CSWP935, Module 7 - Introduction
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Date
Dec 6, 2023
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CSWP935, Module 7 - Introduction
https://de.torontomu.ca/de_courses/templates/m/?c=C563C2C394023A07D56AD6B3EB09537A&m=7&p=196860
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Introduction
Which of the following to you believe describes “Gender Identity”?
Gender Identity is a person’s internal and individual experience of gender
The way a person presents and communicates gender within a social context
A person who experiences attraction to people of diverse sexual and gender identities
A lens of analysis of social relations and structures within a given society
Submit
In this week’s module, we are going to explore various identities and experiences on the spectrum of gender and sexual identity.
Most people are familiar with a traditional
Eurocentric
approach to gender and sex categories which reinforces a gender/sex binary; meaning that there is
only masculine and feminine, and men- and women-identified folks. However, what about everyone who identifies more on a spectrum of identity and do not
fit into neat and tidy boxes that much of society is premised on?
In community practice, it can be problematic if we do not have the basic understanding of these identities, because we may be integral in advocating for
social justice by eliminating the many barriers that are faced by sexual- and gender-diverse communities, and to challenge any biases we may hold ourselves
as community engagement practitioners.
Furthermore, we ourselves or our colleagues may also identify as part of 2SLGBTQA+ communities.
Topics and Learning Objectives
Topics
Unlearning Heterosexism and Binary Notions of Gender
Queer and Non-binary Communities as a Continuum
Two-spirit Cultures, Identities, and Resistance
Learning Objectives
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
Differentiate between fixed categories of gender and sexual orientation and a continuum of identities and expressions.
Identify heterosexism and heteronormativity in everyday practices.
Develop an understanding of Two-Spirit cultures and identities.
Readings
Required
1. Feinberg, L. (1999). We are all works in progress. In
Trans liberation: Beyond pink or blue,
(pp. 1–13). Boston: Beacon Press.
2. McNeil-Seymore, J. (2017). Two-spirit resistance. In P. McFarlane & N. Schabus (Eds.),
Whose land is it anyway? A manual for
decolonization
,
(pp. 52–56). BC: Federation of Post-Secondary Educators of BC. Retrieved from
https://fpse.ca/sites/default/files/news_files/Decolonization%20Handbook.pdf
Gender and Sexual Orientation on a Continuum
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CSWP935, Module 7 - Introduction
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Source: ItsPronouncedMetrosexual.com
This is an illustration of a
genderbread person
(a gingerbread person but the diagram is used to illustrate various aspects of gender and sex). Gender is one
of those things everyone thinks they understand, but most people don’t. Gender isn’t binary. It’s not either/or. In many cases it’s both/and.
This is just the basics. Identity is how you, in your head experience and define your gender, based on how much you align or don’t align with what you
understand the options for gender to be.
Attraction is how you find yourself feeling drawn (or not drawn) to some other people, in sexual, romantic, and/or other ways (often categorized within
gender). Sex is the physical traits you’re born with or develop that we think of as “sex characteristics,” as well as the sex you are assigned at birth.
Expression is how “you” present gender through your actions, clothing, and demeanour, to name a few things, and how those presentations are viewed
based on social expectations. We can think about all these things as existing on continuums, where a lot of people might see themselves as existing
somewhere between 0 and 100 on each.
The genderbread person is an illustration that helps us start to have a discussion of how gender and sex identities are not as simple and straight forward as
some may believe. There are several variations of this genderbread person, and each version emphasizes identities and experiences in a more fluid way and
position identities on a continuum.
For those who feel comfortable with the sex they were assigned to at birth (typically boy or girl) and their expression and identity matches with this
assignment, it can be quite easy to fit into the already neat and tidy boxes much of society dictates. We can refer to this comfort and identity as having
cisgender privilege
; that our assigned birth matches and complements how we feel about who we are inside our hearts and minds.
