I work at Spirit Halloween. There’s a long-running joke about how much costumes differ between the sexes, and I think it’s high time someone actually comments on it from a sociopolitical standpoint. Why do men get to dress as “Police Officer” and “Priest”, and women have to dress as “Officer Pat U Down” and “Holy Hottie Nun”?

As someone who was born female but identifies as genderfluid, I’m hyper-aware of how both sexes are treated. I’ve noticed how differently customers—especially male customers—interact with me, purely based on if I’m dressed more masculine or more feminine. 

When I’m dressed more feminine, I have to deal with male customers leering and making lewd comments and uncomfortable jokes. But if I dress masculine, customers are more likely to step out of my way when I’m carrying something and are less likely to harass me. 

I wasn’t quite sure if I was just overblowing this issue, so I asked a few Boise High students what they thought. 

“I think the blatant sexism of Halloween costumes turns Halloween into a contest of how girls look,” commented BHS senior Bones Allen. “It leads to a sort of beauty pageant for women on Halloween, meanwhile it’s just an eye-candy day for the men.”

“We need more sexy men costumes,” chimed in senior Icarus Kapuscinski dryly. 

And you know what? I agree. We live in Boise, Idaho. October 31st isn’t the day to be tromping around your neighborhood in lingerie, unless you’re going for a “Frostbitten Female” costume, I guess. In which case, have fun.