A common thread throughout our work, and throughout our website, is the idea that Gender Spectrum works to create a gender inclusive world. But what does that phrase mean exactly?
Inclusivity, in its very definition, means to be open to everyone and not limited to certain people. In regard to gender, this means that services, establishments, schools, practitioners, government agencies, and other institutions are welcoming of all kids, regardless of their gender identity or expression.
You Can Help
Gender is all around us. It is taught to us from the moment we are born. Gender expectations and messages bombard us constantly. Upbringing, culture, peers, community, media and religion are some of the many influences that shape our understanding of this core aspect of identity. How you learned and interacted with gender as a young child directly influences how you view the world today.
Because of its prominence in everyday life, creating gender inclusive environments in which everyone is welcome is critical for the success of the children and teens in your lives.
You can help create gender inclusive environments and communities. To start, you can provide support, compassion and encouragement to all kids and teens, by teaching them that they matter, by sticking up for them, and by demonstrating support through actively opposing gender discrimination.
To create gender inclusive spaces, all adults must take responsibility for the safety of all children, regardless of the clothes they wear, the toys they play with, or other gender expressions. Moving from the notion of gender as a binary concept to a more expansive understanding of the complex nature of the gender spectrum only occurs with a concerted effort by all adult stakeholders and allies.
We talk about gender inclusiveness because gender affects all kids. To truly flourish and thrive, all kids need to feel welcome, included, and to live as their full, authentic selves.