Non-binary A father from Australia explains why they are parenting their child without ‘gender brainwashing’ and what the child calls them instead of mum.
Melbourne mom explains why they are raising their child to be ‘gender expansive’
Gender expansive indicates that a person is not constrained by conventional gender roles.
Their daughter Juno was designated a female at birth.
Two years ago, the parent, Sommer, came out as non-binary.
Now they are adamant that their daughter will not face the same gender restrictions and constraints they did.
The following will appear on The Gender Spectrum: A growing number of individuals no longer identify as ‘he’ or’she’; how can we address the in-between? which airs at 8.30pm on SBS Insight this coming Tuesday.
A non-binary Melbourne tradesperson has revealed how they are parenting their child to be ‘gender expansive’ in order to avoid the ‘gender brainwashing’ they believe is prevalent in our society.
Seven months ago, Sommer, 37, and his wife Stephanie gave birth to their daughter Juno, who was identified as a female at birth.
As a new parent, Sommer is determined that their daughter would not be bound by the same gender restrictions and norms they were.
Instead, they and Stephanie want to raise Juno to be “gender expansive,” with the child calling them “PomPom” rather than Mom or Dad because it is a neutral term that is still playful.
Sommer (above) began identifying as non-binary two years ago after feeling that they had been living their entire life in a “costume.”
The newborn was recognized as a female, but the parents intend to raise them to be “gender expansive.” A stock image of a baby is seen.
Sommer stated, “We use the term gender expansive as opposed to gender neutrality because I feel that the term neutral implies that she just wears beige and has no color in her life.”
Therefore, we use the term gender expansive to describe a situation in which there are no limitations or restrictions on how our infant can express themselves, regardless of what sex they were assigned at birth.
Sommer (left) and his wife Stephanie (right) are now “gender expansively” raising their daughter Juno.
People may believe it comes with a great deal of pressure, but we’re not pressuring her to be anything other than who she wants to be.
The pair initially considered parenting Juno to be gender-neutral, but ultimately decided to teach her that her gender does not define her until she is old enough to decide for herself.
Sommer and Stephanie’s interpretation of gender expansive parenting entails that Juno plays with both feminine and masculine toys, wears clothing of all genders, and is exposed to positive role models of both sexes.
WHAT IS GENDER EXPANSIVE
Gender expansive implies that a person is not constrained by conventional gender roles.
Instead, they live “beyond the box” and tend to identify more with their own gender identification than any other.
These individuals may or may not identify with their birth-sex, yet they do not adhere to the ‘gender rules’ associated with that sex.
The couple recently conquered a challenge when they discovered a childcare facility that welcomed their family.
Sommer stated that even living in a “woke” neighborhood, it was difficult for the couple to locate a center that was truly inclusive and not rainbow-washing to attract more clients.
“Recently, we’ve been considering childcare options, and we always ask “Are you welcoming? Do you carry queer literature? “and similar matters,’ stated Sommer.
Many would assert that they do not, but we can bring them and ensure that they are all-inclusive.
But I believe that is not an adequate response. I desire a location where my infant will not feel excluded.
We have located a rainbow-themed playgroup. Therefore, they hold a monthly rainbow families gathering where all the parents can mingle.’
Sommer stated that they had difficulty informing their family about their new gender identity and parenting style.
Sommer stated, “They buy Juno all these feminine stuff and call her beautiful.”
Fortunately, according to Sommer, the pair can offset the frilly gifts with hand-me-downs from Stephanie’s nephew, ensuring that Juno has a choice of clothing options.
Sommer stated that they began identifying as non-binary two years ago, after Stephanie saw that they had “gender difficulties.”
Somer had their breasts removed to assist with dysphoria/dysmorphia, with Stephanie by their side for support.
She stated that their puberty was dreadful since they continually felt uneasy in their bodies and ‘hated’ how they were evolving.
‘I didn’t feel like I fit in anywhere. I felt as like I was just living my life, but I was subjected to all of these female demands,’ Sommer told Daily Mail Australia.
Sommer (left) and Stephanie (right) hope to teach their kid to reject gender stereotypes and enjoy an unrestricted lifestyle.
It made me feel quite depressed. I attended a school for girls and was required to wear a dress; I felt like I was wearing a costume.
Not being myself. I simply felt strange in a dress. It was a mask I had to wear to venture out into the world.
Sommer, a skilled laborer, asserts that their workplace has gone above and above to demonstrate acceptance of their identity.
They have been fantastic. Before I began, they had a meeting concerning my pronouns, said Sommer.
They worked out how to adjust my email address to include my pronouns, despite the fact that it is automated.
It was a priority, and that has been fantastic.