Conversations: Gender

 

In the history of our school system and in our history in general, there has not always been equality in one's rights - and it’s something we are still working toward. It has always been assumed that it was the white well bodied men who had the rights. There have been movements in Civil Rights for quite some time, but it is only in recent history that gender equality has really been addressed. This is now taking place in schools and RIDE has supported this movement via the Guidance for RI schools on Transgender and Nonconforming Students. As  teachers, it is our role to create a safe and welcoming environment for all students despite what our personal thoughts and opinions may be on a given situation or topic. 

As this is a relatively new topic for me to encounter in school, I appreciate reading through and becoming clear on definitions so that I am able to listen to a student with a deeper understanding. I appreciate reading the guidelines so I know my role on what is expected of me. I especially think the section on PRIVACY, CONFIDENTIALITY, AND STUDENT RECORDS is important because although that seems to be common sense, some may not see it as being private. I also think it’s important that teachers know “Transgender and gender non-conforming students have the right to discuss and express their gender identity and expression openly and to decide when, with whom, and how much to share private information.” Students should not be silenced on any aspect of who they are: religiously, culturally, or emotionally. Therefore, it’s important that teachers receive training and knowledge on how to allow  students to discuss their whole selves regardless of how comfortable that teacher is with whatever topic.  

As a parent, I wonder about the section in the guidance about restrooms and locker rooms. More so about locker rooms where changing takes place in the open. I see that students who are transgender and non-conforming are able to choose to use the space that corresponds to their gender identity and as the document goes on, it discusses that some students may be uncomfortable with this. While it mentions the student identifying as transgender or non-conforming are able to ask for “a privacy partition or curtain, permission to use a nearby private restroom or office, or a separate changing schedule” if they are uncomfortable, the document doesn’t state that cisgender students are able to ask for the same. I wonder if that inconsistency brings an equal sense of “safe and supportive environment” to all students.  I wonder if even though it’s not written specifically into the document, all students are able to ask for the same supports and that it would be honored equally.

In our reading of “Queering our Schools” by the Editors of Rethinking Schools parent and teacher, Karl stressed “education rather than law...how to talk to students” and in the RIDE Guidance we read about the need to “foster understanding of gender identify to create a school culture that respects and values all students.”  So if anti-bullying campaigns aren’t getting the work done because they are focusing on the bully rather than social justice, what is the plan on how to educate students?  What about starting with the parents? 

Knowing the law says that “Transgender and gender non-conforming students have the right to discuss and express their gender identity and expression openly” but schools are worried “about backlash from parents'' when it comes to adopting “school wide approaches that open up discussion of LGBTQ rights and homophobia”, I wonder if parents could be invited to the conversation first (pg 23). I wonder if the schools and teachers team together to discuss first the laws and rights and create a plan if parents would be more knowledgeable; therefore more understanding about what the school is doing - even if they may not agree with it.  Also, then parents would know how to speak with their students as well and education will be taking place both at home and in schools. Why?

Because “when you invite kids to talk openly and ask questions about gender and sexuality, you have to be ready for whatever happens. It’s trickier than geometry. But it’s also a critical key to building community where no one is silenced, where everyone’s reality is recognized and valued” pg 23 Queering Our Schools). People’s realities will collide. Will teachers be prepared to also respect the point of view of ALL perspectives? We tend to challenge perspectives we don’t agree with instead of listening. Will students of all perspectives be heard and respected? There are families with strong beliefs on this topic and while they may not agree, they do need to be respectful and understanding of other points of view and vice versa. The following paragraph makes me hopeful (I have however seen teachers tell students they are not allowed to share their religious beliefs at school. This should not be!):

I wonder how the topic on gender will be rolled out. As with any sexual topic, age appropriateness should be considered. Young Children should not be exposed to everything all at once or even introduced to something at a certain age.  I believe watching  the documentary, “It’s Elementary” will be insightful for me. 

Creating a safe and respectful space for all through education for all is key here!