I’m used to crazy pronouns within the queer community. I’ve been asked to call people by a variety of words, including but not limited to zhe, xi, they, it, hir, zir, them, xir, xem, and of course, he and she. But can you imagine a school where everyone is referred to by gender-neutral pronouns, regardless of whether they ask to be? The Egalia School in Stolkholm, Sweden does just that- and has been the buzz of all the queer/gender blogs this week.
According to The Associated Press, “from the color and placement of toys to the choice of books, every detail has been carefully planned to make sure the children don’t fall into gender stereotypes.” Apparently this is all in an effort to prevent gender biases, or as blogger Tanja Bergkvist says, ”gender madness” in Sweden. I’m all for gender equality, but doesn’t this feel a bit extreme? What do you think, MSP readers?
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