Pink gender timeline

Book project

PINK BOY PARENTS

Parents of so called pink boys “fear the wrong parenting decision could devastate their child’s social and emotional well-being” (Ruth Padawer 2012). They stress how they just want their children to be happy, which entails not having to hide their “true selves” from their parents (Jan Hoffman 2011).

The right to a healthy and authentic self seems to be the impetus behind progressive parents’ support for their children’s unconventional gender presentation. One prime example is the nonfiction picture book My Princess Boy. Author Cheryl Kilodavis tells the story of her “4-year-old boy who happily expresses his authentic self by enjoying ‚traditional girl’ things like jewelry, sparkles or anything pink” (Cheryl Kilodavis 2009).

These parents are invested in the child’s authenticity and happiness. Indeed they invest in material goods – ballerinas, nail polish, pink dresses – to help affirm or rather produce that true self. To (financially) support their children’s well-being early on – progressive parents suggest – means to socially and emotionally pay less in the long run.

© 2013 by DOMINIQUE GRISARD. All rights reserved.

Power of color