SLIDESMANIA.COM Supporting Our Gender Nonconforming Students With Language SLIDESMANIA.COM When someone with the authority of teacher describes a world and you are not in it, there is a moment of psychic disequilibrium, as if you looked into a mirror and saw nothing. Yet you know you exist and others like you, that this is a game with mirrors. It takes some strength of soul - and not just individual strength, but collective understanding - to resist this void, this non-being, into which you are thrust, and to stand up, and demand to be seen and heard (Rich) ― Adrienne Rich, Blood, Bread, and Poetry: Selected Prose, 1979-1985 What Does Gender Nonconforming Mean? SLIDESMANIA.COM Gender variance, or gender nonconformity, is behavior or gender expression by an individual that does not match masculine and feminine gender norms.1 Supporting With Language 01 SLIDESMANIA.COM 02 Why pronouns matter Some gender inclusive pronouns 03 Why is it important for to respect gender pronouns? 04 How can we be inclusive in supporting and using gender pronouns? What are pronouns? SLIDESMANIA.COM Pronouns are words that refer to either the people talking (like you or I) or someone or something that is being talked about (like she, they, and this). Gender pronouns (like he or them) replace a person or people’s name(s) and specifically refer those about whom your are speaking. People may choose to use a variety of pronouns. Below is a list of some commonly used pronouns and how they are used: Using Gender Pronouns SLIDESMANIA.COM This is not an exhaustive list. It is good practice to ask which pronouns a person uses. Never require anyone to share their pronouns. They may not be comfortable doing so. Why is it important for St. Thomas Staff and Student to respect gender pronouns? 1. SLIDESMANIA.COM Asking St. Thomas staff and students what their gender pronouns are and consistently using them correctly is one of the most basic ways to show your respect for their gender identity. 2. Discussing and correctly using gender pronouns sets a tone of allyship. It can truly make all of the difference, especially for new students who may feel particularly vulnerable in a new environment. 3 You can't always know what someone's gender pronoun is by looking at them. When someone is referred to with the wrong pronoun, it can make them feel disrespected, invalidated, dismissed, alienated, or hurt. 4. Many people may be learning about gender pronouns for the first time, so this will be a learning opportunity for the St. Thomas community. You will be setting an example for your students. How can we be more inclusive in using and respecting gender pronouns? Edit your email signature to include your pronouns. Melissa Martin (she/her/hers) Program Head of English English Teacher St. Thomas Catholic Secondary School SLIDESMANIA.COM Verbal Introductions and check-ins Asking about a person's pronouns may initially feel awkward or uncomfortable, but it is preferable to making hurtful assumptions and using the wrong pronoun. “What pronouns do you use?” “How would you like me to refer to you?” “How would you like to be addressed?” “Can you remind me which pronouns you like for yourself?” “I’m Mrs. Martin and my pronouns are she/her/hers. What about you?” Wear a pronoun button or attach a sticker to your teacher ID SLIDESMANIA.COM ● It is okay if you make mistakes. Apologize, don't make a big deal about it, and try to get it right the next time. ● If you don't know and don't have an opportunity to ask, genderneutral "they", "them", and "theirs" are appropriate. SLIDESMANIA.COM Thanks for creating an inclusive environment for all students! Resources SLIDESMANIA.COM https://ok2bme.ca/ https://www.youthline.ca/ LGBTQ2S+ Terms https://lgbt.ucsf.edu/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jjJ_9voef4 (Tommy Mayberry)
