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Gender-Neutral Pre-School Cans the Words Boy, Girl

At Egalia preschool in Stockholm, everyone is a 'friend'

By Sarah Whitmire, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 27, 2011 5:43 PM CDT

(Newser) – Teachers don't say things like "him" or "her," or read fairy tales like Cinderella or Snow White at the gender-neutral Egalia pre-school in Sweden, and boys and girls play either in the play kitchen or with Legos, reports CNN. The Stockholm classroom uses the genderless pronoun “hen,” as opposed to "han" or "hon," to address children. "Society expects girls to be girlie, nice and pretty, and boys to be manly, rough and outgoing," a teacher told the AP. "Egalia gives them a fantastic opportunity to be whoever they want to be."

Sweden and three other Nordic countries are leaders in the global gender gap, and the Swedes are also at the forefront in legalizing gay and lesbian partnerships, according to the 2010 World Economic Forum. (Click to read about a Canadian couple raising their genderless baby, Storm.)

At Egalia, the Legos are fair game for anyone. (Shutterstock)

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Gender-Neutral Pre-School Cans the Words Boy, Girl

At Egalia preschool in Stockholm, everyone is a 'friend'

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