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Published online by Cambridge University Press: 08 January 2025
Introduction
Gender neutrality has been explored previously and presented as a negative way of erasing gender (Bartlett et al, 2018). In many cases, this is true. However, within dementia care, gender neutrality can also be a way of being inclusive of gender non- conforming individuals in care settings.
There are many different definitions of gender non- conformity due to the non- conformist nature of the term. In this chapter, I use the term ‘gender non- conformity’ to explain gender identities and expressions that do not conform to the dominant binary norms, such as ‘man’ or ‘woman’. Gender non- conformity is not limited to non- binary genders; and while it is difficult to collect data on this population, it can be assumed that gender diverse individuals would make up the largest percentage of those who fall under the gender non- conforming category. The trans umbrella includes all individuals who do not identify with their sex assigned at birth. Gender non- conforming individuals often do identify under this umbrella, but this is not always the case, as some cisgender individuals (those who do identify as their sex assigned at birth) may also present their gender in a gender non- conforming way. While supporting gender non- conformity is an important consideration for the trans community, it is not only a trans issue.
While the chapter adopts the title ‘Reframing gender neutrality in dementia care cultures’, it does not intend to propose that those who are gender diverse or benefit from gender neutrality necessarily identify as gender neutral. However, a gender- neutral approach may be beneficial to those who do not conform to gender norms. Concerns about only adopting gender neutrality also have validity, and occur in many discussions within disability studies, given that disabled toilets are often gender neutral. Some individuals with disabilities commonly report that they are forced to push aside their gendered identity to have their needs met (Ghai, 2003). Therefore, care settings need to have plurality of gendered and gender- neutral support for those who would benefit from it.
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