Why listen
Find out why gendered marketing still shapes what we buy and who brands think we are.
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In this episode
- How societal norms and heteronormativity built the rules of advertising
- Why products marketed as feminine are rarely aimed at men
- How some brands are actively building identity around rejecting the gender binary
- What real progress in gender-neutral marketing looks like and where it falls short
About this episode
Today, commercials always have a target audience in mind. They’re thinking about who they have the best chance of selling their product to. Which is a common marketing tactic, but it’s rooted in gender ideologies. Tutus are for little girls, monster trucks are for boys, makeup is for women, you get the idea. Today, we’ve made a lot of gender progress. LEGOs has released lines of toys using only primary colors to prove that anyone can buy their products. Nerf even makes their own line of toy guns advertised just for girls. But it’s a bit lopsided. Why are so few products deemed as feminine being marketed for men? Today, we’re joined by Dr. Megan Mass who breaks down how commercials came to be driven by societal norms and heteronormativity. We’re also joined by Boy Smells co-founder Matthew Herman, who’s candle business celebrates those who challenge the gender binary.Be sure to check out Boy Smells’ holiday collection of candles as well as their brand new fine fragrances line and their recently restocked collaboration with Kacey Musgraves. And follow them on IG!
Your host is Levi Chambers, co-founder of Gayety.
Follow the show and keep up with the conversation @Pride.
Want more great shows from Straw Hut Media? Check out or website at strawhutmedia.com.
Your producers are Levi Chambers, Maggie Boles, Ryan Tillotson and Edited by Silvana Alcala
Have an interesting LGBTQ+ story to share? We might feature U! Email us at lgbtq@strawhutmedia.com.
*This podcast is not affiliated with Pride Media.
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About PRIDE
On Pride, host Caitlynn McDaniel deep dives into the LGBTQ+ stories lighting up our screens — and the people who bring them to life. Each week, she sits down with the stars we love, the creators behind the scenes, and the voices changing the way stories are told.
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