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Conclusion

My initial concept changed from wanting to explore how gender neutral photography had the capacity to change people’s opinions on non binary identity, to assessing how gender neutral photography influences social perceptions on non binary identity. The intent of the project became more considered and developed due to the difficulty in assessing how gender neutral can change opinions, and alternatively to how on the whole gender neutral photography can influence social perceptions, as researched within the dissertation aspect. 

The initial inspiration came from attending two exhibitions, Made You Look: Dandyism and Black Masculinity and the Essence of Gender exhibition. These two experiences allowed me to find practitioners who are pushing the gender boundaries through their creative practice, and therefore influenced the techniques used within my work e.g. documentary style, angular photography including neon lighting to portray pride of self. David Bowie, a gender fluid icon, provided me with the historical element to my initial research as he represented a new type of individual, in the same way that Michael is pushing the gender boundaries. Gender neutral is becoming more and more evident within the fashion industry, from gender neutral collections to campaigns by brands such as Diesel. This was an aspect explored within my dissertation with quotes such as, “in the past couple of years, the lives and experiences of non-binary individuals have become increasingly visible across facets of media and community. While individuals have always chosen to be referred to as they, rather than associating themselves with a gender through the use of he or she, this year the choice has sparked global debate” (Syfret, 2016). 

Producing my own gender neutral photography presented its challenges as it was determined that gender neutrality does not yet have a set aesthetic, as discovered from my varied focus group results. Therefore I attempted to create a gender neutral aesthetic through an authentic muse who represents these contemporary, fluid views on gender. By focusing on Michael’s styling and the composition of the photograph, I was able to control the aesthetic of the final series of images without producing a controlled, contrived aesthetic. Previous to this, I adopted the techniques of Hassan Hajjaj of whom I did a case study. It was deemed that I was being too literal in my approach of photography as I was merely adopting Hajjaj’s style, instead of including my own personal creative aesthetic in order to create an innovative result. Therefore I considered my own creative aesthetic, combined with various creative influences. 

The initial 6 muses provided me with an insight into contemporary views on gender. It was interesting to photograph people with varied opinions on gender and identity, however all muses considered that the future looked more non binary that it ever has previously. These are all positive connotations of the non binary identity, proving that perceptions on identity are changing positively and it is slowly becoming the norm. From here I determined that Michael Savage would become my final authentic muse as he is the only person who recognised himself as fluid instead of determined by his sex. He showed me his free approach towards his identity and styling, and this was made more visible through his possessions within his favourite location, his bedroom. This authentic approach to my photography was influenced by Kristin-Lee Moolman.

In order to adopt a more creative and innovative approach, I looked at photography from books including ‘No Fashion Please!’ and discovered fluid expression of gender in photographs by Erwin Olaf and Vivienne Westwood which displayed a more shocking approach to styling by featuring men in women’s clothing. I adopted this to Michael’s styling and asked him to wear his more eccentric pieces, without having to provide any clothes myself as I still wanted to create an authentic image. The final photoshoot intention was to display Michael’s contemporary views on gender representation through his styling and location, in order to influence views on non binary identity. 

In developing ideas through the shoots I determined that locations that weren’t Michael’s bedroom were unsuccessful in portraying Michael’s interests, views and opinions on identity. However I could have developed other locations more in order to make a more informed decision. I could have undertaken actual shoots within Michael’s favourite locations such as various cafes in Leeds, to assess the aesthetic. Although I am happy with the location within the final images as they are authentic of Michael’s aesthetic, I could have used props and styling to portray Michael within other locations. I did not want the composition of the photograph to look to contrived though, which may have been the evaluation of other locations. In addition, it may have been good development to consider the use of the neon light in various other spaces to consider its aesthetic. 

In order to provide primary research for both my practical and dissertation work, I asked Romily Alice and Megan Helyer questions regarding their practice. In addition, I interviewed Michael Savage twice to show consideration of his views. In addition this provided me with confirmation of Michael’s contemporary views on gender representation, which was included in the layout of my final consolidated zine. The zine is a good representation of the ideas produced throughout this project, assessing whether the photography can influence people’s social perceptions on non binary identity. This is a factor I considered within my dissertation with the quote, “the fashion magazine and fashion photograph tend to be regarded by many historians and critics as ephemeral and exiguous forms of cultural production”, (Jobling, 1999, p. 1). Therefore by including my photographs in combination with tactile elements explored throughout the project such as Michael’s photographs, I am able to create a zine to portray current views on gender representation and therefore current societal and cultural breakthroughs. This contributes towards the normalisation of topics such as non binary identity which changes perceptions on it. 

