Unit 4 Social Justice Seminar Presentation: Let’s Talk Transgender Presented by: Centennial Gay-Straight Alliance & Central Spectrum Alliance

What does transgender mean? Transgender: describes people whose gender identity is different from the sex assigned to them at birth Transgender can also be used to describe a broad range of identities and experiences that fall outside of traditional notions of gender. Trans: used as shorthand to mean transgender

Other Important Terms: Gender identity: a person’s deeply held sense or psychological knowledge of being a particular gender or being neither gender, regardless of the sex assigned to them at birth. Transition: the long, often complex process of changing one’s birth-assigned sex to match their gender identity.

Other Important Terms: Preferred Pronoun: a pronoun an individual chooses to identify with and would prefer others use when talking to or about that individual.

Other Important Terms: Sexual Orientation Describes an individual's physical, romantic and/or emotional attraction to another person. Gender identity and sexual orientation are not the same. Transgender people may identify as straight, lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, etc.

Students have the rights to: be transgender or to transition their gender free speech and free expression wear clothing that reflects their gender identity use a restroom/locker room that reflects their gender identity

Students have the rights to: privacy– a school should not disclose the student’s gender identity to other students OR to the student’s guardians– unless the student gives permission

Important Laws U.S. and State Constitutions: The U.S. Constitution and most state constitutions guarantee you equal protection under the law, the right to freedom of speech and expression, and the right to privacy. State Laws: Illinois has a law that prohibits discrimination, harassment, and/or bullying in school based on gender identity and/or expression. District Policy: Champaign Schools bans discrimination, harassment, and/or bullying in school based on gender identity and/or expression.

Important Laws Title IX of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: Title IX is a federal law that applies to all schools that receive federal funding; that’s all public schools and some private schools. Title IX prohibits discrimination, harassment, and bullying based on sex, which includes gender stereotyping. However, last week the Administration rescinded guidance on federal protections for transgender students. This means that transgender students in some areas of the country are left without protection from discrimination and harassment.

Ways to communicate acceptance & affirmation with trans students: Demonstrate Awareness Proactively create a safe environment by asking students how they like to be addressed: preferred name, gender pronoun, etc. Manage personal bias/disapproval Practice professional responsibility to make students feel safe and accepted Be aware of non-verbal cues and side comments Be okay with making mistakes with preferred pronouns, names, etc! Acknowledge mistakes and show effort toward improvement.

Jace Franciso, Central High School junior, will now perform his spoken word piece 