The Colourful World Of Gender

Tropenmuseum challenges viewers in its vibrant expo

Oh, “what a genderful world!” — is not just the title of the exhibition, but a phrase that you will likely want to exclaim in awe as you immerse yourself in Tropenmuseum’s latest offering. This interactive exposition in Amsterdam takes you on a trip around the world as well as back in time, where you discover how gender has been experienced across a variety of cultures and throughout history.

What is gender, actually? Is it not the same as our physical sex, anyway? The short answer is: no. Gender as a concept is a hot topic nowadays, and one that should continue to be explored if we want to progress as a society and evolve on a human level. It is a taboo for many people, and even a pretext for violence, especially in the context of religion that often has room for only two genders and their clearly defined roles. The Tropenmuseum creates a safe haven for conversation about what gender means to each of us individually, and raises some important questions that will linger in your mind long after you leave.

Whether it’s learning about Muxes - Mexico’s third gender - or about the different ways in which femininity and masculinity are defined in non-Western societies, the exhibition will provide you with lots of surprising facts that will make you reflect and ponder.

Is the way you behave really “you”, or are you merely a product of your cultural and societal upbringing? What would you be like if you weren’t discouraged from playing dolls as a little boy? Would you still find pink a feminine colour if you grew up in the early 1900s? And why do you find it so gross if a woman doesn’t shave? As all these questions come to mind, it is clear that the goal of the exhibition is to challenge the viewer and their own perception of gender, which is done respectfully and with a healthy dose of entertainment.

If reading or watching video materials is not fully your thing, there is enough action to keep you occupied. For example, you can measure your own strength by punching a giant aubergine bag, or dive into a pit full of… plastic boobs. All these fun tools are there to make you smile and get you thinking about topics such as power, strength or objectification. For those of you who are social-media savvy, there is even a photo booth where you can take a selfie and see for yourself what you would look like if you were to pose in a more “girly” or more “manly” manner.

One might think that this kind of fair would attract mainly the young audience who perhaps are gender fluid themselves, but looking around the visitors shows a good mix of ages and backgrounds. Do we actually need an exhibition like this in our lives, though? Hanneke Akermann, 20, a student from Amsterdam, says: “I never really thought about what gender means to me, so it’s nice to get a fresh perspective on this topic.”

From the faces of random visitors who first enter the room with a bit of apprehension, you can see their expressions quickly change to curiosity, acceptance, or even a “mind-blown”, astonished gaze. Some even visit the expo with their entire families for its immense educational value. “I think it’s important for kids and teenagers to learn about the world,’’ says Momed Adad, 38, from Amsterdam. “They need to appreciate it for all its diversity, otherwise how can they respect each other and the people around them when they grow up?”

Gender as a concept is so broad that it might be a bit overwhelming to wander between all the exhibits showing either the Fiji policemen in skirts, the impressive make-up of Wodaabe men, or the aforementioned boob pool. I would therefore advise to make considerable room for this visit in your day’s schedule, and as the expo runs until the 23rd of August 2020, there is plenty of time to return if you want. Do not attempt to simply walk in and out in an hour, as the materials presented are well worth your undivided attention. The museum is easily accessible for wheelchair users as well, which shows that the organisers really do practice what they preach in terms of inclusivity for everyone: regardless of their age, race, mobility or, indeed, gender. The stunning building and its interiors make for a great experience of this beautiful, genderful world we live in, so do not hesitate to see it for yourself.