Was my intention met? By contributing to the already visible collections of gender fluid or gender neutral photography, I am adding to the normalisation of non binary gender. This in turn, changes observers perceptions as it is no longer a shocking concept to them. However, as explained earlier, gender neutral does not yet have a set aesthetic that can be determined by everyone. Therefore my photography can be taken in any way, as proved within the varied answered to masculine and feminine posing within the focus group. Therefore, by portraying an authentic view on gender representation through Michael, and providing his interview within the zine, the combination of photographs and words will more likely provide the observer with the gender neutral aesthetic. However, although gender neutral does not yet have a set aesthetic, it is evident that the future is becoming more fluid.

- Georgia Roberts.

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Final Zine

The following images illustrate the final layout for the zine entitled, ‘Fluid’ inspired by zines researched on Issuu and my own tactile development. The zine was printed in A4, 160gsm card and saddle stitch bound to create a booklet. I created an illustration based on my drawn designs of Michael for the front cover, in order to portray a hand drawn finish to the photographs. I chose to draw over his male hair and female accessories to show his fluid nature. This allowed me to confirm the name of the zine as ‘Fluid’ as Michael specifically mentioned that he does not like gender labels, even gender neutral as that would mean we are recognising non gender as a construct too. Therefore it felt more appropriate to name the zine as more in line with a spectrum, as opposed to a definite label. I reduced the opacity of the cover image so the illustration was clearly visible. This was an introduction into the colour scheme of the magazine also with varied pinks, grey and black which is rather feminine, juxtaposing Michael’s male sex.

The following page is the editors later and illustration created by myself. The editors letter page took influence from the Man Repeller zine through the use of tactile papers and digital texts to show a personal element combined with aesthetically pleasing elements. I wrote about the intention of the project within the editor’s letter which allowed me to consolidate my ideas and explain the purpose of the zine. I also created an illustration on the right hand side on In Design to show the fluid nature of David Bowie, one of the main inspirations for this project. I chose to conceal his face and show his pose and clothing to portray that his sex did not determine who he was, and he was a product of his views and beliefs, in the same way that Michael is. I think that this illustration could have been conducted more successfully, but due to time constraints of getting the zine printed in time for hand in, I had limited time to show the aesthetic that I wanted to. However it is effective in starting the magazine in the correct manner.

On the following page I included the interview conducted with Romily Alice to show her inspirations for this project. I created a headline “0113 S3ND UR NUD3S” to portray her Leeds location and how she finds subjects by anonymous photo submissions. I think that the layout is effective in showing the interview with Romily Alice, and most of all it was important to include one of the main inspirations for the project as I consolidate my ideas as it gives an impression of the aesthetic I wanted to achieve within my photographs.

The following spread illustrates a quote which was referred to more than once within my dissertation, especially in relation to the synthesis of my work between theory and practice. It highlights how magazines have the capacity to aestheticise social issues and therefore influence perceptions of them, which was the intent for this project. The right hand side gives a small insight into the muse’s room and belongings before the final shoot images are displayed. The crinkled paper is effective in portraying the slightly tactile feel I wanted to convey. The colour scheme is evidently feminine throughout the zine, which contradicts Michael’s male sex creating a more creative feel. 

The following page displays the interview with Michael as referred to within my dissertation. It also uses layout to portray Michael’s final photographs from the series. I use text boxes to include one of Michael’s main quotes that highlight his views on gender representation. 

The following image shows Michael dressed fluidly within his final photoshoot across from images of his nude photographs. This gives the observer an insight into Michael’s personality and views, and makes them question his gender as his sexuality is clearly heterosexual due to these polaroid images. I also created an illustration inspired by the ‘party girl’ tiara to portray his feminine belongings, in combination with his prized possessions (the polaroids).

Here I show more of Michael’s article, across from an image discussed within the focus group and questionnaire that was determined as gender neutral. I think it is interesting to show the styling from the shoot across from more of Michael’s polaroids and his quotes to show his authentic views and therefore be personal and innovative in my portrayal of Michael. 

