The Gender Fairy by Jo Hirst

Alright, let’s dive into this transcript about ‘The Gender Fairy’ by Jo Hirst. Now, before we get started, I want to give a little disclaimer. I’m still getting the hang of all the different terms and jargon in this field, so bear with me if I slip up. It’s like trying to distinguish between sex and gender – some people can get pretty touchy about using the right words. But you know what? It’s kinda like how we often mix up the terms vagina and vulva. We’re all learning here, so if I make any mistakes, just know it’s not intentional or offensive.

Now, onto the book. I really like ‘The Gender Fairy’ because it’s clear that a lot of thought went into it. As I read, I noticed some interesting word choices that made me wonder about the author’s intentions. It starts off with two babies, one wrapped in pink and labeled as a girl, and the other in blue labeled as a boy. But as they grow up, they start feeling like something isn’t quite right. The child labeled as a girl gets angry because no one sees who they really are inside, while the child labeled as a boy feels sad because everyone assumes they’re a boy when they identify as a girl.

That’s when the gender fairy comes into the picture. This fairy reassures them that it’s okay to feel this way and that they’re not abnormal. See, a lot of people might think this is abnormal, but times are changing. It’s all about accepting diversity and understanding that nature doesn’t always fit into neat little boxes. The gender fairy tells the kids that only they can truly know if they’re a boy or a girl, and that they can confide in a trusted adult.

The book goes on to show that they’re not alone in feeling this way. The gender fairy introduces the little boy to a little girl who shares similar experiences. It’s all about normalizing their feelings and letting them know that there are others out there who understand.

The gender fairy also encourages them to express themselves freely. They can wear the clothes they like, play with the toys they enjoy, and even choose their own name. The little girl wonders if everyone will still call her a girl, and the gender fairy assures her that she can be called whatever she feels comfortable with.

But here’s the thing, the little boy whispers to the gender fairy, I really need to use the boys’ toilets. Will I be allowed? And you know what the gender fairy says? Of course you will. You are a boy. This part reminded me of the ongoing discussions about gender-neutral toilets and the challenges some people face. It’s clear that we still have a long way to go in changing people’s attitudes.

Children, on the other hand, are often more accepting of these ideas. If they ask questions, we can simply explain it to them. That’s the beauty of this book – it introduces these concepts in a way that kids can understand and accept. It doesn’t delve into all the prejudices and complexities surrounding gender, but it does a great job of normalizing the idea of being true to oneself and letting kids know they’re not alone.

I think ‘The Gender Fairy’ is a lovely book to read with your child if they don’t identify with the gender that matches their physical appearance. It plants the seed of acceptance and understanding, which is crucial because chances are, your child will encounter someone who identifies differently at some point. It’s about teaching them to be aware and accepting of differences from a young age.

Alright, I apologize for the long book review, but I truly believe this is a book that most parents should have. It’s a powerful tool for introducing diversity and fostering acceptance in our children. Let’s make sure they grow up embracing all the beautiful differences in the world. Cheers and take care!