Examining dress to express gender in relation to other identities

This article examines perceptions of LGBTQIA+ expression of their identities through dress. The research utilizes intersectionality theory that encompasses additional identities an individual may have to understand how LGBTQIA+ individuals express their gender through dress and the impact of other identities on the expression of gender identity. This study is significant because it contributes to research on gender identity and dress by examining it within the context of intersectionality theory. In-depth interviews were conducted with LGBTQIA+ individuals from two regions in the United States. The results revealed that in addition to gender, participants actively portrayed their profession, personality/lifestyle, social group, religious group, sexual orientation and financial status through dress. They also discussed biased treatment due to additional identities such as ethnicity, financial status, profession and age. While gender was important to express, other identities impacted their experiences as part of the LGBTQIA+ community and their dress selections. This research has practical applications for human resource managers and teachers in post-secondary education to interact with employers or students as a whole individual with many intersecting identities.