidance of the gender issues and questions I was facing. Society brainwashes us into believing that everything should be separated into gender categories following the strict binary.
Nowadays I embrace unisex items, even going out of my way to take something made for women and making it “unisex”. When I say that, I am referring to how I’ll respond if a friend or family member asks me if something I’m wearing or have done is just for females.
PS – Happy coincidence, I am getting ready to order a special shampoo off the internet and the following is part of the desccription.
- Fragrance Notes: High Performance Haircare Products Using Natural Plant Ingredients. Products are 100% Vegan. Each Product Pinpoints One Or Two Botanicals That Specifically Benefit The Hair.
- Gender: UNISEX
Your Take
Have you anything to add? Please leave your take on this word in the comments section, I hope we can open up a dialogue and learn from each other while educating the masses.
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{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
I like the unisex concept. It would be helpful in Department Stores for
trying on clothes. Many items of clothing, such as tee shirts, are now
really unisex. I would like to promote the use and application of the
term. It would help people of all genders.
that is so true, good point.
The unisex styles; clothes, shoes, hairstyles, etc. of the glam era of the seventies were far more attractive to me, precisely because they represented a huge feminization of masculine style, whereas unisex today more often than not, seems to represent a defeminization of women’s style. I don’t think many males today would want to be seen in clingy 3/4 sleeve tees with deep scoop necklines, tight hip hugging bell bottom pants, high heeled platform shoes, and soft fluffy shoulder length shag hair cuts with full bangs.
Melissa XX
yes, I know what you mean. I remember freaking out when I learned that my father used to wear heeled shoes (platform) !! hehe
Unisex. In popular usage from the 60′s, saved my life! I could not have survived in the strict bigendered world I was born into. It’s disappearance and the subsequent re-polarisation of genders finally helped me decide that I had to have another try at transition.
Caroline xxx
Very interesting Caroline, I know what you mean about society being very polarizing as far as gender, my wife is reading tons of books about that lately.
Unisex tends to refer more to women than men as far as Im concerned, Women can wear work jeans and business suits they can have there hair cut short. If men wear female clothing or get there hair styled longer than normal we are imediately thought of as strange or too femanine. Wouldnt it be nice to be thought of as just another human being.
Indeed
That true. I have seen or heard that a girl should cut her short. Because it’s not normal or right for a girl to have long. Second women have more choices or dress in what mades them feels comfortable. Or what they get away with. I can’t believe the standards are accept for women. But in the other hand its still stuck in the 50′s standards for men. It’s about 11 odd years in the new century. It’s time for a change for standards for men fasion. Or limit the standards for women . And see how they like it again!