Teaching Gender Diversity in Middle School and Incorporating Intersections with Racial Justice

Grounding Theory: Indigenous Feminism: If you have come to help me you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound in mine, then let's get to work

If Black trans women were free, it would mean that everyone else would have to be free since their freedom would necessitate the destruction of all systems of oppression.

LEARNING ABOUT TEACHING GENDER AND RACIAL JUSTICE:
-Due to cisheteropatriarchy, and colonialism, middle schoolers have unlearning to do

• But not as much as ppl might think
• Multiple touches help entry points (books, lessons, movies, and teaching it)
• Biggest confusion: conflating gender and sexuality
• Review anatomy of gender, sexuality, and expression

-Students fundamentally understand that people deserve respect
-Books and key figures are great learning tools--center black-trans-women in this

• Sister Rosette Tharp, Nina Simone, Little Richard,  Bessie Smith, Storme Devarie, Bayard Rustin, They Call Me Mix, It Feels Good to Be Yourself, 

-Every subject must center black transwomen

• Science-- be clear in educating (genitalia doesn't = gender)
• Name the harm done by science against women and transgender people (Eugenics!)
• Ben Barres The Autobiography of a Transgender Scientist

-Middle schoolers need to understand the language/function of pronouns, natural link to gender identity

-Conversations about race in terms of resistance, marginalized peoples' contributions 

-Share your gender identity