Hello again comrades! This week, I wanted to build on a point Magpieinthesky made a few days ago about avoiding gendered products and activities for your kids to help them develop into their own individual selves. Myself, I’m battling my mother who assured me within a year everything will be pink unicorns and rainbows for our girl - which is fine if that’s what she really wants - but the inevitability with which it’s stated rubs me the wrong way. If it counts for anything, what I’d like most for my daughter is for her to have all the tools she needs to be her best self. The game is stacked against individuality in terms of gender identifiers. I’m by no means an expert in this area, but I know when something is restrictive to human development. Has anyone had issues or run-ins with capitalist duality of gender? How did you respond? Have you had success with these ideas in mind? I’d love to hear from you all. Thanks and take care!
I’m a non-binary person and honestly the struggle is really about understanding and then access. I think you’re at a really good place already if you can be open in your attempt to be gender neutral and present your child with what interests them. In our consumerist culture it’s essentially impossible to try and find gender neutral clothing, so really the important thing would be to give your child what you can, but be communicative and open that they have the choice (and your support) in terms of what they wear and do.
Thank you for the input! Luckily I have a partner who’s totally on board with understanding and access involving gender identity and exploring the space of the self. We’re both very excited to get involved when the little one starts talking and asking questions!
That makes me so happy to hear! I think as long as you give them space to explore themselves and feel comfortable they’ll be able to judge for themselves what they need soon enough. Solidarity with you and your partner!