Gold Coast parents enraged by Rainbow Day at Kindy

When it comes to the rainbow, opinions are black and white - and a Gold Coast childcare centre’s decision to host a ‘rainbow day’ has set the internet on fire. WHAT DO YOU THINK? VOTE IN OUR POLL

Is there anything more controversial than a rainbow?

According to Gold Coast parents, absolutely not.

A childcare centre’s decision to host a ‘rainbow day’ has set the internet on fire after a mother posted about her concerns to a local community group.

“How would you feel about your children’s childcare holding a random ‘rainbow day’ but it’s actually for pride week just not specified. Also should childcare even do a pride day!?”

However, whether this rainbow day is happening or not, and whether or not it has anything to do with Pride Month (by the way it’s the month of June, not just a week), I’m confused as to why it’s so offensive.

Well, that’s a lie. I know why people get offended by it, I just think they’re wrong.

The point of Pride is not to indoctrinate people into LGBTIQ+, nor even explain what it is, it’s not actually about sexuality at all, but about celebrating differences.

And learning this at a young age is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children.

A childcare centre’s decision to host a ‘rainbow day’ has set the internet on fire.

In fact, multiple studies, including by UNESCO, show that schools with LGBTQ+ inclusive practices have lower rates of bullying, higher student well-being and more positive peer relationships.

Celebrating Pride Month is about recognising equality and human rights, something that the LGBTIQ+ community has been striving towards for decades.

It’s the reason why Australian Curriculum-aligned teacher resource centre twinkl.com.au contains a page about how to make Pride Month age appropriate in schools.

“There are many ways that you and your class can celebrate Pride Month,” it states.

“Pride Month is all about inclusion and inclusivity, as well as celebrating LGBTQIA+ people and their history. It doesn’t matter how you identify, Pride Month is for everyone to enjoy.”

However, I can understand schools’ reticence to participate in such celebrations given the response to this simple social media post.

“I’d be pulling my kid out quick smart,” said one.

“No way in hell!” said another.

“Big no!!! Everyone should fight against this crazy woke control being installed (sic) in society and our children. Big no no from me.”

To be fair, there were plenty who supported this idea, pushing back against the rainbow-haters.

“Imagine believing that being inclusive and respectful is woke,” said one commenter.

“I wish every daycare did it. Rainbow Day at daycare isn’t about promoting any specific lifestyle or agenda … it’s a celebration of inclusivity, diversity, and acceptance,” said another parent.

“The rainbow is used as a symbol to help children learn about kindness, respecting differences, and the beauty of everyone being unique. It’s meant to create a positive and welcoming environment where all kids feel valued and included.”

Given those two extremes of opinion, it’s easy to see why the rainbow is like a red rag to a bull.

While I have no issue with my children participating in any Pride event, and would actively encourage it, I do understand that just because parents don’t want this in schools, that doesn’t mean they are homophobic. It just means their boundaries are in a different place.

I might not feel the same, I might not completely understand that view, but I’m not going to make assumptions.

But for those who go a step further, I just do not, can not and will not ever understand how you could ever take a firm stance against something or someone that your child might one day be.

Regardless of your religious beliefs, if unconditionally loving and supporting your child is not your primary parental commandment, then you’re worshipping a false god.

No matter your faith, the truth is that religion is simply a belief, but your child is a flesh and blood fact. Their wellbeing here on earth should come first.

Besides, if there is a God and he doesn’t accept someone because of who they love, you can have him.

Regardless, teaching our children about kindness and acceptance should surely be the most uncontroversial lesson of all, whether it’s wrapped in a rainbow or not.

And for anyone who wants to join in the Gold Coast’s Pride celebrations, check out Hairy Mary’s for a full calendar of events.

Originally published as Gold Coast parents enraged by Rainbow Day at Kindy