Aalborg revises guide on discussing gender identity with children

Aalborg politicians have disagreed over a guide for public-sector staff on discussing gender identity with children. The latest version changes advice on asking about names and pronouns, DR reports.

The guide, called “Chill, it’s just gender!”, offers practical advice to staff in places such as kindergartens and schools. It is being considered by several committees in Aalborg Municipality before it is sent to staff.

Mikael Simonsen of the Liberal Alliance said he was concerned the guide might be used routinely, although he supports its creation. He said it should be brought out only in the few cases where it is needed, and that staff should not be required to follow one approach in every situation.

Simonsen said children should be assessed individually. A boy playing with toy guns or wearing a pink dress, for example, should be treated as acceptable, he said.

The municipal Children and Education Committee approved the guide earlier this week, but changed a passage that originally advised staff to ask children which name and pronouns they preferred. The revised wording says staff should use their professional judgement to decide whether and how questions about names and forms of address are relevant, while listening to the child and considering what makes the conversation feel safe.

Jes Lunde, the Social Liberal Party’s councillor responsible for Children and Young People, said children who are curious about their gender and sexuality most need understanding and openness from adults. He said the change reflected the need to trust staff’s professional judgement.

Victor A. Holmfort of the Red-Green Alliance was the only committee member who did not support the change. He said the guide had been written by professionals and argued that the word “pronouns” should remain. He said the guide could be kept available for staff to consult when they were unsure what to do.

The debate follows disagreement in the Region of Southern Denmark over a guide for healthcare staff on LGBTQ+ issues.