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Trans Awareness - the Basics

Understanding gender diversity in creative ways…

Welcome

Jason Barker

Gendered Intelligence (GI)



Gendered Intelligence

Community Interest Company est. 2008

Work with trans community and all those who impact on trans lives; specialise in supporting young trans people 11-25

Vision: a world where people are no longer constrained by narrow perceptions and expectations of gender, and where diverse gender expressions are visible and valued

Mission: To increase understanding of gender diversity in creative ways



Trans Awareness – the Basics

What does ‘trans’ mean?

Where trans lives fit into our picture of sex and

gender

Language and terminology

Laws that apply

Good practice in working with trans staff / students

What GI can offer / Other resources

Questions



What’s your understanding of ‘trans’?



What is ‘Trans’?

An umbrella term that describes the whole spectrum

of those who feel that the sex and gender they were

assigned at birth does not match or sit easily with

their sense of self

It encompasses transsexual and transgender people,

cross-dressers, gender queer and

non-binary people, and anyone else who challenges

gender norms



Our Picture of Sex and Gender Culture assumes sex and gender are a simple

male/female, either/or, ‘binary’ picture

Key cultural assumptions:

Only male / female

Physical sex automatically determines gender identity

Sex and gender are fixed at birth and cannot change

1 in 200 people are born physically different from the typical

male / female pattern – intersex people

1 in 100 people fall under the broad trans umbrella



Language and Terminology Often a concern for people

In rapid evolution –

new words appear; meanings shift

No absolute definitions –

common understandings / interpretations

Don’t let language concerns stop you engaging with trans

people!

If you use a term someone doesn’t like,

apologise, ask their preference, move on with that



Language and Terminology

• Terms you are unsure of?

• Questions you have about language?



Laws that Apply (1)

Equality Act (2010)

Gender Reassignment:

“A person has the protected characteristic of gender

reassignment if the person is proposing to undergo, is

undergoing or has undergone a process (or part of a

process) for the purpose of reassigning the person’s sex

by changing physiological or other attributes of sex.”



Laws that Apply (2)

A person can self-identify as having this characteristic.

No requirement to be under medical supervision to

qualify for protection

It is considered by the Act as a social process rather

than a medical one

It protects people of all ages, regardless of whether

they are children or adults

Expectation of permanent change



Laws that Apply (3) Gender Recognition Act (2004)

‘Gender Recognition Certificate’ - full legal recognition in new gender, including new birth certificate

Used if a person:

Has lived in their new gender for 2 years – must be M or F

Is over 18

Declares the change is permanent

Can provide 2 different medical letters

Has their spouse’s consent if married / in a civil partnership

No medical intervention required

Trans status is confidential – offence to disclose



From ‘It’s Pronounced Metrosexual’ website



Working with Trans People (1)Providing Support with Social Transition

Involve the trans person – what are their wishes?

Think through gendered habits / arrangements and making changes:

Use the person’s new name, pronouns and title

Apologise for mistakes, correct them, move on

Update records

Provide access to appropriate toilets / changing rooms

Provide appropriate clothing / uniform / kit options



Working with Trans People (2)

Providing Support with Social Transition (cont.):Consider areas where you might need to put in some

extra thought / go the extra mile:

Create a supportive environment where the person feels emotionally / physically safe

Named support person to go to with worries

Ensure full access to experiences (trips, sports)

Enable access to medical appointments

Take confidentiality seriously - do not ‘out’ people unnecessarily



Working with Trans People (3)The Wider Setting: Make sure policies and procedures cover trans people,

incl. what happens if someone transitions

Encourage / support staff and peers with education and training on equality issues

Avoid using gender as a way to divide groups;

avoid assuming gender, especially in use of language

Become confident to challenge inappropriate behaviour:

Challenge and stop transphobic comments, “jokes” or bullying

Challenge and stop inappropriate questioning / asking about anatomy

Champion trans people’s rights



Trans People – What We KnowTrans people are particularly at risk of experiencing

difficulties with their emotional health and mental wellbeing, due to the barriers they face in connection with their gender identity:

‘Gender Dysphoria Services: A Guide for General Practitioners and other Healthcare Staff’ (Apr 2013): “It should be emphasised that Gender Dysphoria and Transsexualism are not considered, in and of themselves, mental illnesses in any essential sense. The associated pressures of unmanaged dysphoria and/or the social stigma that can accompany gender diagnosis and transition may, however, result in clinically significant levels of distress.”



Working with Trans People

What do you think you / your

organisation might need to work on?



Gendered Intelligence Services (1)Professional Development

Trans Awareness and Inclusion training –half and full day interactive sessionsin-house or open format; bespoke sessions tailored to your specific needs

Consultancy work in relation to supporting trans people; working with key staff around inclusion, compliance and equalities strategies including policy development and guidance writing

Booklets and other publications



Gendered Intelligence Services (2)Young People’s / Other Services

Regular sessions in London, Leeds and Bristol for young trans

people up to the age of 25,

incl. London groups for under 16s, BME people

One to one support for young trans people across the UK, in

conjunction with their key workers, local youth workers,

family members and education staff

Support for parents/families of young trans people

Workshops for other students

Arts based programmes for trans and LGBQI people



Other Resources

Resource list includes:

Other organisations

Downloadable resources

Downloadable reports



What questions do you have?



Please complete an evaluation form…



Thank You

Jason Barker

Gendered Intelligence

[email protected]

07950 471414

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