Resources for educators
5 new books to support trans youth in school and beyond Five books out this year offer invaluable resources for educators and others seeking to support transgender and gender nonconforming students and make schools places where children of all gender identities may learn and flourish. Gender-Inclusive Schools: How to Affirm and Support Gender-Expansive Students, by David Edwards (Free Spirit Publishing), is a practical guide full of tips and advice to help answer and take action on the question: “What do gender-expansive students need from their school communities to thrive?” While the book is aimed primarily at educators, it will also be useful for any adults in a school community, including parents.
Edwards draws on his own experience with discrimination against his transgender daughter, the hundreds of trainings and consultations he’s given and the work of many students, educators, parents, advocates and researchers.
He covers topics including social transitions, facilities access, sports and activities, daily gender-inclusive practices and policies and more.
Every chapter ends with helpful suggestions for responding to challenging questions and comments, questions for review and reflection and a “check-in” on how the chapter aligns with the two guiding principles: “Support happy and healthy kids” and “Protect privacy and confidentiality.” Edwards packs a lot into a little over 100 pages; this streamlined guide has a lot to offer.
