If they truly want to give their child a "choice in life" and the opportunity to be who they want to be without interference from the rest of the society, then why are they drawing so much attention to their lives when what they say they really want is anonymity?
The parents of three young children (the first two boys), a Toronto couple has announced they will be raising their latest addition to the family, who's name by the way, is Storm, genderless. He/she won't be given a clue - although they will eventually figure it out - as to what gender they are. They can grow their hair, wear a dress, play with trucks or put on make up... whatever the case, the parents are planning to give no indication as to the sex of the child as he/she grows up with two brothers.
A cruel science experiment as many are saying? Or the ideal way to allow a child to feel free to be who they want to be without judgement or repercussions?
While I haven't fully made up my mind myself, there will be repercussions, they are already happening. I have to wonder why the parents would want to draw international attention to their decision? Because of so much press, rather than just see a child, people are going to be examining the toddler and playing a guessing game. Storm will be forever in the spot light.
And what happens when the now six month old, reaches school age, if they haven't leaned towards one gender or the other? Right or wrong, children are somewhat forced to make a choice once they hit classroom age. After all, we do have gym classes, bathrooms, locker rooms and showers.
Remembering back to when I was a young child I have to say, there wasn't a whole lot that was "girly" about me. I had four brothers and I wanted to be like them. I played with trucks, climbed trees, went fishing with my dad and there weren't too many dolls to be found in my room. I was a 'tomboy' through and through. It didn't mean I wasn't a girl, rather at the time, it's just that was what I liked to do and I guess I should be thankful for my parents who let me be me. The point though, is I never had to wonder about my identity, or have other people wondering either. I was secure in who I was, it just so happened I didn't push a doll carriage or have tea parties. Eventually you grow up and things change.
I suppose if these parents know when enough is enough and if their child comes to them in frustration or with questions one day and they are honest, maybe there will be no harm done, who's to say for sure? I just can't for the life of me though, imagine how stirring up so much attention can be a good thing in the long run. By going through so much effort to hide the gender, are the parents actually creating the opposite atmosphere for their child than they intended? There are many, myself included, who predict the "whether" will be Storm-y for some time for this family over their controversial decision.
