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Non-binary kindergarten teacher requests to be addressed by first name in Zoersel

In Zoersel, a non-binary kindergarten teacher is stirring controversy by asking to be addressed solely by their first name.

3 September 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

AI-generatedWritten by an AI system, editorially responsible — how we work

Archive photoPhoto: Reaverdrop at Dutch Wikipedia · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

At the municipal school Beuk & Noot in the Antwerp district of Sint-Antonius Zoersel, controversy has arisen around a new non-binary kindergarten teacher. This teacher has requested not to be addressed with the terms 'miss' or 'mister,' but only by their first name. This choice has led to various reactions within the local community.

The opposition party Vlaams Belang has intervened in the discussion, calling the situation unacceptable. They expressed concerns about the impact of this decision on young children, criticizing that, "She should not burden children of that age with her own identity crisis."

In contrast to the criticism, Mayor Katrien Schryvers (CD&V-Vooruit) has called for serenity and respect. She stated that the quality of a teacher is not determined by how someone is addressed. Schryvers emphasized the importance of how a teacher interacts with young children and engages in the classroom.

Archive photo: Non-binary kindergarten teacher requests to be addressed by first name in Zoersel — Archive photoPhoto: Targje · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

The issue has sparked a lively discussion among readers. Many people have differing viewpoints on the teacher's requests. Some readers believe there should be more space for diversity today, while others are concerned about the implications for the preschoolers.

Legal aspects of addressing teachers are also a topic of discussion. Questions have arisen regarding the rights and responsibilities surrounding how teachers are addressed in education. The municipal council may soon deliberate on these issues.

The situation in Zoersel serves as an example of the broader discussion about gender identity and diversity in schools, with local political parties and the community divided on how to address these matters.

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