The US parents raising their child as gender-neutral 11 hours ago Newshub staff
A US couple are attracting headlines across the world after going public with their attempt to raise their child without an assigned gender.
Kyl and Brent Myers, who live in Utah, are raising their child, Zoomer, as completely gender-neutral in a bid to protect the two-year-old from stereotypes associated with being either male or female.
NZ ponders gender-neutral anthem as Canada takes the plunge Qantas staff given list of 'offensive, gender-inappropriate words PPTA calls for gender-neutral school uniforms, toilets in new guidelines Apart from immediate family and a smattering of close friends, no one is even aware of Zoomer's biological sex. Mr and Ms Myers' rule is simple - no one who doesn't need to know will find out.
As for what they've told others on what pronouns to use, they say their two-year-old will be known simply as "they-by".
"Zoomer will most likely choose a gender by the time they are three or four. We simply don't believe that is our decision to make on their behalf," Ms Myers explained in a blog post.
"By not revealing their sex, and by treating them in a gender creative way, Z will have the freedom to explore and create their own identity, outside of the restrictions and expectations of traditional gender norms."
She says Zoomer doesn't need to know their gender.
"The sex does not tell us anything about the child's personality, temperament, favourite colour, dietary preferences, sense of humour, attitudes toward climate change or any of their other unique traits."
Mr and Ms Myers are part of the growing movement of Gender Creative Parenting, who refuse to assign their children's gender for them.
raisingzoomerHi! We’ve made quite a few new friends since Alex Morris’ #THEYBY article came out in @NYmag and @TheCut this week. We want to introduce ourselves to you and welcome you into our world! I’m Kyl, Zoomer’s mom, Brent is Zoomer’s dad, and Zoomer is our incredible little toddler. Brent and I practice gender creative parenting. We didn’t assign a gender to Zoomer, we don’t disclose their sex to people who don’t need to know, and we use gender-neutral pronouns for Zoomer (they/them/their). We actively work to provide Zoomer with an environment that celebrates their individuality. We expose them to all kinds of toys, clothes, colors and activities and we encourage their interests and self-expression. Parenting this way has certainly reduced Zoomer’s experiences with gendered micro-aggressions and stereotypes. Additionally, we actively strive to teach Zoomer about diversity, inclusion, equality, autonomy, and social justice. We are able to do this with an amazing network of supportive and loving family members, friends, and caretakers. We are very proud and confident about our decision to raise Zoomer this way and we felt a responsibility to be a resource for people who are interested in learning more about gender creative parenting. As you’ll see, there is virtually NO negativity on our account. We are proud of the community we have cultivated here and we intentionally created a space that is accessible, respectful, kind and fun. We’re happy you’re here. Check out our website RaisingZoomer.com and my TEDx talk (google “Kyl Myers TED talk”). We hope you find what you’re looking for. Feel free to DM us with your questions. And if you feel so inclined, we’d love to know more about you! ⭐️ What’s your name, where are you from, and what brought you here? - The Courtney-Myers Family
This boys life is over before it's begun, his name is Zoomer.
Parents are obviously away with the fairies, poor sod.
This in particular stood out. Irresponsible thinking. We simply don't believe that is our decision to make on their behalf
Parents nowt but attention seeking fools.This in particular stood out. Irresponsible thinking.We simply don't believe that is our decision to make on their behalf
akabula 16 Apr 18 23:17 Joined: 13 Mar 08 | Topic/replies: 31,181 | Blogger: akabula's blog Parents nowt but attention seeking fools.
This in particular stood out. Irresponsible thinking. We simply don't believe that is our decision to make on their behalf
Couldn't agree more
akabula16 Apr 18 23:17Joined: 13 Mar 08| Topic/replies: 31,181 | Blogger: akabula's blogParents nowt but attention seeking fools.This in particular stood out. Irresponsible thinking.We simply don't believe that is our decision to make on their behalf
So basically all this amounts to is they will buy young Zoomer both Action Man and Sindy dolls (or possibly neither) and blankets will be yellow rather than pink or blue. Excuse me if I ask who gives a Donald?
Zoomer is a silly name but the American fashion for just making names up has already spread to Britain.
So basically all this amounts to is they will buy young Zoomer both Action Man and Sindy dolls (or possibly neither) and blankets will be yellow rather than pink or blue. Excuse me if I ask who gives a Donald? Zoomer is a silly name but the American
When I was a boy I was offered an Action Man type figure but insisted on a Barbie type doll instead. This was so I could look under her skirt and top but needless to say it was disappointing nothingness.
When I was a boy I was offered an Action Man type figure but insisted on a Barbie type doll instead. This was so I could look under her skirt and top but needless to say it was disappointing nothingness.