Carrie Fisher's daughter Billie Lourd was raised 'without gender'
It seems 2016 isn’t done with the heartache just yet. While we were still reeling from the news of George Michael’s death, we heard the tragic news that actress Carrie Fisher has also sadly passed away.
The 60-year-old Star Wars icon’s death came days after she reportedly suffered a heart attack while on board a flight from London to Los Angeles.
Releasing a statement, her 24-year-old daughter, Billie Lourd, said: “It is with a very deep sadness that Billie Lourd confirms that her beloved mother Carrie Fisher passed away at 8:55 this morning. She was loved by the world and she will be missed profoundly. Our entire family thanks you for your thoughts and prayers.”
But as we’re all still mourning the sad death of a Hollywood icon, it’s also an opportunity to reflect on the amazing life she lived. Not only was she an advocate for mental health issues and feminism, she spoke openly and honestly about her battles with addiction. As a result her life made a difference for so many people, in so many different ways. But it was perhaps her role as a mother that had the greatest impact.
Earlier this year, her daughter Billie gave an insight into her empowering upbringing, which saw her raised “without gender.”
“She told me to be true, and kind, and confident in yourself,” she told Teen Vogue in an interview. “She raised me to not think of men and women as different. She raised me without gender. It’s kind of the reason she named me Billie. It’s not about being a strong woman — it’s about being a strong person. She once told me, “I never sat you down with a credo. It was more about leading by example.”
And while this parenting move was undoubtedly unusual, Billie says that growing up free from the constraints of gender stereotyping has helped shape the person she is today.
Carrie Fisher isn’t the only celebrity to advocate a gender-free upbringing. Russell Brand and his model girlfriend, Laura Gallacher recently announced they would be raising their firstborn daughter, Mabel, gender neutral.
The 41-year-old comedian and actor says he doesn’t want his daughter to be restricted by male or female labels.
Speaking on the Jonathan Ross show before the birth of their first child he said: “We don’t know the gender I may not even ever impose a gender upon it, let the child grow up and be the whatever the hell it is, never tell it there is such a concept.”
As Billie Lourd continues to stamp her authority in the acting world with roles in the successful Scream Queens and a cameo alongside her mother in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, perhaps it’s the confidence her mother’s parenting style instilled in her that has contributed to her success.
Her approach to parenting is just one of Carrie Fisher’s many inspiring attributes because aside from acting, writing and empowering others, she was also a brilliant mum. Proof of which can be seen in the self-confidence and kindness displayed in her daughter Billie, that will thankfully live on. RIP Carrie Fisher, you will be sorely missed.
What do you think of Carrie’s parenting style? Let us know @YahooStyleUK
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