Good evening, I’m [INTRODUCE YOURSELF]. I’m glad to have the opportunity to share a little bit about common gender terms. We sometimes dive past basic definitions, which may cause confusion and misinformation. It’s important to be on the same page when we talk about policy that affects our students’ rights and protections.
So let’s talk about a few common terms and what they mean.
One of the most common gender terms is sex assigned at birth. This is what’s listed on a birth certificate when a baby is born. It’s based on medical factors, including your hormones, chromosomes, and genitals. Most people are assigned male or female.
When someone’s anatomy doesn’t seem to fit the typical definitions of female or male, they may be described as intersex.
It’s important to understand that the assignment of a biological sex may or may not align with what’s going on with a person’s body, how they feel, or how they identify.
These next two terms: gender identity and gender expression, work to go beyond the understanding of gender that is based solely on anatomy.
Gender identity is who you know yourself to be. This identity could be male, female, a combination of both, or entirely different. Your gender identity can match your sex assigned at birth or it could not.
Gender expression is how you choose to present yourself. This could include how you talk and walk, what you wear, how you do your hair, etc.
It is also important to remember that gender expression does not always align with gender identity. Both are expansive and specific to each person.
Individuals may identify with one or more of these terms:
- Cisgender: This is when your gender identity matches your sex assigned at birth.
- Transgender: This is when your gender identity is different from your sex assigned at birth.
- Non-binary: This is when an individual’s gender identity is not exclusively male or female, but rather falls somewhere in between, outside of, or as a combination of both.
- Gender diverse or expansive: This is a way to describe anyone who is exploring, expressing, and identifying their genders in ways that challenge cultural norms and expand our binary understanding of gender.
I realize that this might be a lot for some folks to absorb. I appreciate you all listening because listening is one of the biggest gifts we can give to each other these days.
Better understanding all of these terms helps us to be more gender inclusive with our students. This means respecting the identities of those around us, using inclusive language, and creating spaces where everyone feels safe and supported regardless of where they are on their gender journey.
Schools are meant to be a place where all children, regardless of gender, gender identity, or gender expression, grow and learn. I believe we are here to support all young people to be their authentic selves and pursue their dreams.
Thank you.
Sources:
Building LGBTQIA+ and Gender Affirming Schools – Guide
