From Glocal Sources

A Canada-based non-profit organization launched a Kickstarter campaign for Sam, a nesting doll dubbed as the world’s first educational transgender toy. Sam is designed to help teach children and parents about gender identity, enabling families to better understand what it means to grow up transgender, and empathize with those who are emotionally struggling through this phase.

“Most gender-questioning children are born into cultures that don’t accept them. They are often subjected to physical, verbal and sexual harassment leading to feelings of rejection, isolation and confusion,” reads the Kickstarter page. With Sam, developer Gender Creative Kids Canada hopes to build a safe place in which “coming out” is accepted. Aside from educating families about gender-diverse people, the nesting doll also seeks to battle transphobia, shedding light on its negative impacts.
Sam consists of six layers that represent each stage of gender exploration. The innermost part is a heart, which signifies the true self. This heart is encased in a layer that depicts Sam as a happy toddler, still unaware of what gender is. The next layer shows him exploring his preferences through various means of play, followed by a questioning stage in which he starts to observe and question cultural gender norms. The fourth layer shows Sam conflicted with his internal feelings in response to the expectations of society, while the fifth shows him isolating himself from society due to feelings of unacceptance. The last layer is a happy Sam who is supported and free to express his gender identity.

The nesting doll comes with a pocket booklet that serves as a guide on how parents can answer questions their children might have about gender identity. An e-book version is available as well. Sam is also featured on a short film on YouTube created by Rodolphe Saint-Gelais and Roméo & Fils, which illustrates Sam’s emotional path to coming out, starting when he was a baby.

Sam is designed for children ages three and up. Once funded, shipping will start September 2017.

IMAGE: The nesting doll aims to educate families about gender identity, and help them understand and empathize with those who are struggling with it.
Source: Kickstarter

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