Oooops! Sunday seems to have slipped by.
For the first time since starting Sunday Serenity, I missed posting it!
Deepest apologies.
It has left me somewhat discombobulated. Confused. Questioning.
You see, it is driven by the need to ‘deliver gender inclusive education.’
The Australian National University in Canberra, the seat of our hallowed federal government, has released a Gender Institute Handbook. It instructs tutors and lecturers in gender inclusive languaging.
And here are the recommendations –
Breastfeeding is to be called chestfeeding
Mother’s milk becomes human or parent’s milk
When it comes to childbirth it should be discussed using the terms gestational or birthing parent rather than mother.
Father of course is the non-birthing parent.
I quote – ” This non-gendered language is particularly important in clinical or abstract academic discussions of childbirth and parenthood, both to recognise the identities of students in the class, and to model inclusive behaviour for students entering clinical practice.’
So… remember to practice teaching your newborn pronunciation of this new language.
Good luck.
Raili Tanska
Laugh. It’s healthy and non-gendered