Unboxing Binate Fashion: Normalizing Nonbinary Representation in Design

The purpose of this study is to feature queer narratives and their relationship to fashion, design, and selfexpression; and, to identify the misrepresentation and underrepresentation of their identities within these disciplines using a theoretical framework approach. The accessibility of clothing and apparel for a fuller identity continuum has yet to fully evolve and transform fashion into an equitable platform. Past research has indicated that gender schemas are not responsibly recognized and lack social and equitable consciousness thus reinforcing anti diverse representation (Gould & Stern, 1989). This discrepancy exhorts us to embrace, acknowledge, and embody these diverse perspectives. With consideration, in this study I explore (1) how normalizing and popularizing genderless designs in fashion psychologically impact queer communities; (2) how queer representation and visibility in fashion provide accessible and equitable shopping experiences; and (3) the importance of including diverse representations in fashion. Using both qualitative and quantitative research methods, I display the narrative analysis of the participants’ disclosure to their authentic experiences regarding the industry\u27s elements. Upon further analysis, the narratives are collectively coded and detail patterns, findings and commonalities which are then presented info-graphically