Most Americans believe there is more work to do on gender equality. As a genderqueer sociologist, a parent of a kindergartner, and the author of a book on gender creative parenting, I study the importance of disrupting sexism in childhood. Here are five ways I’ve found that parents and caregivers can fight gender stereotypes in kids’ lives.
1. Acknowledge That a Child May Be LGBTQI+
Gender identity and sexuality are diverse and personal experiences. However, medical institutions and parents commonly assign a sex to newborns based on physical characteristics and socialize children as one of two binary genders.
And nationwide, more than 11% of high school students say they are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or questioning their sexuality. Young LGBTQ people are coming out to their families earlier than older generations did. Research shows that family acceptance of young LGBTQ people is associated with greater mental and physical health and protection against depression, substance abuse, and suicide.
2. Be Aware of Gendered Marketing
Children’s toys and clothes are increasingly divided by gender, and many people blame the profit-driven exploitation of gender-stereotyped marketing.
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