Shifting Paradigms: Moving Beyond “Trans 101” in Sexuality Education

Abstract

Trans-inclusive sexuality education can be complex, confusing, and outright intimidating for even the most seasoned sexuality educator to teach. Historically, standalone “Trans 101” sessions have successfully raised awareness about the highly marginalized transgender community. However, their potential success has been limited by being taught in isolation from other gender and sexuality education efforts. As natural allies to this sexual minority, we as sexuality educators are in a position to contribute to positive social change by becoming more trans inclusive in our own work. This article reviews the current status of trans inclusion in sexuality education and provides concrete strategies for implementing a new level of trans inclusivity within sexuality education.

KEYWORDS:

• Discrimination
• gender diversity
• inclusion
• language
• prejudice reduction
• sexuality education
• trans
• transgender

This article benefitted tremendously from the input of multiple people, including Dr. Konnie McCaffree, Dr. Justin Sitron, soon-to-be Drs. Thomas Wood and Marlene Pray, and the anonymous AJSE reviewers. The collective wisdom was essential to the evolution of this piece, and I am eternally grateful to have input from so many amazing people.