NAIS 2014 Presented by Dr. JoAnn Deak and Sandra Luna

2011: Application from a self-identified transgirl 2012: Think Tank assembled with JoAnn Deak, Ph.D. Diane Ehrensaft, Ph.D. Simone Marean, E.D., Girls Leadership Institute Shannon Minter, J.D., National Center for Lesbian Rights Heads and representatives from Girls Middle School, Seattle Girls School, East Bay School for Boys, Pluralistic School One, and JMSG Today: Education, examples, enrollment

Develop awareness about gender and gender diverse children and teens Understand various medical, legal, psychological, and educational issues associated with gender diverse children and teens Surface questions related to the needs of gender diverse children and teens in school settings Identify resources that will inform decisions about policy, pedagogy, and community engagement Establish a community of colleagues for ongoing dialogue and support

The Complexity of Gender Dimensions of Gender Gender and Culture Reflecting on our own experiences of gender

Definitions: Assigned gender/biological/anatomical sex, binary Gender normative/cisgender Gender identity/affirmed gender, transgender Gender expression Gender nonconforming/gender variant/gender diversity Gender fluidity Gender queer Gender spectrum Sexual orientation Gender transition: internal, social, medical

Gender and Medical Considerations Typical questions and issues faced by transgender chlidren and teens and their families/caregivers Hormone blockers Cross-sex hormones Surgery

Gender and Mental Health What are some of the developmental issues related to gender? What resources and support within the school community might be needed? Implications of a GID (Gender Identity Disorder) diagnosis Depression, self-harm

Gender and the Law Evolving federal protections Equal protection clause of 14 th Amendment; 1 st Amendment Title VII of the Civil Rights Act Title IX impacts schools that receive federal funds but suggested that it represents a baseline of care for all schools Equal Access Act

Gender and the Law State protections California Assembly Bill 1266 Massachusetts and Colorado have statewide policies in line with AB 1266 Colorado and Maine statewide human rights commissions have held that state laws require schools to respect students’ gender identity Many school districts, including Los Angeles Unified, have adopted similar policies Employment: 15 states, DC, and 143 localities prohibit discrimination on basis of gender identity or expression

Harassment and Hostility Addressing Bullying and Discrimination in Schools Overarching question of gender and gender independent children and teens in schools Privacy: Gender neutral bathrooms, locker rooms Athletics Sleeping accommodations for overnights

“Entry Points”: More than accommodations Overarching and comprehensive Aim for authentic understanding and respect It is about being ready: education, education, education … of faculty, staff, students, parents, board

Personal Entry Points Individual educator’s understanding of gender and beliefs based on critical reflection How do these concepts of gender map onto your experience at your school? What questions does it raise for you in the context of education? Can you consider a non-binary concept of gender?

Structural Entry Points Institutional steps creating a foundation for gender inclusive practices Policies/administrative regulations protecting gender diversity Model policies created by California Safe Schools Coalition, Gender Spectrum Systematic training of faculty and staff Written materials and information about gender diversity Signage/visuals celebrating gender diversity

Structural Entry Points Institutional steps creating a foundation for gender inclusive practices Student information systems allowing families to self-identify their gender and preferred names and pronouns Procedures/forms that reflect a non-binary understanding of gender Restrooms/facilities that provide options for privacy without stigmatizing students Evaluate dress codes so they are respectful for all along the gender spectrum

Interpersonal Entry Points Individual interactions and communications that reinforce the school’s commitment to gender inclusion Language challenging binary concept Help students understand the difference between patterns and rules

Instructional Entry Points Opportunities for faculty, staff, students, parents, and the board

What are some of the questions and concerns we have related to addressing the needs of transgender and gender independent students in school settings?

Gender Spectrum, National Center for Transgender Equality, National Center for Lesbian Rights, Transgender Law and Policy Institute, American Civil Liberties Union, Medical Care for Gender Variant Children and Young People: Answer Families’ Questions, National Health Service, RHO Fact Sheet: Supporting Gender Independent Children and Their Families,

The Transgender Child by Stephanie Brill and Rachel Pepper Gender Born Gender Made by Diane Ehrensaft, Ph.D. Transgender Rights by Paisley Currah NAIS Trendbook , “Equity and Justice Outlook: Gender Identity and Expression,” pp Contact Sandra Luna Head of School at Julia Morgan School for Girls (510) x MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94613