Week #11: Transgender-Gender-Nonconforming Students & Woke Read Alouds
Reflection
The reading and video this week touched on gender identity and how this concept plays a role in schools and students' lives. In the piece “Guidance for Rhode Island Schools on Transgender and Gender Nonconforming Students,” the expectations in RI schools regarding this topic and therefore the treatment of students is outlined.
I was reflecting as I read this and also viewed the video of the reading for the book “It Feels Good to Be Yourself.” When I was in High School about seven years ago, I can remember two peers of mine who were experiencing a gender shift. One of them was born a girl. We had gone to grade school together, but in High School she began going by a different name, cut her hair, and explained she wanted to be referred to as a boy. Another peer seemed to have a similar experience, but vise versa, he was a boy who identified as a girl. I remember being a little confused, as this kind of thing was not as common just a few years ago, at least not publicly. However, my belief was always that people should do whatever makes them happy as long as it does not harm anyone. So, I was supportive and still consider myself an ally.
I do recall teachers and other students not being so accepting, and I imagine these guidelines were not yet created or at least not enforced. I say this because there was bullying from both students and teachers. I do remember teachers calling this student by their new name “Penelope,” because they must have been requested to. However, when there was a substitute the list must have not been updated officially and the subs would call them “Peter.” You could tell how humiliating that was for them, and I felt very sorry. Other students laughed and whispered. Having seen that kind of behavior and hostile environment, I can appreciate the guidelines outlined here as well as the accepting nature of the story read aloud. I think above all else it is important to teach children to be kind to one another, regardless of the subject matter.
One question I would pose to the class would be, at which age do you think it is appropriate for children to learn about gender identity? Is there such a thing as "too soon?" I found this interesting article about gender developmental stages and ways to support youth here: Gender Identity Development
Hi Georgie, your reflection highlights how much school climates have shifted and why clear, compassionate guidelines matter for students’ dignity. I appreciate how you connect past experiences to the present and raise an important question about when and how we introduce conversations about gender identity in age‑appropriate ways. As I stated in another peer's blog, maybe it can be taught in a casual way, where we acknowledge students’ identities without overwhelming them with concepts they may not be developmentally ready to unpack
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