“The measure of intelligence is the ability to change “The measure of intelligence is the ability to change.” - Albert Einstein

Trans = short for transgender; an umbrella term. Typically means someone identifies differently from the sex they were assigned at birth .2-.3% of US population or about 700,000 people] In the UK - 1 in 250 people Cisgender - Refers to people who embody the gender associated with their birth-assigned sex.

“Dignity for All”-NYCLU* Report-June 2015 More than 50% of transgender youth avoid school “on a regular basis” and “dropout rates are staggering.” Transgender youth who continue school tend to have lower grade point averages and “are less likely to plan on continuing their education.” *New York Civil Liberties Union

Protection for Gender Variant Students Title IX Protection for Gender Variant Students Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 is a federal law, and compliance with this law is required for all educational institutions (k-Higher ed). Title IX prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex in education programs and activities. Discrimination based upon sex can include sexual harassment or sexual violence, such as sexual intercourse without consent, sexual assault, and sexual coercion. Title IX also prohibits gender based harassment, which may include acts of verbal, nonverbal, or physical aggression, intimidation, or hostility based on sex or sex stereotyping, even if those acts do not involve conduct of a sexual nature. The Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights (OCR) has indicated that failure to comply with Title IX can have serious repercussions for institutions, including loss of federal funding, and has sanctioned schools nationwide for failing to meet those standards.

Challenge the Gender Binary In many of our disciplines, our fundamental academic assumptions, texts, and research are focused on a strict adherence to the gender binary that largely ignores and invalidates transgender, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and intersex individuals. Continued references to “men” and “women” in the classroom can be alienating, and disparaging for some students. Acknowledge the limits of the texts and research you use: “This study only focuses on cisgender heterosexual men and women” or “This study only focuses on cisgender women”...

Incorporate New Phrases Use these phrases instead: “Individuals of all gender identities” or simply “people.” Use “partner” or “significant other” instead of “boyfriend/girlfriend” or “husband/wife”. Avoid titles such as “Mr.”, “Mrs.”, and “Ms.” Instead of calling the class “guys” use “folks” “everyone” “you all” “you” Also be aware of the assumptions you make about individuals who identify as “men” and “women”, especially around one’s body parts, gender expression or gender roles. One’s genitalia or chromosomes do not determine gender identity or expression.

Avoid Perpetuating Stereotypes Many of us enforce gender norms without even realizing it, but these stereotypes hurt everyone, especially transgender, gender non-conforming people and women. Think carefully about the messages in everything you do, teach, or communicate about gender. For example, are you complimenting girls more often on their appearance and boys more often on their athleticism? Do you imply there is something wrong with men who behave in stereotypically feminine ways? Do you discipline girls more harshly than you would otherwise if they seem “masculine” to you?

Shorter version of video 6:33 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5FW6ydgmkF8&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop Video made by Trans identifies students at the University of Connecticut - 12:00 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5HbIAK9ngg&feature=youtu.be Shorter version of video 6:33 Professor Sherry Zane University of Connecticut sherry.zane@uconn.edu

Challenging Bigenderism Famous Transgender People - Leslie Feinberg, trans activist and author of Stone Butch Blues -Laverne Cox, American actress and activist, Loren Cameron, He is an American transsexual activist, author and photographer who was born in 1959.Lili Elbe, was a Danish transgender woman and one of the first identifiable recipients of sex reassignment surgery. Aydian Dowling, the first transgender man on the cover of Men’s Health.Janet Mock, writer, t.v. host and advocate. Christine Jorgenson, an American trans woman who was the first person to become widely known in the United States for having sex reassignment surgery.