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WATCH: As Santa, Obama Destroys Gender Stereotypes

WATCH: As Santa, Obama Destroys Gender Stereotypes

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When it comes to giving gifts to children in need, the president knows there's no need for strict gender roles.

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While sorting toys for needy children at the U.S. Marines' annual Toys for Tots drive earlier this month, President Obama paid no mind to what toys are "supposed" to be for girls or boys, reports Addicting Info.

Although First Lady Michelle Obama has been participating in the annual toy drive for the past six years, this was the first year the president joined his wife at the sorting extravaganza at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling in Washington, D.C., which this year was held December 10, according to the White House.

After being introduced as the first lady's "special helper," the president admitted that he's "the big elf."

"I'm like Will Ferrell," he joked.

After thanking the troops and their families, the Obamas got to the work of sorting donated toys by the age and gender most appropriate.

The president proceeded to put science toys, sports equipment, and Legos into the bins for girls. When an observer asked why Obama put Legos into the girls' bin rather than the boys', saying girls might not like the classic building blocks, the president replied simply: "Girls don't like toys?"

As the sorting continued, the President put a T-Ball set into the girl's bin.

"T-Ball? Girls like T-Ball," the president can be heard saying. "I'm just trying to break down these gender stereotypes."

Watch a video compilation from the event, posted by NowThis:

Obama's subtle but unapologetic effort to upset the strict gender rules enforced by society was reinforced last week, when the president spoke only to female journalists during the final White House Press Corps meeting of the year. Calling on a predetermined list of eight female reporters, the president actually ignored a question shouted by a male reporter toward the end of the press conference, reports CNN. The effort was intentional -- and historic, according to ThinkProgress, which called the move "likely unprecedented."

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Sunnivie Brydum

Sunnivie is the managing editor of The Advocate, and an award-winning journalist whose passion is covering the politics of equality and elevating the unheard stories of our community. Originally from Colorado, she and her spouse now live in Los Angeles, along with their three fur-children: dogs Luna and Cassie Doodle, and "Meow Button" Tilly.
Sunnivie is the managing editor of The Advocate, and an award-winning journalist whose passion is covering the politics of equality and elevating the unheard stories of our community. Originally from Colorado, she and her spouse now live in Los Angeles, along with their three fur-children: dogs Luna and Cassie Doodle, and "Meow Button" Tilly.