It’s so easy to get away with

It’s so easy to get away with making closed-minded statements about folks who don’t conform to gender norms. Or to sexuality norms. It remains so very easy. I don’t think that it’s the LAST acceptable stereotype or prejudice, but it remains an acceptable one.
This weekend I was part of a discussion on a different blog [...]

Read Full Post »

Troubling our comfortable norms

With a bit of publicity of late, this blog has had a sharp rise in visitors. I like that! It’s also brought with it some folks who rightfully question why I write this blog. In particular, there are questions about whether I’m somehow pigeon-holing Q and/or whether my appreciating things like his love for purple [...]

Read Full Post »

Summarizing the mission

Recently, I was introduced to the AcceptingDad blog, which chronicles the life of a dad with a kiddo much like mine. A child born a boy, but who eschews many of the labels that so often come along with being a boy.
He’s got an amazing post that, to me, summarizes the “mission” of my blog. [...]

Read Full Post »

What is it with gender dynamics?

I’m so very curious about gender dynamics among kids. Really and truly curious. Not curious in the annoyed sort of way. Honestly.
So here’s what I’m curious about: Why is it that, especially as they get older, girls tend to gravitate towards girls (for play, hanging out, partners in school things, etc) and boys to boys? [...]

Read Full Post »

Utterly Shameful

Not sure how many of you have been following the saga of the South African runner who has been subjected to “gender testing.” She is a breakout star, without the typical “feminine” look that often accompanies successful female athletes.You can have a look here.
While I can’t imagine that pain that she must be going through, [...]

Read Full Post »

Playing with gender, playing with identities

Q has been in an interesting phase of playing with his identity lately. I love watching this develop, as I think it’s all about the development of 5 and 6 year olds, the ego, considering oneself in relation to others, etc.
Here’s how it’s played out: Q is now very conscious, when he’s choosing his clothing, [...]

Read Full Post »

Gender Funneling Part II

I love reading pieces where folks take on normative conceptions of gender roles. Or how society tries to force folks into prescribed molds, even if it means stuffing a round peg in a square hole.
A wonderful example, here, on Rachel Maddow and how the mainstream media deals with their discomfort around her butchiness. The author, [...]

Read Full Post »

Are you kidding me? Why?!?!?

Is this really necessary? I like this company usually, but please.
I usually like this company. They do some good stuff, but really.
Please.

Read Full Post »

The tiniest of plugs…

So, I mostly write this blog because I think this is an important conversation. I’m always on the lookout for how to promote it a bit, get more folks to read, consider the contents and message, etc. It’s ultimately about making the world a bit better for my boy, others like him, all of us.
So, [...]

Read Full Post »

Superbowl thoughts

As Bruce Springsteen plays in the background and the wife and I work on dualing laptops, I HAD to add a few thoughts about the Super Bowl. I’ve been a waxing and waning football fan since my early youth. Diehard Redskins fan. Then not so much. Then in college and a bit after it wasn’t [...]

Read Full Post »