The newest book published by Demeter Press, Chasing Rainbows: Exploring Gender Fluid Parenting Practices, looks at the unique challenges created by feminist parenting.
Chasing Rainbows, edited by Fiona Joy Green and May Friedman, will launch Nov. 22, from 7 to 10pm, at Playful Grounds, 605 College St. (west of Bathurst), Toronto. Admission is "pay what you can". A donation of $20 will include a copy of Chasing Rainbows, a $24.95 value. As spaces are limited, RSVP by Nov. 18 to angiedeveau@gmail.com.
The book attempts to cast a lens on the messy and convoluted ways that feminist parents approach parenting their children in gender aware and gender fluid ways.
As women experience the unique powerlessness of motherhood, they also hold the uncomfortable power of acting as advocates for and as agents of socialization and social control over their children. Fathers may feel the desire for feminist parenting whilst experiencing a backlash and a lack of support, while some parents may attempt to resist the binaries of mothering and fathering in their feminist parenting journey.
Feminist parents may attempt to resist gender binaries; they may submit to them while attempting to foster critical dialogue; they may struggle with the display of their own femininity and masculinity or, for some, its perceived lack.
As certified sexologist and sexuality educator, Reece Malone says the book "is a celebratory exploration of gender fluid parenting through critical contemplation, an openness to multiple gender trajectories and most importantly, unwavering love."