Painted nails, long hair, short hair, colorful outfits and flannels. All of these qualities and more are frequently identified by people as something specifically “belonging” to males or females. However, when people decide to do something that is associated with the other gender, it may often turn heads and receive judgement. Some members of MCHS have shown what breaking these “gender norms” means to them.

One student who breaks these norms is senior Edwin Barranco, who has a passion for beauty, fashion and modeling. 

“There are a couple of things I guess that wouldn’t be following gender norms like wearing pink/bright colors, floral clothing, [and how] I use myself as a model for my photography,” he said. “But I would suppose putting makeup on would be the big one against gender norms.”

Even though he occasionally rocks some makeup, or dresses well-coordinated, Barranco doesn’t always notice judgement from his peers, though this doesn’t mean it never happens. And when he receives any negative comments, he’s always able to shake it off.

“I usually get positive feedback from people. I only really pay attention to what my friends think. I get the occasional glance and whispers from random students, but other than that, it’s perceived very well,” he said. “I tend to laugh a little. I can tell when people are being genuine and trying to give me constructive criticism, so when people judge to judge, it’s funny. I’m incredibly confident in my own skin that I can shrug off the stares and slurs.”

Another student that finds themselves doing things outside of their gender norm is senior Madison Wise, who likes to present herself as more masculine than feminine.

“I dress masculine, such as flannel and hoodies along with other articles of clothing that would be found in the “men’s” section,” she said. “I do it because I enjoy the fashion. Plus, I am more comfortable with the way I dress/present myself.”

Wise feels that for her circumstances, there is no judgement to really be found. If anything, it’s becoming part of a common fashion trend.

“I don’t notice a lot when it comes to how others perceive me. If anything, I’m just dressing to a certain stereotype, but overall it is a trend to dress the way I do to an extent [anyways],” she said. “I have positive reactions by my friends but no one outside of my group has said anything impactful.”

But what about students who don’t break the norm? Senior Thomas Jensen may not do the things mentioned above, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t experience it around him. One way he experiences this is through his own life at home.

“There’s the normal gender roles in the house basically. So, usually it’s like the dad is the working one, [and] doesn’t really cook or anything like that. And the mom is the one that does all the cleaning and cooking, that kind of thing,” he said. “So, with my parents, it’s pretty great, they switch everything off. Sometimes my dad will cook, sometimes my mom will cook. That kind of thing.”

While he doesn’t personally know anyone who defies the gender norm the way the other students have, he still believes there’s nothing directly wrong with it. 

“I feel like it’s completely okay as long as you’re not pushing it on others or saying, like, “you’re a terrible person for not being like that”,” he said. “You know what I mean? I feel like everybody can do whatever they want.”

Though the students in MCHS aren’t the only ones who find themselves breaking these gender norms, English Teacher and Digital Literacy Coach Cara Vandermyde also finds her comfort in being more masculine than feminine in her appearance. 

“I present [myself] fairly masculine in the world,” she said. “I wear almost exclusively men’s clothing and sport a traditionally male hairstyle.”

However, how Vandermyde dresses is not the only way she feels that she breaks the gender norm. For her, she feels that her resilience and confidence breaks these norms as well.

“I’m not the only female doing these things, but as women we are taught that the traditional female “gender norm” is being agreeable and pleasant at all times,” she said. “… When a woman does [these things] we are often looked down on and put ourselves at risk of being called derogatory names.”

For Vandermyde, she feels that the reactions she receives varies depending on the age range of those who comment on it.

“Children who have addressed it with me have largely been curious, open, and understanding,” she said. “[However] I have interviewed for jobs before and have been told later that I didn’t receive it based on my gender presentation.” 

And when it comes to judging others, she believes it’s important to consider other’s perspectives and realize how little you may personally know about them.

“I would say the same thing I tell everyone who is passing judgment, including myself sometimes, we see the world through the filter of our own existence,” she said. “When someone who has an experience different from your own is trying to tell you about their perspective, shut your mouth and listen. This is especially true if someone who has less privilege than you is speaking.”

People can express themselves in many ways, and breaking gender norms is just one way these members of MCHS do it. Some people may feel anxious or worried to express themselves in a way that is considered not for their gender, but these people have given advice to those who feel that way.

“There are so many people in this school who would have your back and love the creativity and boldness that you’re displaying,” said Barranco. 

“I would say dress however you want, break the norms because we are in a changing environment,” said Madison. “Everything is changing and judgement is not as normal as it used to be. Half of the time, no one cares so be yourself.”