For those of us who do not feel our assigned sex at birth aligns with our identities, we may identify more on a spectrum of gender, perhaps as transgender,
genderqueer, or we assign no label at all. These identities and feelings may not be static, they may change over a period of time, or even day to day. For
those who experience more fluidity in their identities, the point is they may not want to fit in any category or label that is fixed.
There is a lot to learn about language, terms, and definitions and it is important for us to educate ourselves as much as possible. For a list of more terms and
definitions that we do not discuss, please see
EGALE's glossary of terms
.
Also, for more information and education, there is free access to this newly developed online
nursing tool kit
.
Cisgender Privilege
For more on cisgender privilege let’s look at a list of privileges available on the website
It's Pronounced Metrosexual: your free online resource
to help
understand how embedded binary notions really do permeate all aspects of our lives.
If you are cisgender, there’s a good chance you’ve never thought about these things (or even your cisgender identity).
Try and be more cognizant and you’ll start to realize how much work we have to do in order to make things better for the transgender folks who
don’t
have
access to these privileges.
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CSWP935, Module 7 - Introduction
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Flip card:
You can use public restrooms without fear of verbal abuse,
physical intimidation, or arrest.
You can use public facilities such as gym locker rooms and store
changing rooms without stares, fear, or anxiety.
Strangers don’t assume they can ask you what your genitals
look like and how you have sex.
Your validity as a man/woman/human is not based on how much
surgery you’ve had or how well you “pass” as non-transgender.
You can walk through the world and generally blend in, not being
constantly stared or gawked at, whispered about, pointed at, or
laughed at because of your gender expression.
You can access gender-exclusive spaces (e.g., a space or
activity for women), and not be excluded due to your trans
status.
Source: Max Böhme on Unsplash
Flip card:
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CSWP935, Module 7 - Introduction
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Strangers call you by the name you provide and don’t ask what
your “real name” (birth name) is and then assume that they have
a right to call you by that name.
You can reasonably assume that your ability to acquire a job,
rent an apartment, or secure a loan will not be denied on the
basis of your gender identity/expression.
You can flirt, engage in courtship, or form a relationship and not
fear that your biological status may be cause for rejection or
attack, nor will it cause your partner to question their sexual
orientation.
If you end up in the emergency room, you do not have to worry
that your gender will keep you from receiving appropriate
treatment or that all of your medical issues will be seen as a
result of your gender.
Your identity was not formally (until 2013) considered a mental
pathology (“gender identity disorder” in the DSM IV) by the
psychological and medical establishments, and still pathologized
by the public.
Source: Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash
Flip card:
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You don’t need to worry about being placed in a sex-segregated
detention center, holding facility, jail, or prison that is incongruent
with your identity.
You don’t have to worry about being profiled on the street as a
sex worker because of your gender expression.
You are not required to undergo an extensive psychological
evaluation in order to receive basic medical care.
You do not have to defend your right to be a part of “queer” (or
the queer community), and gays and lesbians will not try to
exclude you from “their” equal rights movement because of your
gender identity (or any equality movement, including feminist
rights).
If you are murdered (or have any crime committed against you),
your gender expression will not be used as a justification for
your murder (“gay panic”), nor as a reason to coddle the
perpetrators.
Source: Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash
Flip card:
You can easily find role models and mentors to emulate who
share your identity.
Hollywood accurately depicts people of your gender in films and
television, without tokenizing your identity as the focus of a
dramatic storyline or the punchline of a joke.
You can assume that everyone you encounter will understand
your identity and will not think you’re confused, misled, or hell-
bound when you reveal it to them.
You can purchase clothes that match your gender identity
without being refused service, mocked by staff, or questioned
about your genitals.
You can purchase shoes that fit your gender expression without
having to order them in special sizes or asking someone to
custom make them
Source: Sharon McCutcheon Unsplash
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CSWP935, Module 7 - Introduction
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custom-make them.
Flip card:
No stranger checking your identification or driver’s license will
ever insult or glare at you because your name or sex does not
match the sex they believed you to be based on your gender
expression.
