A concerned mum says she’s in two minds about contacting her daughter’s school, following an incident that left her 11-year-old ‘embarrassed’ and feeling shamed.

The mum took to an internet forum to explain that her daughter, who is in year seven, has a non-binary teacher. Students have been instructed to refer to the teacher as Mx (Surname), pronounced ‘Mix’.

“When she started she said, ‘It’s obvious she’s a woman as she has boobs and a woman’s voice’ but that they were told they must only refer to her as Mx.

“My daughter thought it was a load of nonsense (as do I),” the mum explained. “But I told her that it’s best not to ruffle feathers and just go along with it because I don’t want her to be in trouble but I thought I’d have to keep a beady eye out for any problems.”

And just a few days ago, there was a problem, after her daughter accidentally misgendered her teacher.

“On Friday afternoon my daughter came back from school panicking because she accidentally called this teacher Miss when doing the register. They have to say “Here Mx” when their names are called and she said “Here Miss”. The teacher said “Really? I have been your teacher for 12 weeks now, you know my pronouns!” And moved on. My daughter went bright red and felt embarrassed.”

Now the mum is trying to decide whether to let the issue go, or take it further.

“I have gone back and forth, I’m really torn between saying something and leaving it because I don’t want my daughter to be a target because I’ve pissed a teacher off, or just be labelled a horrible bigot (let’s face it school will not see my POV).”

“It’s a subject she absolutely adores as well so I don’t want her to have any backlash because she struggles with certain subjects and so lives for the few she enjoys including this one.”

“So I’m wondering if I should email the school saying children should not be shamed for ‘misgendering’, this person is an adult and should be a bit more resilient and not expect children to put aide their subconscious and shirk reality, or should I wait to see if there’s any backlash before doing that? Obviously if there is I’ll defend daughter to the hilt but I am thinking about getting ahead of the game as the whole thing really pisses me off.”

Other mums responded to her dilemma, with a mixed response.

“You’re being massively unreasonable in not respecting this person.” One mum responded. “If they want to be Mix that’s their choice. Your daughter should call them that. Getting it wrong once or twice is normal, but deliberately snubbing the choice is not kind. I’d leave it. But stop telling your daughter at home that you think it’s ridiculous. It’s truly none of your business and saying Mx, as requested, is a respectful thing to do.”

While a former teacher sympathised with the student:”When I taught, the kids really couldn’t get the Miss/Mrs thing right. I’m not sure adding more complexity helps.”

What’s your opinion? Let us know in the comments below.