‘This Isn’t A Brainwashing Tool’: ŻiguŻajg Responds To Criticism Over Gender Fluidity Children’s Play
An upcoming performance and workshop about gender fluidity targeted at eight to ten years olds isn’t meant as a “brainwashing tool” or an “act of prejudice”, the children’s festival ŻiguŻajg has insisted.
ŻiguŻajg issued a statement after Shadow Culture Minister Julie Zahra raised concerns over the age-appropriateness of ‘Gender Boss’ and questioned whether the play’s producers had consulted psychological, sex and social experts.
“Gender Boss is one of our initiatives as part of the ŻiguŻajg Season which reflects accessibility and inclusivity to all public, no matter their racial, ethnic, religious, gender or sexual orientation,” ŻiguŻajg said.
“Within this framework, this artistic project is in no way meant to act as a brainwashing tool or an act of prejudice or compromising gender identities towards the targeted age bracket as it may be alternatively interpreted.”
“On the contrary, it’s being devised by accomplished artists, with who we have worked on these topics in the past, with assistance from experts in the field, to promote acceptance and understanding of diversity through arts and creativity.”
“As part of our remit, we have long-standing experience in developing programmes for children and young people on similar and other highly topical subjects with a great level of responsibility and integrity.”
While many people supported Zahra, her statement was also met with criticism – including from ADPD candidates Sandra Gauci and Mina Jack Tolu, PL MEP Cyrus Engerer and PL CEO and MP Randolph Debattista.
“When politicians don’t understand something and try to cast their lack of awareness onto others and start fear-mongering rather than informing themselves, it means we have hit rock bottom,” Debattista said. “Maybe our colleague should take a few lessons about human rights and gender identity. Live and let live.”
The Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM) said that gender identity and expression is a central part of humanity, “something we experience from birth” and shouldn’t be treated as a taboo subject for children.
“Should we continue to tell gender non-conforming and trans children that there is no place for them in society? Should we continue to accept their mental and physical well-being must suffer because of a few who feel uncomfortable and reinforce fear?”
“This goes beyond LGBT matters. Gender influences many factors and theatre is one way to break those norms. Why are women in politics, like you are, viewed as an anomaly? Why are boys who cry perceived as weak? But with LGBTIQ matters being our speciality, and your point of contention, we will focus on them for the time being.”
“We agree on one thing. We must protect minors. All minors. Seclusion, withdrawing rights, and making statements that are not researched is the opposite of protection of minors. Guilt, self-blame and pain is not protection but punishment. We hope this is not what you stand for.”
“Exploring gender through the arts provides a safe space for children to have a conversation about it. We should be giving space to trans and nonbinary artists to have these conversations, after all, that is what art is about; questioning and exploring the world around us, celebrating diversity.”
Reminding Zahra that she had met several members of the LGBTIQ community, MGRM said they wish she was “more aware of the struggles trans and gender non-conforming persons have faced since they were children, and how such cultural activities would have benefitted them.”
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