The Genderbread Person: mapping the social media debate about inclusive sexuality education

Abstract

In June 2021, a member of the Belgian conservative political party (N-VA) sparked online controversy regarding inclusive sexuality education by criticising the Genderbread Person, an educational tool used to explain gender identity and sexual orientation. This study analyses the notion of childhood innocence in online debate about the Genderbread Person utilising a mixed-methods approach. Using the framework of anti-genderism and heteroactivism, it analyses resistance against and the support for informing children about gender and sexual diversity. Based on 673 tweets, the study identifies who features in this debate, which positions are articulated, and which discursive themes (de)legitimise inclusive sexuality education. Using qualitative analysis, we identify four discursive themes against and three in favour of inclusive sexuality education based on how children are represented in this online discussion. Our quantitative analysis indicates that social media debate is primarily supportive of inclusive sexuality education. However, the findings suggest anti-gender beliefs are beginning to find their way into Belgian online debate.