Union encourages NSW primary school teachers to teach ‘intersex identities’ through books

The teachers’ union is pushing educators to get young children reading books about gender-bending at NSW primary schools despite a ban on gender fluidity content. Vote in our poll.

A push by the NSW Teacher’s Federation to include gender bending books in primary schools has been knocked on the head by NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell.

The union’s professional learning unit is encouraging teachers in primary schools to teach “intersex identities, sexuality and gender diversity” in English and PDHPE classes.

The academics, writing for the Journal of Professional Learning - which is part of the professional development arm of the NSW Teachers Federation - say “English in primary school provides rich opportunities for students to learn about gender diversity in relation to themselves, each other, and the world at large”

“We encourage teachers to stay attuned for primary school texts that feature intersex identities.”

That’s despite NSW having a ban on any lessons in gender fluidity or “Safe Schools”.

One of the books the NSW Teacher's Federation recommends be taught in primary schools.

The academics suggest NSW public school teachers include books such as “Be Who You Are” about a child born in the “wrong” body that doesn’t match his “assigned” gender.

They say it’s suitable for English classes from kindergarten onwards.

He looks into a mirror and sees a girl looking back, with story text crossing out the word “him” and replacing it with “her”.

Another book Are You A Boy Or A Girl is about a child called Tiny who does not identify as either a boy or a girl.

And a third book My Shadow Is Pink is about a boy who likes to dress in female clothing.

One Nation MP Mark Latham, who has raised the issue with Education Minister Sarah Mitchell, said such issues were for parents, not teachers, to deal with.

“The Minister has been ineffective in stopping organisations like the NSW Teachers Federation infiltrating our schools with gender propaganda, such as in these books,” Mr Latham said.

Ms Mitchell said she expected “schools to teach in line with the NSW curriculum”.

“Safe Schools is not part of the NSW curriculum and is not taught in public schools,” she said.

Under NSW education guidelines, the Safe Schools Program is not part of the curriculum nor is it to be “promoted” or any of its resources used in public schools.

The NSW Teachers Federation has been contacted for comment.