As parents we can all learn from each other — no matter our gender identity. Each year the third Sunday in April marks Nonbinary Parent’s Day. Just as we honor Mother's Day in May and Father's Day in June, let's celebrate and honor nonbinary parents by saying thank you for:
- Defying gender stereotypes, traditional gender roles, and the gender binary; this encourages your kids to explore their own interests, personality, and identity — free from the constraints of gender
- Modeling gender diversity in parenthood, which can inspire people to explore more ways to be a parent
- Creating safer, affirming homes and communities: you’re not only increasing young people’s self-confidence and their ability to be who they are, but you’re also nurturing a kinder and more compassionate community, which can help cut down on bullying and discrimination
And to our moms and dads: It might seem like a big shift to think outside of the gender binary of parenting you were raised in. But by expanding our view of the parents and caregivers we celebrate during these holidays we help contribute toward a kinder, more compassionate world we can all be proud for our kids to grow up in.
Learning about and from nonbinary parents is not only a great way to honor the day, but it makes us all better parents — together. Here are a few places to start:
- Talk about the existence of nonbinary people and parents with your kid. Make sure they know that not all parents are a mom or a dad, and that not all people are boys or girls. A good book to start with is Being You: A First Conversation About Gender. You can also read books that include a nonbinary parent character in them. Here’s a list to help get you started.
- Look for nonbinary parents’ stories in your community or online to better understand what it means for folks. Check out @johnny.blazes on Instagram, a nonbinary parent and founder of Nonbinary Parent’s Day.
- Learn more about nonbinary identities and organizations that support LGBTQ+ families, like PFLAG.
Challenging the gender binary helps everyone break free from gender roles that can limit our ability to be our full selves — especially in how we show up as parents. So on this Nonbinary Parent’s Day, we see you and we celebrate you
Tags: parents, gender identity, nonbinary