Supporting LGBTQ+ Students and Staff at Harper.
Teacher Roxanne (They/Them)�Paraeducator III
Mx. Makenzie or Rae (They/Them)
Paraeducator III
Meet Your Presenters!
L - Lesbian
G - Gay
B - Bisexual
T - Transgender
Q - Queer/Questioning
I - Intersex
A - Asexual
Non-binary – An umbrella term for gender identities that are not exclusively masculine or feminine.
Transgender – Sometimes this term is used broadly as an umbrella term to describe anyone whose gender identity differs from their assigned sex. It can also be used more narrowly as a gender identity that reflects a binary gender identity that is “opposite” or “across from” the sex they were assigned at birth.
Cisgender – Refers to people whose Gender identity aligns with their assigned sex at birth (cis- from Latin, meaning, “on this side [of].” In contrast to trans, from the Latin root meaning “across,” “beyond,” or “on the opposite side [of]”).
Source: https://www.genderspectrum.org/articles/language-of-gender
Gender binary – A system that constructs gender according to two discrete and opposite categories: boy/man and girl/woman. It is important to recognize that both cisgender and Transgender people can have a gender identity that is binary.
Gender identity – Our deeply held, internal sense of self as masculine, feminine, a blend of both, neither, or something else. Identity also includes the name we use to convey our gender. Gender identity can correspond to, or differ from the sex we are assigned at birth. The language a person uses to communicate their gender identity can evolve and shift over time, especially as someone gains access to a broader gender vocabulary.
Source: https://www.genderspectrum.org/articles/language-of-gender
Sex – Used to label a person as “male” or “female” (some US states and other countries offer a third option) at birth, this term refers to a person’s external genitalia and internal reproductive organs. When a person is assigned a particular sex at birth, it is often mistakenly assumed that this will equate with their gender; it might, but it might not.
Sexual Orientation – “...describes a person’s enduring physical, romantic, and/or emotional attraction to another person (for example: straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual).”
Source:https://www.glaad.org/how-sexual-orientation-different-gender-identity
Transphobia – The root word “phobia” means an irrational fear of or aversion to something- in this case, to transgender and nonbinary people. However, this term is very commonly used to mean the hatred and discrimation that transgender and nonbinary people face, or any anti-trans sentiment or actions.
Cissexism – or the discrimination against and oppression of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming people.
Source: https://www.nccj.org/cissexism
Coming out – Coming out is the process of voluntarily sharing one's sexual orientation and/or gender identity with others. This process is unique for each individual and there is no right or wrong way to come out.
The term “coming out” has also been broadened to include other pieces of potentially stigmatized personal information. Terms also used that correlate with this action are:
"Being out" which means not concealing one's sexual orientation or gender identity,
and "Outing, " a term used for making public the sexual orientation or gender identity of another who would prefer to keep this information secret.
Source: https://lgbtqia.ucdavis.edu/educated/glossary
Gender dysphoria - First, let’s look at the word “dysphoria.” According to Merriam-Webster, dysphoria is “a state of feeling very unhappy, uneasy, or dissatisfied.” So, in the broadest sense, gender dysphoria is when someone feels very unhappy, uneasy, or dissatisfied in relation to their gender.
This is something many people experience, including feeling a tension between how someone feels about their body compared to how society genders their body, or a conflict between how someone sees themselves in contrast with expected gender roles or expectations
Source: https://www.genderspectrum.org/articles/language-of-gender
Gender and Culture
In American culture, it’s easy to assume the gender binary is natural (a sort of “default setting”), and anything else is new or out of the ordinary. In fact, many cultures throughout history have recognized more than two genders!
Mashoga (Kenya)
Mangaiko (Congo)
Travestis (Brazil)
Muxe (Mexico)
Waria (Indonesia)
Xanith (Oman)
Femminielli (Naples)
Sworn virgins (Balkans)
Mollies (England)
Ashtime (Ethiopia)
Khanit (Oman)
Fa'afafine (Samoa)
Fakaleiti (Tonga)
Calalai/ Calabai (Sulawesi)
Lakin on (Philippines)
Tomboy (Philippines)
Hijra (India and Pakistan)
Mahu wahine (Hawaii)
Mahu vahine (Tahiti)
Whakawahine (New Zealand Māori)
Ia (Te Reo Maori)
Akava'ine (Cook Islands Māori)
Bakla (Tagalog)
Two Spirit (Native American)
Guevedoche (Dominican Republic)
Kwolu-aatmwol (Papua New Guinea)
Tre’vell Anderson - Gender is a Scam: Defining Yourself for Yourself
"Through the use of historical instances of trans, nonbinary and gender expansive identities, this keynote contextualizes contemporary trans and queer visibility. Audiences are compelled to decolonize their language and deconstruct that which they’ve been taught about gender."
Discussion
Please click link here:
https://www.stonewallscotland.org.uk/about-us/news/15-things-lgbtq-people-colour-want-you-know
In this part of the presentation, we will be reading about 15 things LGBTQ people of color want you to know. We will be concentrating on listening, reflecting, and applying the knowledge gained from this article.
Guiding question: What changed, challenged, or confirmed what you already knew?
Praxis
Putting theory into action
“We should get to share pronouns and what we want to be called on the first day, at roll call.”
“Some kids are out at school but not with family, so teachers should ask kids who it’s okay to tell when a student comes out to them.”
“We should have more inclusive lessons about how to respect different types of people, especially non-binary people.”
“I want to see incorporation of all genders into specific topics in all classes.”
“If you deadname or misgender someone, don’t say ‘sorry’-that makes them feel like they need to say ‘it’s okay’ back, when it’s not okay. Instead, say ‘thank you for reminding me.’ ”
“In P.E., they split us up by boys and girls sometimes for exercises. They should change their gendered lessons.”
“Teachers should offer resources for trans and queer kids specifically. Especially in Health class.”
“Kids need resources for binding* safely!”
*binding here means chest binding
What Harper Students Want You to Know
Entry Points
At what levels can we create change?
(Source: Gender Inclusive Schools, GenderSpectrum.org)
Internal
What we know/believe
Instructional
What and how we teach
Interpersonal
How we engage with others
Institutional
Systemic level: administrative regulations, district policies, laws
Today, we’ll be focusing on the Internal, Instructional, and Interpersonal entry points.
Internal
Instructional
Interpersonal
Getting Started
Roll-Call & Response
On the first day of class, call out last names and have students respond with the first name they want to be called.
(Source: Gender Inclusive Schools Toolkit, Gender Spectrum)
Spell It Out
Consider letting students tell you their name and pronouns in writing-they may feel safer sharing that with just you.
Never Assume
If somebody hasn’t told you their pronouns, even if you feel sure of their gender, use “they/them” pronouns until they let you know what their pronouns are!
Lead the Way
You can model and normalize inclusive behavior for your students by giving your own pronouns when you introduce yourself.
Mistakes Are Normal-Just Keep Working!
Closing Activity
What is something you will try to make your classroom more inclusive…
Consider what you do daily in the classroom and think of concrete changes you could make.
Share your idea in the chat!
Resources
DJUSD Resources and Policies
Teaching Resources
Local Organizations
Thinkers/Creators
More Information
Special Thanks to Kellie Sequiera, Kate Snow, Nick Gallaudet, Tovah Skiles, Mike Dufresne, and Jacquelina Orozco for your feedback, resource sharing, and support!