John Vincent Obias
JUST BE, 2020
Alcohol markers and colored pencils on watercolor paper
“Just because I like ballet, doesn’t mean I’m a poof, you know.”
-Billy Elliot (BILLY ELLIOT)
Billy was pushed to train in boxing because “it’s what lads do.” But he grew passion into ballet and despite being ridiculed, he made his way to Royal Ballet School.
Gender stereotypes are the biased perception of the society to what is considered feminine and masculine. People should learn to challenge these stereotypes so we can avoid discrimination and achieve equality.
According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights), the international human rights law framework prohibits gender stereotypes and stereotyping which undermine the enjoyment of human rights and fundamental freedoms.
[Read: Gender stereotyping]