A little everyday sexism

I had a strange experience this morning. After having our barcodes scanned at Diamond Creek parkrun’s annual Pride event, my friend and I headed straight to D’s athletics event. As we were talking, one of the organisers tapped my friend on the shoulder and asked her to help with what was already under way. I said that I would do it. “I’m not being sexist, but we prefer the mothers to help!” was the response I got. “She’s not a mother, and I am the father of a participant,” I said, somewhat taken aback. The organiser then continued to explain to my friend what was required. We ended up doing it together anyway.

The number of incorrect assumptions made by this organiser astounds me.

As does the deployment of “I’m not being sexist, but…” before such a sexist statement.

Let’s not be that organiser!

D went on to have a great event and we were all very proud of him.