Transgender Students





How Teachers Can Support Transgender Students by Allie George

8 Things Parents of Trans Kids Want You To Know by Brynn Tannehill

Transgender Children and Youth: Understanding the Basics (Human Rights Campaign)

Parenting and Family (Gender Spectrum)

Youth Outright

20 comments:

  1. This to me has been my wow moment. I was talking to a friend about it and we both realized that we never had to face such sexually diversity! Even as a teacher 15 years earlier I can't recall any questions of sexual orientation brought to my attention. Just becoming aware of some of the challenges students and parents face on a day to day basis is a step in the right direction!

    ReplyDelete
  2. In my genetics class we talked about the broad spectrum of sex chromosomes and sex hormones. There really is not just male and female, it is so much more complicated than that. I am including a link to an article that may also be eye opening to those not in the field of science.
    http://www.nature.com/news/sex-redefined-1.16943
    I think the greatest thing we can do as techers is be suportive, be an advocate, and call out bullies.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This section, transgender student has been my "a-ha " moment. Just when you think you know everything, you learn something new. I had some idea, but didn't fully realize what transgender individuals go through, this makes me think of Jazz Jennings a young lady who shares her journey on TLC. It's an eye opener.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This section, transgender student has been my "a-ha " moment. Just when you think you know everything, you learn something new. I had some idea, but didn't fully realize what transgender individuals go through, this makes me think of Jazz Jennings a young lady who shares her journey on TLC. It's an eye opener. - Montse

      Delete
  4. Response to Transgender Students (I thought I posted this already but I guess the website did not publish my post a few days ago....)

    First of all- thank you for sharing the Youth Outright link! I am so glad to hear that this exists in the WNC region.

    1. I looked at the Youth Outright Events Page and it seems like there is at least one weekly 'Safe Space' Event. I hope that this is being utilized by students and creates a positive ripple effect for the rest of that students life. I also am eager to research what other sort of programs are occurring around the nation.

    2. In the 'Letter from A YO Youth' the child suggests that a way to stop the cycle of bigotry is to stop labeling people. I totally agree with this idea and acknowledge that stereotypes only exist to make it easier on the other person... instead of really getting to know the person they can just label as 'black or white' or 'gay or straight'.

    3. I also found out that this program hosts meetings for parents of LGBT teens which is appropriate for creating a safe place both at the home and at school. I think it is important for teachers to acknowledge that they also have to work with the parents and not just the kids!

    Question #1: Do you know how active this program is? How many kids attend the weekly events?
    Question #2: If bigotry and hatred is a learned trait is it possible to un-learn?

    AHA Moment: Communication is key and knowledge is power. 'Knowledge gives you the power to empower others.' By communicating with individuals directly and trying to understand their situation you can break down stereotypes. I remember this communication happening in my high school in a program called Bridge Builders--- bridging the gap between all different cultures. Great space for high school kids!

    ~Hannah Jeske

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think its totally possible to un-learn bigotry and hate, especially by being exposed to people who thwart your notions of stereotypes. However, some people use prejudice and hatred as a crutch to make themselves feel better than others, or as an outlet for their anger. These people might have to work through their deeper issues before they can change. Also, for some people prejudice is a big part of their political or family identity, and challenging that prejudice challenges their entire worldview.

      Delete
    2. I would definitely want to be a part of any schools bridge-builder group, and would passively just announce when meetings are in my classes. This is by far the best way to show support to students, without patronizing them, or being too forward and outright about a topic that they may feel uncomfortable with. Does this mean that students should still have the right to be uncomfortable and belligerent towards this particular groups of people? How does one advocate for something, while still respecting an opposing view? Even when I feel as though their views are bigoted and prejudice?

      Delete
  5. 1) I agree that its good to not make assumptions about the gender identity of students. Especially at a young age, there are tons of people who are in the closet, and many of them do not fit into LGBT stereotypes.

    2) I agree with scrapping boy-girl seating plans. I think gender segregation is unhealthy and unnatural to begin with. Without gender segregated schools, bathrooms, etc. I think people of all sexual identities would be much better off.

    3) I agree with supporting each students choice of name, and gender-specific pronoun usage. People have the right to identify themselves, and its destructive to look at yourself through the eyes of someone who does not understand you.

