gender euphoria

Before starting the activity, it’s important that you normalize the discomfort that may arise as one explores their gender identity and review the WHY it’s important to use pronouns. Refer to the “four STEPS” and “Friendly Reminders” on the slide deck to create safety before you delve into the discussion.
Exploring Gender
- As a group, begin to unlearn the gender binary and explore the concept of gender with the aid of Genderbread Person.
- Engage in brief group discussion using the prompts such as, “What is one thing new you learned?”, “Was there anything that surprised you?”, “What was it like to unlearn the gender binary?”

Learning about Pronouns
- Next, you will explore and learn about pronouns. You can’t always know what someone’s pronouns are by looking at them. Asking for and correctly using someone’s pronouns is one of the most basic ways to show your respect for their gender identity.
- Display statistics on the slide deck.

Activity
- Break into small groups. Share your name, your pronouns, and gender. If you are uncomfortable doing any part of this, you can say “pass.” Invite members to let the group know if they are comfortable with their name/pronouns/gender being known to others, or if they want their information to stay within the group.
- Open up with discussion questions such as, “What do your name/pronouns/gender represent about you?” “Do you feel that your pronouns correlate with your gender?” “Have you tried experimenting with your name/pronouns/gender expression?”

Discussing Next Steps
- Individually write down:
  - Some things you could commit to doing to further awareness and acceptance of transgender or non-binary folks.
  - What you could commit to doing to help support someone in their gender expression and identity.
  - Share your ideas with your group and place your ideas in a space where you can see them and be reminded of their call to action.
- As a group write down:
  - Ways you can support transgender and non-binary people in your school. Share your ideas and vote on which idea you will work to address.

What is difficult for you about using your pronouns or anyone else’s pronouns?
What do you think is conveyed when you incorrectly vs. correctly gender someone?
To those who have changed their pronouns or experimented with different pronouns, what has it been like for you to do that?
How would you want something to behave if they were to misgender you?
How can you support the normalization of sharing pronouns when you meet someone?

Co-created with Emerson Birrell, GMU, Bachelor of Social Work 2021; Last updated June 2023