A few weeks ago I took my daughters (aged 2 and 3) to Tate Britain to look at some art, but also to try out the two children’s play areas which had been recommended to me. We were welcomed with gushing enthusiasm into both, greeted each time with an “Is it your first time here?”, accompanied by a patronising stoop which is meant to make you feel cared for, but makes people like me feel deeply suspicious .
How right I was to feel suspicious. Within minutes of entry we were assaulted by the contents of the bookshelves. Titles included My own way: Celebrating gender freedom for kids, Gender: A Graphic Guide from the makers of Queer: A Graphic History, and Kisses for Jet: A Coming-of-Gender Story. Not a single book that children actually want to read, let alone should be allowed anywhere near.
