The Inspiration

My project idea was inspired by a class discussion concerning the problematic nature of assuming fixed, identifiable gender identities and the Harraway article, “Cyborg Manifesto.” I began to ask myself that in a world where there is an infinite amount of ways in which sexuality and gender can be described, how can I navigate the dating scene without falling prey to the reliance on dualistic notions of gender. It begs the questions that if I can never expect anyone to be able to label or categorize their sexuality, how will I ever be able to (easily) determine whom I should hit on?
Moreover, as popular gender identities become less static and more difficult to categorize, the more difficult it becomes to pick out potential partners. How can we satisfy our dating needs while remaining loyal to the rejection of categorization of gender and sexuality? An individual’s expression of one’s gender morphs from situation to situation, from day to day, as different modes of powers are being exercised around us, constantly shaping how we conceive of our bodies, our sexuality, our gender - in short, ourselves. Gender hats allow for a flexible expression of sexuality that can be easily modified as identities are constantly fractured and reconstituted. Gender hats do not rely on any method of categorization yet they can (fairly) easily convey objects and images that represent sexuality, in a manner that is effective in matching compatible persons.

Theoretically, the gender hats can serve as examples of how different people approach expressing their sexuality and gender identity. This experiment was aimed toward investigating how certain patriarchal capitalists norms concerning sex/gender influence different people’s attitudes toward their own sexuality and gender.

Toward the end of the party, as the hats were finally beginning to come together I took each guest into a separate room where I could ask each of them three short questions concerning their gender hat.

1. What does “sexuality” mean to you?

2. If you feel you can appropriately label your sexual and/or gender “identity,” how would you describe yourself?

3. How does your gender hat reflect your attitudes toward gender and sexuality?

The following answers to the above questions are a combination of paraphrase and direct quotations (as indicated). The interviews were fairly short and lasted no longer than 10 minutes apiece. My impressions and observations are based primarily off the interview, but also my overall experiences at the party.