Gendered Prizes, Beige Flags, and Adult Summer Camps

Daily Skimm
Skimm'd with the best adventure accomplice — Check out what we Skimm'd for you today
theSkimm Logo

Daily Skimm

Header Image
Together with the Ford EscapeFord
 

"Wait a forking min here"

— An Instagram user's reaction to the Spongebob Popsicle no longer having gumballs for eyes. Absorbent and yellow and gumball-less is he.

 

theSkimm With

Michael Schneider

Tomorrow night, the Tony Awards will enter stage right. And for the first time, two gender-nonconforming performers earned nominations. However, one of the nominees withdrew from award consideration over the show's gendered categories, renewing convos around why the separation exists in the first place. Some say it's to help ensure gender representation. But in the past few years, more and more nonbinary performers have publicly said, 'what about us?' (shoutout, Asia Kate Dillon, Liv Hewson).

To learn more about the history of gendered categories and the differing perspectives, we spoke with Michael Schneider, TV editor at Variety. He's covered the TV biz for nearly 25 years and directly reports on gendered categories at awards shows. Here's what he had to say…

Q: Can you briefly explain the history of gendered award categories? When did they first begin and why?

For most of these awards' histories, they've had gendered categories. Part of it came out of the opportunity to narrow the field of competitors, to some degree, and to give out more awards. All the awards shows are as much about awarding people as they are about making money for the organizations that pass out these awards. So obviously, the more awards you pass out, the more that you gain in revenue … And also there was real gender bias in the early days where there was this sexist notion that acting was different for men versus women — and that it wasn't fair to compare the two. 

Q: As you know, many performers have recently taken a stand against gendered categories at award shows. Justin David Sullivan, for example, opted out of Tony consideration this year over it. What has led to this push? 

Now, there's more understanding that there are some people who are nonbinary. And in order to be fair and equitable, it doesn't necessarily make sense to force people to choose a category if they don't feel comfortable in either. And there's been recognition that, to some degree, sidling men and women into separate categories sounds and feels a little antiquated — in an era where people aren't judged on their gender or shouldn't be judged on their gender. That conversation's been going on for a couple years, particularly in television and film, but also in TV, as we've seen more nonbinary performers in major roles. This has become a conversation that needs to be addressed and everyone's agreed to that. 

Q: You've previously reported on how more and more awards shows have begun eliminating gendered categories. But prime time shows — like the Tonys and Oscars — have kept the binaries in place. Why do you think that is? 

Change is tough. There are concerns that if you do go gender-neutral, that one gender might dominate over another, and as a result, some really deserving people won't be awarded. That there will be less awards. And there's just fear of change … There are people who feel that things don't need to change — that status quo is fine … Although, I think there are ways to create new categories that are gender-neutral, that opens up the tent a little bit more. But there's just a concern that some people may be suddenly shifted aside in the process. 

Q: How could award shows go about eliminating gendered categories, if they chose to do so?

You've already seen it on shows like the MTV Movie and TV Awards and the Grammys that got out of the gendered categories. Quite simply you just create new categories that are genre-specific. Or there's opportunities to find ways to award more different kinds of shows — that may also solve the issue of certain shows that are never in the running because they're not seen as 'prestigious' enough. You could still have the same number of acting categories, but different ways to classify them, that way you can open up to non-gendered nominees.

 
What's Happening

🎬 In entertainment…

At lass, everyone's favorite kilty pleasure is returning. Ye ken? Same with "Black Mirror." Timely, since AI is making the real world feel like an episode in itself. Speaking of spooky, "Hocus Pocus 3" is officially saying 'hello, cruel world.'


πŸ™ƒ In adulting…

Red flag. Green flag. Beige flag? For partners, some personal quirks are odd — but not run-for-the-hills odd. And for some, neither is this next-level co-sleeping. Or not being able to sit with your own thoughts. (Here's a fix for that.) Meanwhile, some travelers are craving 100 years of solitude.


πŸ‘— In style…

'Tis the season for dressing for your season, wearing polka dots, and taking cold plunges. Oh and this summer's swimsuit trend has people baring it all. But beware of "Barefoot-Boy Summer" — as it's not good for the sole

 
 
Skimm Reads

"Quietly Hostile" by Samantha Irby…Fans of laughter, assemble. Samantha Irby is back with another essay collection that's so relatable, so funny, so exactly what we needed right now we could scream. Purchase and read immediately, if not sooner.

 
Skimm Picks

Here are today's recs to help you live a smarter life…

1. A fast-absorbing body oil that'll get you glowing.

This lightweight formula helps prevent moisture loss, leaving skin velvety-smooth — sans greasy after-feel. You can also put it on the tips of your hair to reduce frizz. The best part? Skimm'rs get 20% off.*


2. Award-winning, non-alcoholic wine that tastes like the real deal.

With JΓΈyus, the first 100% sober- and woman-owned non-alcoholic winery in the country, you can enjoy refreshing, low-calorie bubbly without the hangover. Their dual pack with sparkling white and sparkling rosΓ© pairs well with any occasion.*


3. Our go-to problem-solving pet products that'll make life easier.

To help you handle the unavoidably inconvenient parts of pet parenthood, we rounded up products that are sure to help you out.

 
Weekend Escape

*Slams laptop shut until Monday.* We know the feeling. And we've got some tips for escape.

Across the country, summer camp is almost in session — and it's no longer just for kids. Over the years, a growing number of adult-only camps have set up camp. Many include everything you've probably missed, without the questionable food and itchy bunk beds. So whether you're looking for a weekend-long wellness retreat or a chance to sharpen your skills, here are some options worth writing home about…

  • To maximize your fun in the sun: With themed parties and a variety of activities (see: ropes courses, pickleball, painting and prosecco), Camp No Counselors is perhaps best summarized by its tagline, "Play like a kid. Party like a grown-up." Club Getaway is a similar experience — complete with chic cabins and gourmet meals. And 'Camp' Camp is a week-long summer camp specifically for LGBTQIA+ adults. 

  • To step up your athletic game: Want to learn how to catch a few waves? Dive in at Endless Summer Surf Camp. Or, if you prefer something on land, you can't go wrong at one of IMG's adult tennis or golf camps. If you're an avid runner, Camp Runabout is more likely to be your speed.

  • To hone in on a hobby: The Culinary Institute of America offers a wide variety of cooking camps, from baking to street foods to wine country cuisine — all of which are *chef's kiss.* If you're more musically-minded, one of the programs at the Interlochen Center for the Arts will hit the right note. There's also Pottery workshops, like the one at Penland School of Craft. And out-of-this-world experiences at the US Space & Rocket Center's Space Camp.

  • To really unplug: If you're attending Camp Rahh, there's one thing you'll want to leave off your packing list — your phone. It focuses on removing the distractions of daily life so you can fully experience activities like meditation, yoga, dance, kayaking, and creative writing. 

 
News Quiz

Let's see how well you kept up with the Daily Skimm this week.

Which soccer legend recently made the decision to go to Inter Miami CF?

A. Javier HernΓ‘ndez

B. Hany Mukhtar

C. Aaron Long

D. Lionel Messi

 
 

Blog Archive