Be The Change

Bias Awareness

Royce and Jessica James became acutely aware of gender biases and their pervasive impact on daily life. Jessica recalled a moment when she realized her teachers never expected her to excel in math simply because she was a girl. This realization prompted her and Royce to question societal norms and how they influence perceptions of gender from birth 1. They recognized that these biases are often perpetuated through small, seemingly inconsequential choices, which collectively uphold systems of unfairness 2.

Change doesn't happen in dramatic moments... These happen in the little decisions that we make every day.

--- Royce James

Their journey of awareness led them to challenge these norms in their parenting approach.

   

Parenting Norms

In their quest to counter societal norms, Royce and Jessica faced challenges in parenting their daughter, Isis. Jessica vividly remembered an incident where hospital staff dressed her newborn in pink, reinforcing traditional gender roles. This experience highlighted how language and clothing influence perceptions of identity from a very young age 3.

When my baby is in what people consider to be boys clothes, yellow, they would say, oh, look at that strong baby.

--- Royce James

Jessica and Royce's commitment to raising a strong and powerful daughter, free from gender constraints, was tested repeatedly, yet they remained steadfast in their beliefs 4.