NAIS 2014

Presented by Dr. JoAnn Deak

and Sandra Luna

Exploring Gender Diversity: Implications for School Settings

2011: Application from a self-identified transgirl2012: Think Tank assembled with

JoAnn Deak, Ph.D.Diane Ehrensaft, Ph.D.Simone Marean, E.D., Girls Leadership InstituteShannon Minter, J.D., National Center for Lesbian RightsHeads and representatives from Girls Middle School,

Seattle Girls School, East Bay School for Boys, Pluralistic School One, and JMSG

Today: Education, examples, enrollment

Julia Morgan School for Girlsand the journey towards gender inclusion

Develop awareness about gender and gender diverse children and teens

Understand various medical, legal, psychological, and educational issues associated with gender diverse children and teens

Surface questions related to the needs of gender diverse children and teens in school settings

Identify resources that will inform decisions about policy, pedagogy, and community engagement

Establish a community of colleagues for ongoing dialogue and support

Why the Think Tankand Why this Workshop

The Complexity of GenderDimensions of GenderGender and CultureReflecting on our own experiences of gender

Emerging Understandings of Genderand Gender Diverse Children and Teens

Definitions: Assigned gender/biological/anatomical sex, binary Gender normative/cisgender Gender identity/affirmed gender, transgender Gender expression Gender nonconforming/gender variant/gender diversity Gender fluidity Gender queer Gender spectrum Sexual orientation Gender transition: internal, social, medical

Emerging Understandings of Genderand Gender Diverse Children and Teens

Gender and Medical ConsiderationsTypical questions and issues faced by transgender

chlidren and teens and their families/caregiversHormone blockersCross-sex hormonesSurgery

Medical, Legal, Psychological, and Educational Issues

Gender and Mental HealthWhat are some of the developmental issues related to

gender?What resources and support within the school

community might be needed?Implications of a GID (Gender Identity Disorder)

diagnosisDepression, self-harm

Medical, Legal, Psychological, and Educational Issues

Gender and the LawEvolving federal protections

Equal protection clause of 14th Amendment; 1st AmendmentTitle VII of the Civil Rights ActTitle IX impacts schools that receive federal funds but

suggested that it represents a baseline of care for all schools

Equal Access Act

Medical, Legal, Psychological, and Educational Issues

Gender and the LawState protections

California Assembly Bill 1266Massachusetts and Colorado have statewide policies in line

with AB 1266Colorado and Maine statewide human rights commissions

have held that state laws require schools to respect students’ gender identity

Many school districts, including Los Angeles Unified, have adopted similar policies

Employment: 15 states, DC, and 143 localities prohibit discrimination on basis of gender identity or expression

Medical, Legal, Psychological, and Educational Issues

Harassment and HostilityAddressing Bullying and Discrimination in Schools

Overarching question of gender and gender independent children and teens in schools

Privacy: Gender neutral bathrooms, locker roomsAthleticsSleeping accommodations for overnights

Medical, Legal, Psychological, and Educational Issues

“Entry Points”: More than accommodationsOverarching and comprehensiveAim for authentic understanding and respectIt is about being ready: education, education,

education … of faculty, staff, students, parents, board

Towards Gender Inclusion

Personal Entry PointsIndividual educator’s understanding of gender and

beliefs based on critical reflectionHow do these concepts of gender map onto your experience

at your school?What questions does it raise for you in the context of

education?Can you consider a non-binary concept of gender?

Towards Gender Inclusion

Structural Entry PointsInstitutional steps creating a foundation for gender

inclusive practicesPolicies/administrative regulations protecting gender

diversityModel policies created by California Safe Schools Coalition,

Gender SpectrumSystematic training of faculty and staffWritten materials and information about gender diversitySignage/visuals celebrating gender diversity

Towards Gender Inclusion

Structural Entry PointsInstitutional steps creating a foundation for gender

inclusive practicesStudent information systems allowing families to self-identify

their gender and preferred names and pronounsProcedures/forms that reflect a non-binary understanding of

genderRestrooms/facilities that provide options for privacy without

stigmatizing studentsEvaluate dress codes so they are respectful for all along the

gender spectrum

Towards Gender Inclusion

Interpersonal Entry PointsIndividual interactions and communications that

reinforce the school’s commitment to gender inclusionLanguage challenging binary conceptHelp students understand the difference between patterns

and rules

Towards Gender Inclusion

Instructional Entry PointsOpportunities for faculty, staff, students, parents, and

the board

Towards Gender Inclusion

What are some of the questions and concerns we have related to addressing the needs of transgender and gender independent students in school settings?

Questions and Concerns

Gender Spectrum, www.genderspectrum.orgNational Center for Transgender Equality,

www.nctequality.orgNational Center for Lesbian Rights, www.nclrights.orgTransgender Law and Policy Institute,

www.transgenderlaw.orgAmerican Civil Liberties Union, www.aclu.org/translawMedical Care for Gender Variant Children and Young

People: Answer Families’ Questions, National Health Service, www.gires.org.uk/sexologies.php

RHO Fact Sheet: Supporting Gender Independent Children and Their Families, www.rainbowhealthontario.ca

Online Resources

The Transgender Child by Stephanie Brill and Rachel Pepper

Gender Born Gender Made by Diane Ehrensaft, Ph.D.Transgender Rights by Paisley CurrahNAIS Trendbook 2013-2014, “Equity and Justice Outlook:

Gender Identity and Expression,” pp 88-95.

Contact Sandra LunaHead of School at Julia Morgan School for Girlssluna@juliamorganschool.org(510) 632-6000 x1285000 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94613

Other Resources