11th October 2017 Assumptions NB: This PowerPoint uses Century Gothic as its font to be as accessible as possible for dyslexic readers. A starting slide to have up while class/year group assembles. The presentation is about making assumptions and how we all do it, but sometimes these assumptions aren’t correct. It will focus on the story of Holly who was assigned male at birth but identifies as a girl. This will be linked to Coming Out Day. For more information and resources about LGBT inclusion and transgender identities, contact info@lgtbyouth.org.uk Assumptions

Assumptions What assumptions might we make about this person? We all make assumptions every day. Who can tell me what “Making an assumption” means? What assumptions might we make about this person? “An assumption is something that you assume, or think to be the case, even without proof. For example, people might make the assumption that you're smart if you wear glasses, even though there’s way of knowing it’s true.” You can give the assembly some time to talk and then take some responses. Some children may ask if it’s a girl or a boy, but you shouldn’t give an answer at this point – ask which they think and why? Some may assume it’s a girl owing to the long hair. When taking suggestions, try not to confirm or deny anything which is suggested. If they are reluctant to provide assumptions, you could ask more direct questions: What type of music do they like? What do you think they do in their spare time? What’s their favourite food? Favourite subject? When the suggestions slow or stop, point out that there’s no way of knowing for sure if any of the assumptions are true without asking the person directly.

Assumptions My name is Holly. I like singing, riding my BMX and Lego. My favourite subject is art and my favourite food is pizza! You could ask if anyone had assumed that about Holly and why they thought that about them. You could also ask if they are surprised about anything.

Assumptions Sometimes people assume I’m a boy and I have to tell them I’m a girl. Most of the time it’s fine, but sometimes people don’t believe me! You could ask the assembly if any of them had though Holly was a boy and why they thought that. Let the assembly know that when Holly was born everyone thought she was a boy, because she looked like baby boys do so they gave her a boy’s name and brought her up as a boy. When she was old enough to know that that wasn’t right for her, Holly told her parents how she was feeling and they spoke to lots of people to help Holly live life in the way that feels right for her.

Here’s a film about a boy who’s gone through a similar journey to me! Assumptions Here’s a film about a boy who’s gone through a similar journey to me! Ryland’s Story Ryland’s story is a film about a boy who was assigned female at birth but identifies as boy. It’s simple and clear and while there is a lot of text, the message still comes across form the images shown. Content Note: There is a mention of suicide in the film. This can be discussed or not, it’s up to you.

Assumptions Some people don’t fit the assumptions made about them in terms of their gender (being a boy or a girl) or who they fall in love with. When they feel they want to let people know about that, it’s called ‘coming out’.

Assumptions People who come out often let people know by telling the people in their life they identify as either lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender. You could ask if anyone knows what these words mean, or just define them: Lesbian - a woman who falls in love with another women. Gay - A man who falls in love with another man. Some women identify as gay women rather than use lesbian. Bisexual - a person who falls in love with either a woman or a man. Transgender – Some people, like Holly, do not feel their bodies fit their gender i.e. boys sometimes feel they should have been born girls and girls feel they should have been born as boys. Some times they feel like neither and sometimes they feel like both.

Coming Out Day Since 1988, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people use the 11th October to recognise and celebrate the act of coming out, if they have. Not everyone who is LGBT comes out and that’s fine too. Those who do hope it will help celebrate the diversity in society and allow people to better understand what it is to be LGBT.

Coming Out Day So what can I do? Try not to make assumptions about people. Remember the world is made up of an amazing variety of people – if we were all exactly the same it would be boring! If you want further information about LGBT inclusion, resources for primary school, or supporting transgender young people you can visit www.lgbtyouth.org.uk or email info@lgbtyouth.org.uk