Below is a double page spread of Michael using layout to produce an innovative and creative aesthetic. In particular, I placed an image of Michael that was deemed successful in its eccentric styling over an image of Michael’s belongings and the neon light in his room. These photographs combined create an eye catching aesthetic that will highlight Michael in an authentic way. I juxtaposed this strong imagery with the crinkled paper and a softer image of Michael on the right hand side, in which the paper does not take attention away from the feminine pose of Michael. This page is effective in showing the spectrum of gender that Michael finds himself on.

The following page shows a full page quote from the interview with Michael. This is inspired by the composition drawings done previously. I thought this would look effective over a coloured background chosen from the feminine colour scheme, to highlight the importance of Michael’s words. I juxtaposed this with an image of the possessions I have explored throughout this project, the polaroid images and the ‘birthday princess’ banner. In order to make the page less digital and more authentic and tactile, I included a scan of the squared paper which could be drawn on in the actual magazine itself. 

The final spread is composed of two images of Michael that were perceived as gender neutral. In particular, the left image shows the neon light on Michael in a feminine setting. Here his male sex is clearly seen, juxtaposing the feminine softness of the photograph. The right hand side image was deemed gender neutral by the participants in the focus group, therefore I considered it interesting to compose these images together. 

Overall I think that the zine is successful in consolidating my ideas and portraying Michael in a ‘fluid’ way. I say fluid because it has become increasingly evident that gender neutral does not yet have a set aesthetic in the way that binary individuals have their fashion stereotypes. Therefore by adopting a considered approach towards the construction of my photographs, and considering the need for an authentic subject, I have been able to show Michael’s contemporary views on gender representation. This in turn, has the capacity to normalise non binary gender and contribute to the already increasing awareness of the non binary gender, and therefore influence observers opinions and social perceptions of it. 

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Development: Zine Layout

These are the digital typefaces that I would like to include within the zine, inspired by the zines I have looked at previously. For the front page and to introduce Michael’s interview I would like to use the first heading, which portrays a handwritten, tactile aesthetic. Then like that shown within the ‘Gender’ zine, I would like to include a bold, minimalist font within the zine as a secondary heading font. This can be used to introduce certain elements within the magazine, and to introduce quotes. I would like the ‘body’ font to be in this old style to combine the elements of handwritten and digital. When including the interviews, I think this font will portray a more personal aesthetic within the zine, which is an important factor when intending on addressing personal views and stories within the text. Captions will be a smaller version of the second bold heading font to address the sources of the images, and the definitions font will be simple in order to address the definition of ‘gender neutral’ at the start of the zine. These fonts combined will portray the aesthetic that I have been upholding throughout the research.

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Development: Zine Layout

Here I have hand drawn potential illustration ideas to include within the zine. As I do not have many photographs of the balloons that Michael find sentimentally valuable, could I consider creating a background of balloons using the colour scheme I have created and then place a close up image of Michael over the top? This would show his love for vibrancy and freedom and portray his fluid aesthetic in combination with the photograph. In addition the right hand side shows a rough drawing of an illustration that I could create based around the party girl tiara shown in shoots 1 to 3 of Michael. This is another feminine possession that Michael loves and therefore will add a personal element to the zine. Could I combine this with Michael’s own polaroids to juxtapose his feminine possessions with the love he has for nude photographs and the female form? This would be an interesting personal element to add to the zine which will portray an authentic aesthetic. 

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Development: Zine Layout

Here I have displayed a double page spread layout including varying scales of photographs that show Michael up close and therefore displaying his feminine styling, and the photo included in the focus group questionnaire where the participants determined that this photograph was gender neutral. I think it is interesting to combine these two types of photographs as it will portray Michael’s eccentric and authentic styling, and his representation of gender. The right photograph adopts Hassan Hajjaj’s angular photography style whereas the left adopts a more documentary style approach used by Kristin-Lee Moolman, as Michael is candid and smoking. I used the pipette tool on Adobe In Design to create a colour scheme for the zine. This is evident on the left hand side. Therefore in the blank space around these two centralised images, I could show Michael’s love of stereotypically feminine colours by making the pages pink or coloured from this selection to portray his fluid views. 

