![Just beastly Just beastly](https://cdn.magzter.com/1472106876/1688003109/articles/RunLflyQQ1688026255253/JUST-BEASTLY.jpg)
To take it from some media reports, the new consciousness of gender fluidity has broadened to embrace the animal kingdom. Children are now flocking to identify as animals.
To take it from other reports, this is largely an alt-right hoax intended to panic kindly liberals, and the world's schools are not, in fact, putting out litter trays and nosebags to cater for their self-proclaimed cat, dog and horse students.
To take it from the children themselves, longing to be a favourite animal is a normal part of being a kid, but if some adults suddenly want to indulge this fun fantasy, then woof, woof: let's see how far we can take this.
The writer knows of one canny three-year-old who identifies as a fox, because foxes are nocturnal and he takes strenuous issue with his ordained bedtime hours.
There is a potentially serious side to this, which is why a British school is in crisis after a staffer was taped defending a little girl's right to "be" a cat. The teacher assistant told other children who didn't believe she was a cat that they were being meanly unsympathetic.
Denne historien er fra July 8 - 14, 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra July 8 - 14, 2023-utgaven av New Zealand Listener.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
![Sights to behold Sights to behold](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1975175/2ioOuGw7t1738127313174/SIGHTS-TO-BEHOLD.jpg)
Sights to behold
Being blind didn't deter Aucklander FRASER ALEXANDER and his partially-sighted wife from travelling in Europe. Their memories were shaped by sound, touch and smell.
![Pages of delight Pages of delight](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1975175/-YO_Nbn761738128277768/PAGES-OF-DELIGHT.jpg)
Pages of delight
Charming survey of children's literature throughout the centuries should be treasured and reread.
![Heart of the matter Heart of the matter](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1975175/ERzhIOKDC1738127120741/HEART-OF-THE-MATTER.jpg)
Heart of the matter
Women are less likely to be diagnosed with heart disease than men, and less likely to get best treatment. Researchers are struggling with old stereotypes to right the balance.
![Balaclava beats Balaclava beats](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1975175/ePZoHnZJH1738128444503/BALACLAVA-BEATS.jpg)
Balaclava beats
Their paramilitary shtick is intentionally menacing, offensive and alienating, but to be fair to the hip-hop trio Kneecap, their infamous balaclava is disarmingly hilarious. Kneecap, the 2024 movie that offers a fictionalised account of their rise to fame, is a Bafta- and Oscar-nominated Northern Irish film sensation.
![Friends like these Friends like these](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1975175/t_sO01Wdv1738127806218/FRIENDS-LIKE-THESE.jpg)
Friends like these
One of the stranger characteristics of the populist oligarchy mobilising around Donald Trump's new administration is the interest taken in the domestic politics of the UK.
![Irresistible force Irresistible force](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1975175/A97sE4lgI1738127571291/IRRESISTIBLE-FORCE.jpg)
Irresistible force
A new documentary about gentle rugby giant Jonah Lomu reveals little but is a reminder of what made him special.
![Fleeing the nest Fleeing the nest](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1975175/pPLW-0iav1738126775246/FLEEING-THE-NEST.jpg)
Fleeing the nest
A tale of building a new life after an abusive relationship makes for an impressive debut.
![Life less ordinary Life less ordinary](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1975175/ABU2JlKjU1738126861446/LIFE-LESS-ORDINARY.jpg)
Life less ordinary
Chelsie Preston Crayford follows a big 2024 with a new comedy role and putting the finishing touches on her debut feature as a director and writer.
![Not on our watch Not on our watch](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1975175/lF6JuMTVR1738127994928/NOT-ON-OUR-WATCH.jpg)
Not on our watch
Nasa, one of the most technologically advanced organisations on the planet, made prospective astronauts take inkblot tests to determine their sexuality.
![No free lunch No free lunch](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/13970/1975175/gjM7cIDQC1738126069803/NO-FREE-LUNCH.jpg)
No free lunch
The new, cut-price school lunch programme will shut out many community providers. But will bulk-supplied meals meet children’s needs?