    I agree with challenging transphobia, but could this be problematic in certain schools? I understand that teachers are not supposed to get political or religious with their students. Although challenging transphobia is a matter of basic civil rights and human dignity, unfortunately not everyone sees it this way yet.

    I wonder why trans-feminine people have it the worst. It seems ironic that our society focuses heavily on feminine sexuality in advertising and media, both glorifying and demeaning women by portraying them as sexual objects- yet, at the same time, we look down on men who seek to be feminine.

    My aha moment came from reading that children are generally accepting of trans-gender students, while adults tend to be the issue. Children can be petty and mean. I guess this goes to show that transphobia stems from indoctrination, as opposed to natural instinct.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Because we grew up in an age where transgender is all around us and has become pretty nonchalant, it would either be difficult for me to:

    1) Not want to take that child under my wing, which could be seen as special treatment and result in additional ridicule from other students.

    2) Not provide enough attention and safety reassurance that they feel as though I am not a big enough ally, therefore will not confide in/trust me.

    This is a difficult topic to say "Oh yeah, I would just do this," the situation is too varied, and has a million factors to consider. All I can do is be there when they need me, I suppose.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Javier,
      I definitely get where you are coming from.
      There's definitely a difference in going to a classroom where a student says "I'm ____ and I use They/Them pronouns" and a classroom where a transgender student is being made fun of or harrassed for either presenting their gender in a certain or new way, transitioning, or being rumored to be transgender. I'd like to think every classroom has a safe atmosphere for trans or queer students, but I know it's not the case.

      It's even more complicated in the position of being a substitute teacher, I think.
      The permanent teacher may be more able to foster a safe space and maintain it, or address specific students who are behaving problematically or who are questioning/changing/championing their own gender identity. But what can a sub do in one class period? One day? Especially if you really don't know the students that well.

      So I guess you're right. All you can really do is be there if a studnet chooses to talk or confide in you. And address any rude or mean behavior of students (or adults honestly) in the classroom as the school rules allow.

      Delete
    2. I think that establishing some rules around respect might be helpful, or at least keep the antagonism to a minimum for the day you're in that class. Having students develop their own class rules / write what's important to them as far as behavior and classroom culture can encourage students to speak up and set their own boundaries based on what they experience on a day-to-day basis and what they feel is important. I know it's not much, but it is a means of holding students accountable for creating the kind of environment they want to be in. If you do it anonymously (either using post it notes that you collect and read out loud or an online tool like padlet, which is really awesome, by the way!), it will also give students a safe way to speak up.

      Delete
  7. I was making up a couple of Prize bags and had the thought that I should not divide it up into Boys stuff in one bag and girls stuff in another. Just put it all together so as not to genderize it! Even if no one in the class is trans..... they still don't need to be told what their prize should look like?

    ReplyDelete
  8. This has been my aha moment. Reading some of these articles has been an eye opener for me. It’s just been in recent years where you hear more and more children “coming out”.its so important for us as authority figures to make that child feel as comfortable with themselves as possible. And also make sure we educate the other children in class. I think they act out and bully when they are scared or confused with the situation. Kids tend to be sensitive so treating them and the situation as normal will make them feel more comfortable and they will grow up feeling confident in their own skin.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Transgender Children and Youth: Know the Basics

    Things I Agree With

    * Know the differences between Trans, gender-fluid, gender nonconforming, gender variant, etc. This not only helps your understanding of the child and their experiences, but it also may help a child if they feel comfortable talking to you about their identity.

    * Gender Dysphoria is not a mental illness but it affects the psychological health of the child and this can affect other aspects of their lives. Struggling with identity is not easy, especially for young children. It's even harder surrounded by cisgendered peers who don't understand.

    * Create a safe space for children of all identities.

    Questions

    * What are some good ways to skirt around gender specific culture in the school?

    * How can we begin to un-learn and to un-teach transphobia and biases, especially in schools/school districts that are unwelcoming to those ideas?

    A-ha Moment

    * It can be hard to recognize and to make distinctions between a child who is just pushing boundaries or exploring and someone who is asserting themselves in ways that are critical to their gender identity. Being respectful, accepting, and encouraging of both of those things is really important to the psychological and mental health of the child.

    ReplyDelete