What is gender identity?
Gender is a range of characteristics pertaining to, and differentiating between, masculinity and femininity. The traditional binary nature of gender does not account for those young people that do not conform to such tradition gender roles. It therefore makes sense to consider gender existing on a spectrum.
Why is it important for teachers to know about gender identity?
A child can start questioning their gender at any age. Therefore, it is crucial that schools know how to support pupils that are questioning their gender identity, whether they want to ‘out’ this to other students, or whether they would prefer not to.
What things might schools and teachers have to think about when it comes to gender identity?
Some schools may have had experience with a trans, LGBT, or questioning student before, whereas for others this may be all new. Think of it like teaching maths: some prefer the grid method, some like chunking and others use their fingers – we are all different!
Familiarising yourself with gender identity, and common mental health problems, is a big step towards a staff body that feels confident in supporting their pupils.
3 top tips!
- It is crucial that schools know how to support pupils that are questioning their gender identity.
- Always ask in private what pronouns a student prefers, and what their preferred name is.
- Young people who are questioning their gender identity are at a greater risk of bullying due to the discrimination they face.
