Understanding Gender Diversity
What makes us as human beings diverse?
Image from https://www.aauw.org/resources/member/governance-tools/dei-toolkit/dimensions-of-diversity/gender-identity/
There is a multitude of ways we are all different; from how we look to the language we speak or even our preference types or styles. It is our differences that make us all individually spectacular. So why in a world where so many choices and options encourage individuality, there is a parallel component that wants to do just the opposite? It is how we embrace different individual cultures, stories, and life experiences that define our society as a whole.
Watching the Laramie Project struck a chord as a person, and even more so as a mother. The documentary provided the heartbreaking details, and testimony of the people in Laramie, Wyoming. Throughout the entire film, I couldn’t help getting emotional trying to imagine how I would have felt if such an act of hate was done to my son. Matthew Sheppard had his entire life ahead of him, and because of his sexual orientation and the lack of understanding from two young men, he is no longer alive to spread all he had to share with the world. That is a harsh and heartbreaking realization of what could have been done to prevent such a horrific crime and what needs to change to ensure that what happened to Matthew, does not happen again.
So, why is understanding gender diversity so important? It is Matthew Sheppard’s story and the stories of many other men and women who are afraid to share parts of themselves due to what could happen to people who do not understand. Education and awareness are key to spreading understanding. As future educators providing a safe environment for all students is essential. Gender-diverse students often report feeling unsafe at school, avoiding gender-specific spaces, and experiencing harassment at school (American Psychological Association, 2021). Students are in school for most of their day; therefore, the significance of modeling gender-inclusive language and behavior (American Psychological Association, 2021) can help spread awareness and understanding to all students. Real change takes time, but consistency as teachers to show respect for all students, encourage peer talks, and open the dialogue can make conversations easier for students.
Conversation can be implemented by discussing further the feelings and mental health of LGBTQ youths and young adults. As expressed in the Trevor Project 2022, 73% of LGBTQ youth reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety and 58% of LGBTQ youths reported experiencing symptoms of depression. To be experiencing such high levels of anxiety and depression at such young ages expresses the need for more conversations and education for all students. Students today are faced with even further challenges with social media platforms that can bring cyberbullying and other forms of hate to students. The fear is so real to many students that the top reason LGBTQ youth who wanted mental health care but were unable to go stated it was because they feared discussing their mental health concerns (The Trevor Project 2022).
Stedman is working to maintain its diversity through its language immersion program, prioritizing students that qualify for subsidized meals, and through equity training for its teachers.
RJ Sangosti / The Denver Post
Fear is the common piece to many challenging components when discussing critical topics with students. This is also evident when discussing anti-racism in schools as well. For many years throughout history schools were segregated, Stedman Elementary is one of Denver’s most integrated schools, a third is Black, a third are Hispanic, and a third are white (Asmar, 2023). Though this was not always the case at Stedman Elementary, now Principle Michael Atkins is as he reflects on his experience growing up at Park Hill, a nearby school (Asmar, 2023). “I personally learn best in situations where not everyone speaks the same language as me, not everyone looks just like me — different backgrounds. That’s something I want to give my students and families in safe, facilitated ways.” (Asmar, 2023). His experiences and views on integration and promoting anti-racism and inclusion of all cultures are a positive expression within a school district. Students learning in an environment where their classmates have many different backgrounds and cultures is truly inspiring.
So, my thoughts go back to the beginning, changing the question from what makes us as humans as diverse, but how can we as humans celebrate our diversity? Let us find ways to support one another as students, teachers, friends, family, and a society. We are all deserving of respect, love, and understanding. One step at a time.
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