Creating Belongingness
Often the transgender* community is discussed with an emphasis on the negative health outcomes they experience. This site aims to reduce these negative outcomes by helping higher ed professionals learn simple practices that can save lives. Through use of this guide, FAQ's, and resources within, you can contribute to the community and build a campus of inclusion and belongingness for transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals.
*This site will use the terms TGD, transgender, and trans interchangeably.
Classroom Tips
Proactive Ways to be Gender Affirming in Class
Introductions
When you introduce yourself, include your pronouns. Encourage other staff and faculty to do the same.
Ex: I'm Ash and I use she/her pronouns. What should I call you?
Ex: I use they/them pronouns, how about you?
Respect in the classroom
Use gender neutral terms to greet students and colleagues: everybody, folks, y'all, this person.
Avoid terms such as:
sir, ma'am, boys, girls, ladies and gentlemen
Communication
Include your pronouns in your email signature. Encourage colleagues to do the same.
Ex:
Sherrod Williams, PhD (he/him)
Associate Professor of History
Respect in all interactions
Refer to students by their chosen or lived name inside and outside of classroom unless they request otherwise.
Do NOT out a student if they disclose their trans identity. When students trust you with this information, you are responsible for using your power to protect them as best you can.
Classroom Survey
On the first day of class, have student complete a survey asking for their name and pronouns they'd like you to use in class. See this inclusion survey guide for an example. This can allow students to comfortably disclose their name and pronouns to you.
If you make a mistake
If you accidentally misgender someone or call them by the wrong name, correct yourself, apologize and move on. Don't expect others to correct you. Take initiative to learn and apply pronouns correctly.
Ex:
"Thanks for the correction! I apologize. As they said..."
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does transgender mean? When someone is transgender it means their sex assigned at birth (i.e., male, female, intersex) does not match their gender. When someone is transgender, they may identify as a trans woman, trans man, non-binary person, or any other number of terms (two-spirit, gender-queer, etc.). The majority of peoples' sex and gender match and we refer to this group as cisgender people. The prefix cis- meaning "on this side" whereas trans- means "across, over, or beyond." Gender is understood uniquely across different races, cultures, religions, ethnicities, and more. Being transgender is not a new phenomenon and trans people have existed since humans first evolved. In fact, in many cultures, when people are trans, they are considered healers, keepers of wisdom, and highly respected. Click the Transgender History button to read more about how trans people have always existed.
2. Why should I care about transgender and gender diverse students? Shouldn't I just treat everyone equally? TGD students face innumerable barriers on a daily basis simply because they live in a world that only understands cisgender identities. When they go to use the bathroom, they face the possibility of harassment, discrimination, or violence depending on how they dress, speak, or present themselves. They are often forced to choose between options that do not fit for them. For example, a non-binary student has to choose to how to identify themself on forms, which bathroom or locker rooms to use, or which sports teams they can play on. As a result, TGD people get the message from society that they should not exist. For years, research has indicated that social factors such as those listed above as well as discrimination, harassment, and violence lead to many TGD people dying by suicide. That is what happens when TGD people are treated equally to cisgender people. What you can do is treat all people equitably which means finding ways to ensure TGD students are included, welcomed, and feel as though they belong in classrooms, on campuses, and in our world.
3. Why do I need to worry about pronouns? Recent reports from the Trevor Project indicate that use of someone's chosen name (sometimes called a lived name) and pronouns are associated with lower rates of suicidality. Additionally, the more supportive spaces are, the lower rates of suicidality, depression, and anxiety. Though it may seem insignificant, the impact of regularly and accurately referring to someone by their chosen name, their pronouns, and referring to their gender correctly is undeniable. It is not hyperbolic to say that you can contribute to providing life-saving services simply through use of your language.
4. What's with the third pronoun or gender category? According to biology there are only two sexes, so people should have to pick one or the other. It's science! Actually, even science is on board with more than a two sex designation! This is true for humans as well as many other mammals. When we are taught biology, we are taught through the lens of averages and "mosts" which means that since most humans are cisgender and tend to fall into a binary (male or female), that is how we learn about the sexes. Intersex people have long existed as well as people who are assigned male at birth and appear externally to be male, yet have female chromosomes (i.e., xx). This site is NOT intended to be a primer on biology, but it's important to note that biology is often weaponized against the trans community despite the fact that biology is pretty trans itself. Click the Biology of Gender to read about the many chromosomal combinations.
5. Why are people suddenly using plural pronouns like they? Language is always evolving to fit the present day culture, context, and nuances. English has long used "they" as both a singular and plural pronoun. For example, if you find an umbrella on the street, you may say, "Oh no! Someone lost their umbrella." Many languages use non-gendered pronouns while others use gendered pronouns. If this is confusing to you, that's okay! The main point to remember is that in order to respect people, it's important to treat them how they want to be treated. That means sometimes you will use pronouns that are new for you or seem linguistically uncomfortable. With practice, you can become fluent!
6. What's the big deal if I forget? My generation didn't do this and it's really hard for me to learn all this new stuff. Change can be scary and even difficult if you have logged many years speaking, behaving, and learning in a specific way. Everyone will forget or make mistakes with names and pronouns periodically. The big deal is not in the mistake. It's if you do not take the steps to practice and really gain linguistic fluency. Though it may seem insignificant to you, these mistakes add up and cause immense pain to TGD people. If you're on this site, my guess is that you don't want to cause pain, which is great! Chances are you need some practice and maybe some social supports about our ever-changing world. Get connected to supportive communities or mental health providers to help make sure you get support as you keep working to be kind and respectful to the trans community. For a fun pronoun practice game, check out this link!
7. Isn't in impolite to call someone by a shortened version of their name? I want to be respectful. Being respectful is key! That's why it's important to call people by the name they want to be called. Sometimes people will want to be called initials, a single letter, a combination of their names, or other chosen names. Wouldn't it be silly if someone refused to call Snoop Dog by his name? Or Lady Gaga? Or if someone refused to say Bill Clinton and only said William Clinton? This is no different. It's about respecting someone's wishes. When Elizabeth goes by Betsy, we call her Betsy. So when SB goes by SB, we call them SB.
8. What if someone is lying about their pronouns and trying to trick me? That would be so mean! And yet, it would still be best to use the pronouns the person asks you to. Even if they are lying. Luckily, as someone in a higher education setting, you will never be put in the position of having to play gender detective. Even better, no one can tell someone else's gender from the outside anyway. Let the tricksters trick and you stay being gender affirming and respectful.