You can reasonably assume that you will not be denied services
at a hospital, bank, or other institution because the staff does not
believe the gender marker on your ID card to match your gender
identity.
Your gender is an option on a form.
You can tick a box on a form without someone disagreeing and
telling you not to lie.
You don’t have to fear interactions with police officers due to
your gender identity.
You can go places with friends on a whim knowing there will be
bathrooms there you can use.
Source: Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash
Flip card:
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CSWP935, Module 7 - Introduction
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Heterosexism and Heteronormativity
You don’t have to convince your parents of your true gender
and/or have to earn your parents’ and siblings’ love and respect
all over again because of your gender identity.
You don’t have to remind your extended family over and over to
use proper gender pronouns (e.g., after transitioning).
You don’t have to deal with old photographs that do not reflect
who you truly are.
If you’re dating someone, you know they aren’t just looking to
satisfy a curiosity or kink pertaining to your gender identity (e.g.,
the “novelty” of having sex with a trans person).
You can pretend that anatomy and gender are irrevocably
entwined when having the “boy parts and girl parts” talk with
children, instead of having to explain the actual complexity of the
issue.
Source: Jordan McDonals Unsplash
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CSWP935, Module 7 - Introduction
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Source: When Someone Comes Out To You: Do & Don’t, Sam Killermann and Meg Bolger (2018).
Long Description
The image is a chart of Dos and Don’ts when someone “comes out” to you.
First is a list of 5 Don’ts:
1. Say “I always knew” or downplay the significance of their sharing with you.
2. Go tell everyone, bragging about your “new trans friend.”
3. Forget that they are still the person you knew, befriended, or loved before.
4. Ask probing questions, or cross personal barriers you wouldn’t have crossed earlier.
5. Assume you know why they came out to you.
Second is a list of 5 Dos:
1. Know this is a sign of huge trust!
2. Check-in on how confidential this is (Do other people know? Is this a secret?).
3. Remember that their gender/sexuality is just one dimension (of many) of them.
4. Show interest and curiosity about this part of them that they are sharing with you.
5. Ask them how you can best support them.
Above are some helpful pointers if someone you know may disclose personal information to you about their gender and/or sexual identity. However, there are
also many who criticize the concept of “coming out” altogether, as this very action assumes that each person is straight and places and unfair burden on
those who do not fit into this heteronormative assumption. Thinking someone is heterosexual unless they identify otherwise, is an example of
heteronormativity, which privileges the acceptance of heterosexuality.
When we look to common everyday practices where can we see examples of heterosexism or heteronormativity?
Intake forms that only provide male or female boxes
School forms that have spaces for mother and father
Mother’s Day activities in school
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CSWP935, Module 7 - Introduction
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Violence against women shelters
Any shelter or service that is segregated by binaries (men or women)
2SLGBTQA+ Rights in Toronto, Ontario and Canada
Activity
Before reading and studying the information on this page, please take a moment to review this information as an overview, on the website
Queer
Events: Queer History
.
It has been said that much progress has been made over the last 50 years. One would think that we have come a long way. When speaking with older
generations of 2SLGBTQA+ communities and their experiences of oppression, it probably becomes more apparent where we have come from and what we
have accomplished. Whether it be equal marriage rights, prominent political figures identifying as 2SLGBTQA+, removing “homosexuality” as an illness from
the DSM IV (a psychological manual used for diagnoses), or being protected from discrimination, much has been advocated for and won. While we do not
want to take away from the struggle that came with fighting for these rights, there is still much work to be done. Furthermore, there is a current hateful
discourse happening across several countries, aiming to roll back these rights. While “homosexuality” was removed from the DSM IV, “Gender Identity
Disorder” is still included as a mental illness, whereby a person does not associate their inner self with their outer appearance/body. In order to be permitted
to undergo any surgeries or take hormone replacements, someone needs to first be diagnosed as having this illness in order to access much needed medical
resources. 2SLGBTQA+ racialized peoples also experience a disproportionate level of surveillance, violence, and brutality.
