Gender What?Tips for Supporting Gender Identities in the Classroom

Avery Viehmann, Fall 2015 Professional Development Day

Terms and definitions

Sex: Biological marker of secondary sex characteristics; determined by chromosomes, hormones. Sex is assigned at birth by doctors and parents.

Gender: Identity category related to a spectrum of femininity and masculinity; influenced by (but not determined by) socialization

Gender expression: How an individual chooses to perform their gender identity (outward appearance: dress, mannerisms, activities)

Gender-variant: Gender expression that does not meet a society’s expectations for gender roles

Transgender: An individual whose gender identity does not match their biological sex; may or may not outwardly express this identity

Terms and definitions, cont.

Genderqueer/two-spirit/gender non-conforming/agender: Identity category that falls somewhere in the middle of the feminine/masculine spectrum (or not at all)

Intersex: A variation of sex characteristics (genitals, chromosomes) that do not match the categories male or female

Queer: Umbrella term used by LGBT individuals to indicate their non-conformity to standards of sexuality and/or gender

Assumptions

I don’t have any transgender/gender variant students in my classroom.

Trans students should be treated just like anyone else. They don’t need special consideration.

I don’t teach gender studies!I always treat my students fairly.

Challenges Trans/Gender non-conforming People Face

Preferred name is not on record

Preferred name does not match ID, or IDs don’t match

Being misgendered

Discrimination for housing, jobs, government aid

Psychological harm due to dysphoria, abuse, discrimination, lack of access to services

Threats of physical harm

What you can do in general

Respect preferred name, pronoun, gender expression/presentation. Do not question their choice.

Never assume gender identity or sexual orientation based on appearance or behavior.

Use gender-inclusive language (“they/them” not “he or she”).

Respect boundaries and privacy. Never “out” trans individual to anyone else.

What you can do in general, cont.

Correct others when they misgender the individual.Ask how you can support the individual.Recognize you will make mistakes; seek to correct

them, but do not make it about you.

What you can do in the classroom

Include gender identity in your anti-oppressive classroom practicesRecognize and challenge transphobia: model behaviors

Misgendering; assumption of gender roles/identity; binary gendered language; making jokes or mocking gender, sexual identity

Assume ignorance; explain why transphobic behaviors are harmfulChallenge the gender binary; not everyone fits female/male

categoriesAttend Safe Zones training at Highline (contact Josh Magallanes for

info; dates TBA)

What you can do in the classroom, cont.

Teach students to speak up: “upstander” vs. “bystander”Ask students their preferred names and gender pronouns the first

day of classMake sure students know their resources on campus and in the

communityOn campus: Counseling Services, Queer Straight AllianceIn the community: Trans Lifeline; Seattle Counseling Service; Northwest Network;

Lambert House; Gay City

Include gender connections in the classroom where possible

In short...

Yes, treat gender non-conforming students “just like everyone else”: with compassion, respect, and consideration for their identities. Don’t just assume you treat students fairly; make efforts to cultivate an environment that actively seeks to eliminate oppression.