The authors of this article, Jen Gilbert and Julia Sinclair-Palm, highlight the challenges of trans students, the lack of trans representation in the education system, and the ways in which educators can create safe environments for trans students. Trans students and their allies are “fighting for access to equal educational opportunities, including the right to access bathrooms (toilets) and changing room facilities, play on sports teams, and use their preferred pronouns” (Sex Education). For example, the Trump administration has revoked a number of policies meant to protect trans youth from discrimination in school.These rights are critical for a trans student to feel accepted, included, and seen in the education system.
Many trans scholars and educators address the lack of trans voices and representation in the creation of policy. For someone who may be in the process of transitioning, it would be incredibly beneficial to hear stories from trans people and to see these people’s stories represented in the education system. It is also important to note that there is no singular origin story for trans youth development: everyone’s story is different and that is why providing many resources to students helps them in their journey. Another way to support trans students is to educate school counsellors, teachers, and staff about how to better respond to their needs. For example, this could be educating staff about the constantly shifting gender vocabularies.
For my assignment, after I discuss the findings of Jen Gilbert’s article, I will then find two articles that discuss the ways in which the education system can support and include trans students. The topics I listed above are going to be some of the main points I will talk about but in detail and from other scholars/educator’s viewpoints.
Hello Amber. I really liked how you gave examples of what you were trying to explain as it really helps us understand what you are talking about. One thing I would say you should work on is having a reference at the end just to be safe. I also like how your outline of what you are going to do next is short and simple. Really easy to follow and straight to the point.
Hello Amber! That all sounds great. I agree with you and think that it is important for this to be talked about in schools and for trans students to be heard. I think it might be beneficial to talk more about how it is hurtful to not have this information not already included in the curriculum and then talk about how to support implementing more information into the curriculum. I think this is definitely an important conversation to be had and you seem to be nailing it on the head so far!
I absolutely agree and love that you chose this topic. Sex education does not include out LGBTQ+ youth and it needs to. Everybody deserves to learn how to have safe and healthy sex. All students should be able to have their questions answered with confidence. I also chose this topic and I love the way you talked about it!
Hi Amber,
It sounds like your plan is on point for your project! You have a clear plan!
I like your writing style in your blog and the ways that you advocated for trans kids throughout. You made some really important suggestions for educators and education students: Making sure that proper pronouns are used, working towards a reduction in discrimination, the need to feel “accepted, included and seen in the education system” and most importantly for trans students to have a voice.
Thanks so much!
Best wishes!
Dani
Hey Amber!
I also think sex education is an incredibly interesting topic. It’s a curriculum I’d also like to explore more with this course. It’s such a controversial topic that really should be more inclusive to all of the walks of life. Good luck with your summary!