The 519
is very active in raising
awareness and taking action through advocacy and activism.
There are still many parts of the country where conversion therapy is seen as an acceptable “treatment” for people who do not identify as heterosexual. This
kind of “therapy” is particularly traumatizing for young people who are at a vulnerable point in their lives, coming to terms with their identities, sometimes
within social and family spaces that may not support their 2SLGBTQA+ identities. Fortunately, the Canadian federal government tabled legislation to
criminalize conversion therapy; however, there are many spaces that this still goes on, just under disguise as some other approach (Bensadoun, 2020).
2SLGBTQA+ youth also still experience a disproportionate level of bullying and violence within the school system. There are more and more studies that
confirm more mental health issues, thoughts of suicide, and suicides by 2SLGBTQA+ youth (EGALE, 2013). Oppressions and barriers still exist; this is a call
for all of us to advocate for social justice not just on an individual or community level, but in more institutional spaces as well, such as in schools and
community services.
Key Point
For more information and reports published by Trans Pulse Canada, visit the website
Trans Pulse Canada: Study Results Reports
.
Two-Spirit Communities
There is not one definition of people who are Two-Spirit. Some Indigenous peoples will identity as Two-Spirit (or 2-Spirit, or Two-Spirited), in terms of
representing their diverse gender identity and/or sexual orientation. What is commonly a distinctive experience, from Western Eurocentric ideas of binary
systems or even identities such as gay or lesbian, is that Two-Spirit has an inherently spiritual connection within this identity, intersecting with gender and
connections to land.
Before colonization, in many Indigenous cultures, Two-Spirit peoples were seen as being gifted, of having both male and female identities. Two-Spirit people
were honoured and revered as being wise, healers, and leaders. Unfortunately, this status changed with colonization, embedding a strict binary system that
only promoted two genders and monogamous relationships between men and women. All other identities, families, and expressions that fell outside of these
heteronormative categories were viewed as an abomination. Many Two-Spirit peoples were killed.
McNeil-Seymore (2017) reminds us that Two-Spirit communities are held to the periphery within Indigenous communities, Settler communities, and
2SLGBTQA+ communities. The effects of colonization can still be felt within our current normative binary systems and also perpetuates a divide and conquer
mentality amongst marginalized groups. McNeil-Seymore’s (2017) writing cautions us not to assume that all marginalized communities are the same or have
similar histories.
While many groups under the 2SLGBTQA+ umbrella have experienced horrific oppressions, they all have unique and complex histories based on
colonialism, racism, and sexism. Not all racialized and Indigenous individuals are going to feel apart of 2SLGBTQA+ communities because, as with in larger
society, racism and colonialist attitudes and stereotypes exist.
Unpacking intersections of privilege is important within any context if we want to work in solidarity with others, even those we imagine to be a part of our
communities.
Video
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CSWP935, Module 7 - Introduction
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Let’s take some time and listen to one of the authors for this week,
Jeffrey McNeil-Seymore
[13:25] discuss artwork, fluidity, identities, and Two-Spirit
communities.
Self Assessment
EGALE (n.d.) provides a great handout outlining some key definitions and terms that help give us a basic understanding in terms of the language and
identities used (some definitions below has been edited for length but you can access this online document for more information). Let’s learn about them
through the following exercises:
Matching Exercise
Reset Exercise
Show All Matches
Source: Glossary of Terms, EGALE.
Quiz
1.
Which one of the following terms is being described?
Gender is a system that operates in a social context to classify people, often based on their assigned sex. In many contexts this takes
the form of a binary classification of either "man" or "woman"; in other contexts, this includes a broader spectrum.
Check Your Answer
2.
Which one of the following terms is being described?
A lens of analysis of social relations and structures within a given society. The concept recognizes how each person simultaneously
exists within multiple and overlapping identity categories.