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Development: Zine Layout

Here I have explored laying photographs of Michael over the crumpled up paper to juxtapose his masculine sex and gender with the femininity of the photograph shown that has evident feminine styling and posing involved. The neon light is very effective at highlighting Michael’s masculine features and the feminine posing, which portrays an authentic view of who Michael is. On a larger scale I think this would be an effective and aesthetically pleasing way of conveying the final photographs of Michael. On the right hand side I have shown two of Michael’s possession photographs, including the ‘birthday princess’ banner and the post it notes portraying Michael’s quote, “my mind is on the walls”. However I think that the post it notes were not an element included much within the final photographs of Michael, therefore can I combine the lined or graphed paper with the banner photograph to show Michael’s “mind on the walls” in combination to his favourite sentimental possession?

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Development: Zine Layout

Here I have placed one photo of Michael over another to convey his authentic possessions and his fluid style. In addition, the neon light in the bottom image produces a strong and creative background in which to place Michael, which will highlight his creative and fluid personality. By showing the neon light I intend to portray Romily Alice’s fundamental notions of pride of self, something Michael expresses himself. On the right hand side, I have produced a similar layout only using Michael’s polaroid photographs as the focal point. I do not think these are as effective as a photograph of Michael himself as I want to show Michael’s fluid style and gender neutral representation, therefore this is not visible when showing his polaroid pictures in this way. This merely shows Michael’s interest in nude photograph and possibly his heterosexuality. Therefore I will consider using the polaroids in another page within the magazine, in order to show his interests in a tactile way but not at a cost of not showing Michael himself. 

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Development: Zine Layout

On the left hand side of this spread, I have explored using one dynamic photograph of Michael conveyed his fluid views and style the most as a full page spread. I think this beside a page of one of Michael’s quotes will portray his views effectively, in an aesthetically pleasing manner. Once I have considered the colour palette that will be used throughout the magazine, I will choose a quote from the primary research gathered with Michael to portray his representation of gender which could influence social perceptions on non binary identity. By creating a zine layout that is representative of a larger magazine, this may resonate with the observers that it is an authentic story of Michael, a particular concept I have wanted to portray throughout this project. I do not want to pages to look too controlled or contrived, as I have attempted up until now to show Michael in a truthful manner as I believe this produces a better look overall when trying to challenge perceptions on social issues. 

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Development: Zine Layout

I explored a double page spread using varied textures of paper to portray Michael’s male sex juxtaposing the feminine styling of the photograph shown to the left. I would like to include this photograph within the zine as within the primary research gathered from the focus groups, the participants discussed that this photograph could have either a male or female model, therefore making it gender neutral. I like how when combined with photographs showing Michael’s face, the observer will be able to see Michael’s more eccentric style. I placed squared paper behind this image, although I do not think it is effective in this way. The squared paper may be more effective on pages including text, like within the Man Repeller magazine explored earlier. On the right hand side I explored incorporating crinkled paper within the magazine to convey a tactile and personal aesthetic. This combined with Michael’s own polaroids looks very effective and creative. However the paper and the polaroid photograph combined may be more minimal than I would like, therefore maybe the crinkled paper would look more effective with coloured photos of Michael’s possessions that I have explored throughout this project. 

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Development: Zine Layout

Here I have explored in rough how to lay out the zine with photographs from Michael’s final photoshoot. Here I have tried to explore the front page, where I previously stated could be interesting when combined with an illustration element. As I am not strong at producing illustrations, could I possibly trace some of Michael’s masculine or feminine features to portray the concept of the magazine? What can I call the magazine? And I will also have to consider the typeface of the headline to the magazine. I will choose a strong image of Michael for the front cover as it will have to immediately convey to the viewer as to what the concept of the zine is, and also attract them to read it. The intention of this project is to consider how gender neural photography can influence social perceptions on non binary identity. Therefore the zine has to be attractive in order for observers to read it, and then social perceptions can be measured helped by the aesthetically pleasing layout of the magazine and the authentic documentary style photographs inspired by Kristin-Lee Moolman’s photography style. Would it be interesting to have a cover photo that shows Michael’s possessions in the background to give the observer an insight into Michael?

