Illustration by Mark McGinnis. How many of the pride flags shown in the poster can you name? Hint the flags shown are: bisexual, gender queer, gay, transgender, pansexual, asexual, and intersex. Learn more about these terms and flags HERE.
Gender identity is a person’s internal sense of being male, female, both, or neither. Gender identity refers to a person’s internal experience that cannot be determined by others. (pg 6, Nova Scotia Department of Education guidelines on supporting transgender and gender non-conforming students). If you are new to this topic you may find yourself having to re-think ideas that have been reinforced for a long time. The resources below cover the basics.
By Mel Reiff Hill and Jay Mays
“a fun, colorful, community-based resource, which illustrates the beautiful diversity of gender – a gender 101 for anyone and everyone” (text from http://www.thegenderbook.com/)
Sex? Sexual Orientation? Gender Identity? Gender Expression? Know the Difference
From Teaching Tolerance magazine, Number 50, Summer 2015. An article by Joel Baum and Kim Westheimer
Health Across the Gender Spectrum
Created by Dr. Maya Adam of Stanford University School of Medicine
“This course offers an intimate, story-based introduction to the experiences of six transgender children and their families. Through illustrated stories and short teaching videos, learners will gain a better understanding of gender identity and the gender spectrum. Stanford physicians, K-12 educators, and transgender faculty members offer practical tips for parents, teachers, healthcare providers and anyone who wants to help create a more gender-expansive environment – one in which all people can live authentically. As a global community of unique individuals, we can begin to build a world that is ready to nurture and love each and every child.” (text from https://www.coursera.org/learn/health-gender-spectrum )
Education for Gender Inclusion 