Creating Positive Changes 2017
Topic: Why Gender Matters: It's about every student
Biological Gender vs. Just Gender
We live in a binary country, our roles are male and female while other countries recognize gender being on a spectrum and not solely defined by physical anatomy. Beyond anatomy there are multiple domains defining gender. For example gender expression and gender identity create a multidimensional array of possibilities. Our youth is becoming aware and educated of these possibilities being real, and it is the validation they need to know they have a place in our rigid binary culture. Consideration of gender on a spectrum and fluidity, can open minds, save students, and save adults.
How can we help? How can we evolve so all children are included and feel included? We simply need to make changes on how we approach student's in the classroom, out on the field and in our community.
Hopefully this newsletter will provide some insight, tips, or just create a pause- to think about the impact when bio gender does not align with someone's gender expression and identity.
Cite:
Gender Spectrum, Understanding Gender www.genderspectrum.org
Simple words you can use instead of "boys & girls."
Avoid using gender identifiers to address your class
We can easily put a stop to that awkwardness for them by using gender free terms. Identifiers like Students, Scholars, Writers, Learners, Scientists, and/or Math Gurus (even the word "kids" ) are better!
Or Dancers, Musicians, Singers, Athletes, Scouts, Members... I think you all get it.
Making groups/lines without using gender identifiers
Be flexible and be kind to yourself
Breaking old habits is hard to do. Tell your class that you are trying to be gender neutral or gender inclusive- and when you slip up, make note of it- all students need to see that teachers are human, make mistakes, and try to make changes even when that may not be easy.
Other Like Examples:
13 Politically incorrect career titles
http://www.aol.com/article/2011/12/14/14-politically-correct-job-titles/20121850/
Using gender neutral language when writing
http://jerz.setonhill.edu/writing/grammar-and-syntax/gender-neutral-language/
Very Short List of Gender Terminology
Gender Expression: Refers to the ways in which people externally communicate their gender identity to others through behavior, clothing, haircut, voice, and other forms of presentation. Gender expression also works the other way as people assign gender to others based on their appearance, mannerisms, and other gendered characteristics. Many times transgender people choose to match their physical expression to their gender identity. Gender expression should not be viewed as an indication of sexual orientation.
Gender Role: This is the set of roles, activities, expectations and behaviors assigned to females and males by society. Our culture recognizes two basic gender roles: Masculine (qualities of a male) and Feminine (qualities of a female). Other cultures have three or more gender roles (something to think about).
Transgender: Sometimes used as a umbrella term to describe anyone whose identity or behavior falls outside of stereotypical gender norms. More narrowly defined, it refers to an individual whose gender identity does not match their birth assigned gender. Being transgender does NOT define or imply anyone's sexual orientation.
Sexual Orientation: Term that refers to being romantically or sexually attracted to people of a specific gender. Our sexual orientation and our gender identity are separate, distinct parts of our overall identity. Although a child may not yet be aware of their sexual orientation, they usually have a strong sense of their gender identity.
A link to a growing comprehensive list of LGBTQIA terms and definition:
Amy Jacques, School Counselor
Email: jacques.amy@newfairfieldschools.org
Website: https://sites.google.com/a/newfairfieldschools.org/mrs-jacques-7th-grade-school-counseling-corner/
Location: 56 Gillotti Road, New Fairfield, CT, United States
Phone: 203 312 5902
Twitter: @ARCJ1989