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Gender role issues within community...

• I heard of a dance somewhere where anyone who wanted to dance the lead/ "man's" role would put on a necktie. There was a basket of neckties available and it got rid of any confusion because anyone without a necktie was assumed to be a follower and it all worked out somehow.
• (someone else starred "necktie")
• Callers could take note if there is a gender imbalance in the hall, and encourage folks to try the "other" role, it's fun!
• I enjoy/appreciate the gender-fluidity in contra dancing - switching roles, even in mid-dance. It also makes me a better dancer and better leader to do both roles. I'd like to preserve this "do what you want" freedom and not have to pick one - even with neckties or wristbands or ribbons.
• Callers can use words such as "leaders" and "followers" rather than "ladies" and "gents." When you pass someone dancing a reverse-gender -> encourage them.
• I really appreciate when callers refer to roles as "gender-roles" rather than just "gender" or "sex". "lead" and "follow" is good too.
• It isn't fair necessarily, but I think one thing we can do as gender switches (especially mid-dance) is be extremely confident and clear in your dancing - people I think get less annoyed if they are less confused.

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