Adapting Language for Diverse (A)Genders, Bodies, and (A)Sexualities

Visit Adapting Language for Diverse (A)Genders, Bodies, and (A)Sexualities for:

1. clear infographics (see above for examples),

2. a checklist with advice for challenging situations such as:

3. and a statements-editing activity from a workshop by SextEd (a free and confidential texting helpline that answers questions about sex, dating, and health within 24 hours) and ACCM (AIDS Community Care Montreal).

“We also know it can be challenging to use inclusive language when students, peers, or service users don’t, or they’re not familiar with the practice. In these cases, you can still take the time to gently explain why you speak or write the way that you do: to respect the diversity in people’s sexualities, genders, and bodies. If someone asks why you phrased something a certain way, you can take the time to explain why.

In situations where a person is asking a question or speaking in a way that isn’t inclusive, you can....

— Use phrases like “Yes, men, or anyone with a penis, can get an erection at random.”

— Gently remind them of identities they didn’t include in their statement or question, “Yeah, for sure. But I also
think it’s important to keep in mind that some men don’t have penises, and some women do, to make sure we’re
being inclusive.””

— SextEd & ACCM

Teacher Moves: "But what do I say?" Responses to Gender Questions

Check out this selection of teacher responses to possible put-downs or questions about gender. The main rule of thumb is to be affirming and respectful of a preference or viewpoint while maintaining a safe space for emotional and intellectual challenge. Easy, right? /sarcasm

Link: http://www.welcomingschools.org/pages/be-prepared-for-questions-and-put-downs-about-gender/

Excerpt:

• Question: “But he’s a boy, why does he dress like a girl?”

• Response(s): “There are lots of different ways that boys can dress and lots of different ways that girls can dress. There are lots of ways that people of any gender can dress. All of these things are OK in our school. Those are the kinds of clothes that he likes to wear? What kinds of clothes do you like to wear?”

• Question: “You overhear a student call another student who identifies as a boy, a “girl” in an insulting way.

• Response(s): “That’s not OK at our school to call someone a “girl” to insult them or make them feel bad. We don’t use gender as a put-down.”