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Layout Inspiration: Gender via Issuu

Whilst on Issuu, I also found this zine entitled ‘Gender’. Although the style is relatively minimal in aesthetic and colour, and I intend on producing a zine including both digital and tactile elements, combined with a colour scheme, I like the typeface used here. The bold type face on these two pages, although very different in style, work cohesively together to mix hand drawn and digital. I also like the minimalism of the cover page shown left, an idea I would like to adopt in my own zine. Could I make the cover image span across the whole page? Which fonts will I use? These fonts chosen will have to emanate Michael’s fluid style in combination with an attractive aesthetic. On the right hand page, I like the use of crinkled up paper to convey a tactile, rough element. I think when combining Michael’s fluid photographs that have been styled in an eccentric manner, it would be interesting to combined varied paper types to portray his hands-on and rough approach his own practice/work. This will also convey his stern, male sex juxtaposing his feminine styling and possessions such as the ‘birthday princess’ banner. I will have to explore layouts myself within a sketchbook in rough to consider varied ways I can compile the zine. 

https://issuu.com/jackpeterknight/docs/report

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Layout Inspiration: Violet via Issuu

I also looked at this particular zine entitled ‘Violet’ also from Issuu. The combination of digital and tactile elements offsets the authenticity in the illustrations as the bold typeface shown on the quote page goes cohesively with the hand drawn front cover. I also like the scale of the illustration on the front cover as it draws in the eye, in addition to the bold typeface for the front cover that almost looks hand drawn. By combining tactile and digital elements, I intend on exhibiting Michael’s final photographs which have been exploring his views on gender representation. The digital elements will allow me to create a zine that is aesthetically pleasing through use of font and colours, and the tactile elements which may be through scanning in some of Michael’s own polaroids or creating illustrations will further portray the authenticity of the topic at hand, and therefore have more of an influence on observer’s social perceptions of non binary identity. The colours used within the zine must also keep the observer interested, therefore I will adopt the feminine colours to juxtapose Michael’s male gender portraying his fluid views on styling and self. I will also have to test layouts in a sketchbook to assess which will work cohesively next to one another, as to compliment each other and not draw attention away from the topic at hand. By creating a zine in an attractive manner, I can “reinforce audience's passivity and dulling the seriousness of events” as discussed in chapter three of my dissertation (Shinkle, 2008, p. 12).

https://issuu.com/daisy_tinker/docs/violet_zine

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Layout Inspiration: Man Repeller via Issuu

When creating layouts for my own zine I have researched other layouts via Issuu to inform techniques to portray a tactile and personal feel. This particular zine entitled Man Repeller uses illustration to produce a creative and innovative look. As illustration is not a personal strong point, is there any way I could combine the illustration techniques with my final photographs to portray a creative aesthetic that would be interesting enough for an observer to look at? I particularly like the strong colour palette also, this is something I would like to create within my own work to create a cohesive look. As I need to consolidate my ideas, I would like to use strong fonts as the zine will be heavily text based featuring interviews with artists and Michael and also an editors letter exploring the intention of my work. I like the way this creator has used lined paper to show a tactile aesthetic for her editors letter. I think by juxtaposing the feminine colour palette and photographs, with sturdy tactile papers like these, I will be able to create an authentic aesthetic to highlight Michael’s views on gender representation. 

https://issuu.com/bekkiramsay/docs/man_repeller_zine

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I suddenly realised that actually there is an emotional aspect to it [photography], and there is an emotional thread that runs through everything we do in our life. I look at art and I have an emotional response to it

Rankin in Shinkle, E. (2008). Interview with Rankin. In: Shinkle, E Fashion As Photograph. London: I.B. Tauris & Co Ltd. 

This quote used within my dissertation inspires my practice as I have chosen to portray an authentic issue within the aesthetic. I aim to create an emotional response towards non binary identity as I believe it is important to recognise that ideas of gender and sex are changing, in the way that they have been over the last few hundred years. In order to influence social perceptions on non binary identity I have attempted to create photography that displays contemporary views on gender representation through my muse Michael. 

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Case Study: Dazed and Confused

The Guardian website stated that, "The classic concept of cool is to do with detachment, with not being seen to try too hard," says broadcaster Ekow Eshun. "But I think the British version of cool is more exuberant than that, more boisterous and hedonistic, in fact – think Stones, rave culture, Oasis versus, say, Charlie Parker or Miles Davis. And Dazed certainly fits that category. The magazine's never shied away from having a good time and, in tandem, it's never lost its curiosity or its eagerness to know what's coming next. It's never been too cool to get excited about new things." It discusses Dazed and Confused’s concept of applying realness to fashion, by portraying issues on the cusp of becoming world wide news. Once Dazed had covered it, then it was cool. In terms of layout, Dazed and Confused inspires me as it uses photograph to inspire, portray and influence social perceptions on things, instead of being wholly about fashion. This is something I aim to achieve with a small printed zine. I would like to portray the contemporary gender representation explored throughout this project, in combination with interviews from practitioners and compositions that can change social perceptions on non binary identity, in the way that Dazed and Confused could. 

