Play School to feature gay fathers
Australia's Play School is set to feature a child with two fathers in their “Through the window” segment for the first time in the show’s 50 year history.
The show, which is looking to showcase more diverse family structure to reflect the current makeup of Australian society, will also feature an adopted family, an extended family, a blended family and an Indigenous nuclear family in segments to be screened later this year.
"In these stories, we explore the relationships and bonds of a family. We will look at how they care for one another and share experiences, roles and responsibilities,” said Jan Stradling, executive producer of the show.
"All of these factors are common aspects that promote a sense of belonging for a child regardless of family type.
"The focus of the 'Through the Windows' segments is always on the child and the favourite activities they love to do with their families, the emphasis being on spending time together."
It will be the first time two dads will be featured on playschool. A similar segment ran in 2004, featuring now Puberty Blues actress Brenna Harding with her two gay mothers, but caused a furore. Then Prime Minister John Howard labelled the ABC’s decision to broadcast the segment as foolish. But in the 12 years since then, hopefully the conversation around gay parenting has evolved.
"While there are still many families with Mum, Dad and two kids, there is also a significant and growing number of blended families, same-sex parents, single parents, grandparents as primary carers and many more!," Stradling said.
"We don't see this as anything controversial, just a reflection of contemporary Australian life. We want preschool children from across the community to be able to see themselves as part of this very special show."
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