Craft Focus - August/September 2024 (Issue 104)

80 In recent years, the sewing community has witnessed a growing awareness of the importance of gender diversity and inclusivity. While traditionally considered a female-dominated hobby, the sewing community is now recognising the need to encourage more men and boys to embrace the craft. Moreover, it’s crucial to extend this support to individuals from diverse backgrounds, including, but not limited to, LGBTQIA+ individuals, neurodivergent and disabled people, people of colour and those from diverse cultures. As a queer man myself, this mission sits close to my heart and has inspired the creation of both the WeSewToo and BoysSewToo movements which exist to create space and community for those who feel underrepresented within the sewing space. Breaking free from gender stereotypes and fostering a more inclusive environment will not only enrich the sewing community but also create opportunities for independent businesses to cater to the specific needs of men and boys. So how do we create this inclusion? The need for gender diversity in the sewing community For far too long, the sewing community has been perceived as a female oriented domain. This perception, alongside the gender stereotypes upheld within our society, has discouraged many men and boys from exploring their creativity and passion for sewing. I believe this is due to many years of social history pointing towards the attitude of ‘this is women’s work’, a kind of attitude that has been instilled in our societal consciousness. Personally, I was told as a small child, not by my family, but a teacher at school who said that sewing isn’t for boys. This is partly the reason for me being so passionate about promoting and encouraging men and boys to take up sewing. However, lack of inclusivity not only limits the potential of individuals but also hampers the overall growth of the whole community. To move forward, it’s vital to challenge these gender Breaking Stereotypes Clive Bruder, founder of Boys Sew Too and WeSewToo, discusses the need to empower gender diversity in the sewing community

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