I will consider layout inspired by other layouts viewed online, and experiment with tactile practice to produce a magazine layout of my own.

https://www.theguardian.com/media/2011/nov/05/dazed-confused-gang-still-cool

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Exhibition: Vogue 100

On the 28th October 2016 I visited the Vogue 100 exhibition at the Manchester Art Gallery in order to inspire the use of my photographs for my project. At the time I did not know what I was going to produce for this project, however it inspired me regarding the use of photograph to portray a certain view or aesthetic and the groundbreaking movements that this can cause. In particular, there was photographs including royalty, and celebrity who were creating waves around topics such as feminism, sexuality and gender representation. Although this form of exhibition (of curating an art space and including photographs to display) is effective in portraying an aesthetic for a purpose, I explored the concept of mass fashion communications portraying imagery and having the capacity to change social perceptions on these issues within my dissertation. 

“Griggs (1998, p. 1) states, “social pressures change immediately and dramatically when the presumption of a man or woman is altered.” This portrays that the ways that identity forms for individuals who recognise themselves as non binary, have been conveyed through photography to the masses via magazines and other forms of fashion communication. This has changed the ‘social pressures’ or gender norms within society over time, altering the observer’s perceptions on gender.”

Therefore from this I can determine that I will create a small magazine or zine to convey the ideas I have explored and exhibit the final photographs in some way. I will experiment with layout, taking inspiration from other magazines, and combining this with composition ideas of my own. 

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Primary Research Conclusion

From the primary research conducted within the focus group, I can determine that on the whole the participants viewed Michael’s room as gender neutral, therefore I can confirm that the props used within the photoshoots can be considered as gender neutral. The participants mostly viewed Michael as an open book, which is what he considers himself where he quoted, “I always try and keep it as a physical manifestation of what’s happening in my head at the moment... it’s important to be open about it in my own work it’s not something I want to shy away from, I am as part of my work as my work is a part of me.” Therefore I feel that I have represented Michael in the correct manner that applies to him, he is open therefore the photographs explore this. 

The participants in the focus group were mostly un-shocked to discover that the person who owned the bedroom was male. However as explained previously, the participants all attended art university, therefore are less shocked by eccentric expressions of style as it is more commonplace within a creative environment. But this also tells me that gender fluidity as a notion is becoming less shocking, this could therefore be because gender neutrality has been a hot topic for a year or so, and as art students we are more prone to exploring these areas of difference. This proves the notion explained within my dissertation that the more gender neutral photography or material that is put out into the world, the more it normalises the issue at hand, therefore new exciting material needs to be produced in order to be innovative. Therefore from here I can determine that the photography alone is not shocking, therefore I will experiment with consolidating my ideas further through composition and exhibiting the work in some way to produce an innovative expression of Michael’s views on gender representation. 

In terms of posing, half of the participants determined that the more masculine, closed pose portrays gender neutrality. This was down to looking more ‘assertive’, ‘aggressive’ and ‘closed’. Also half of the participants thought the feminine pose was gender neutral as it juxtaposed his male sex. Therefore it can be concluded that no-one really knows what a gender neutral aesthetic really means? Females have their gender stereotypes of soft poses and males have their stereotypes of closed assertiveness, and gender neutral people do not yet have their gender (or non-gender) stereotypes. Therefore this prompted me to change the exploration within my dissertation topic to: To what extent can gender neutral photography influence social perceptions of non binary identity? As my photography can be considered gender neutral due to the props, surroundings and styling which contributes to the material being put out into the world that challenges social perceptions of non binary identity. 

Overall the primary research gained from interviewing Michael Savage and participants within a focus group, I am able to back up or criticise my research using real, authentic opinions. I will now explore how to use composition to portray Michael’s views and beliefs and to consolidate my research towards a final product in which could be released into the public eye, that may contribute towards the changing of social perceptions on non binary identity.