Term
Pansexual
Sex/Gender Binary
Spectrum
Intersex
Sex/Assigned Sex
Asexual
Transgender
Description
A person who does not identify either fully or in part with the
gender associated with the sex assigned to them at birth.
Refers to a person whose chromosomal, hormonal or anatomical
sex characteristics fall outside the conventional classifications of
male or female.
This term reflects a desire to recognize the potential for attraction
to sexes and/or genders that exist across a spectrum and to
challenge the sex/gender binary.
Classification of a person as male, female or intersex based on
biological characteristics.
This is a term that is often paired with sex or gender to recognize
that people may have a range of experiences (and realities) in
both of these aspects of identity.
This view also asserts that gender is determined by sex.
A person who may not experience sexual attraction or who has
little or no interest in sexual activity.
a. Gender
b. Intersectionality
c. Sex/Gender Binary
d. Gender Expression
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CSWP935, Module 7 - Introduction
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Check Your Answer
3.
Which one of the following terms is being described?
The way a person presents and communicates gender within a social context.
Check Your Answer
4.
Which one of the following terms is being described?
A person’s internal and individual experience of gender. This could include an internal sense of being a man, woman, both, neither
or another gender entirely.
Check Your Answer
Summary
This week we have started the conversation of the fluidity and continuum of gender identity. We have explored processes of heteronormativity, and barriers
and oppressions that still exist for individuals and communities who identify as 2SLGBTQA+. It is important to learn correct terminology and use of gender
pronouns. Even though language and the power behind it continues to change, educating ourselves with the most recent definitions will help increase our
knowledge and improve our ability to engage with communities respectfully.
As we previously mentioned, many advances have been and should be celebrated in terms of advancing social justice; however, there are many more areas
that still need to be addressed. Expanding our knowledge and thinking to challenge binary systems of gender is important in order to create a truly inclusive.
We have also been reminded not to homogenize an entire community as there are unique experiences of historical and current day oppressions that serve to
shape the needs of individuals. Even within communities there is a diverse range of experiences.
Assessments
Assignment
Due: Assignment 2: Marginalization and Resistance (40%)
Please see the Assessment Descriptions section of the course outline for details on expectations and evaluation of this assignment.
Your instructor will provide more details on submitting this assignment.
Discussion Activity
There is no discussion post activity due this week.
a. Gender
b. Intersectionality
c. Gender Identity
d. Gender Expression
a. Gender
b. Intersectionality
c. Gender Identity
d. Gender Expression
a. Gender
b. Intersectionality
c. Gender Identity
d. Gender Expression
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CSWP935, Module 7 - Introduction
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12/12
References
2-Spirited People of the 1
Nations
. http://www.2spirits.com/PDFolder/History.pdf
Bensadoun, E. (2020).
Canada just tabled legislation to ban conversion therapy. Why is it necessary in 2020?
Global News.
https://globalnews.ca/news/6649396/canada-conversion-therapy-ban-legislation/
EGALE. (n.d.).
Glossary of Terms
. https://egale.ca/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Egales-Glossary-of-Terms.pdf
EGALE. (2013).
What you should know about LGBTQI2S youth and suicide in Canada
. https://egale.ca/awareness/backgrounder-lgbtq-youth-suicide/
Killerman, S. (2012).
30+ examples of cisgender privileges
. https://www.itspronouncedmetrosexual.com/2011/11/list-of-cisgender-privileges/
Killerman, S. and Bolger, M. (2018).
When someone comes out to you: Do and don’t
. https://www.itspronouncedmetrosexual.com/2016/04/when-
someone-comes-out-to-you-do-dont/
McNeil-Seymore, J. (2017). Two-spirit resistance. In P. McFarlane & N. Schabus (Eds.),
Whose land is it anyway? A manual for
decolonization
(pp. 52–56). BC: Federation of Post-Secondary Educators of BC. Retrieved from
https://fpse.ca/sites/default/files/news_files/Decolonization%20Handbook.pdf
st
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