The catalyst for this puzzle was some examples Crossword Con speakers brought up about heteronormative and/or sexist cluing in published crosswords. That provoked 3D, 4D, and 8A. To answer your question about 4D, the field of trading remains quite male-dominated, as do the "trades" (e.g., construction, welding, etc.) Hope that helps!
I've been watching the Crossword Con videos too! Super interesting. And great puzzle. Love 8-A and 3-D. Not where my brain went at first, so a great 'aha' moment