SEX MYTHS
"SEX MYTHS" is a thought-provoking short video created as part of Mulhouse's LGBTQ+ pride campaign. This piece delves into the intricate world of gender expression through body language, challenging viewers to reconsider their preconceptions about masculine and feminine movement. The video's conception stemmed from a collaborative dialogue with a trans woman from Fukuda's local community. This conversation explored the nuanced journey of her transition, particularly focusing on the conscious and unconscious aspects of gendered body language. The trans woman's insights into the gestures she had to "learn" and "unlearn" post-transition formed the foundation of Fukuda's choreography for this solo.
Inspired by this dialogue, the video presents a solo that critiques the differences between traditionally perceived male and female gestures. Two dancers - one male-identifying and one female-identifying - perform the exact same choreography. However, their physical forms are concealed by their costume and the video editing which interchanges between the two dancers; this creates intriguing visual ambiguity and challenges the audience to question their ingrained assumptions about gender-specific movement and physicality. As the solo unfolds, viewers are invited to reflect on their own perceptions. Do they find themselves unconsciously attributing certain movements to a specific gender? How do their expectations shift when they realize the dancer's body is changing? These questions spark a deeper contemplation about the nature of gender expression and the societal constructs that influence our interpretation of body language.
With "SEX MYTHS" Fukuda aims to contribute to the broader conversation about gender identity and expression. She celebrates the diversity of human movement while challenging viewers to examine their own biases and preconceptions. As part of Mulhouse's pride campaign, "SEX MYTHS" stands as a powerful artistic statement, promoting understanding, acceptance, and the beauty of gender diversity in all its forms.