Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 12 noon PST  | October 17 - November 14, 2026

Participants will learn:

• How to recognize the appearance of gender diversity through the historical record
• How society has evolved socially and culturally around gender diversity
• How different cultures have treated the presence of gender diversity throughout history
• What impacts scientific development has had on our understanding of gender diversity
• How historical patterns impact modern understandings of gender diversity

Course Description: This course will examine how early socio-cultural interpretation of sex and gender roles were established and then institutionalized through the development of human communities. We look at the historical record to examine how gender diversity has existed and evolved, and how different cultures have treated gender identities.

This course also looks into how scientific discoveries and practices have impacted our understanding of gender, and how our contemporary socio-cultural environment connects to those histories.
 

Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 12 noon PST  |  January 23 - February 20, 2027

Participants will:

• Identify and discuss stages of gender expression and implicit and explicit biases that can encourage (or discourage) such self-expression through an intersectional lens

• Learn to model use of inclusive language and terminology to communicate effectively with children and adults about gender diverse identity and expression, and reduction of language-based bullying

• Evaluate existing processes, procedures, curriculum, lesson plans and classroom activities to expand establishment of gender diverse affirming and inclusive spaces for children

Course Description: This course surveys gender identity development, providing a framework for how gender identity and expression develop over the child/adolescent lifecycle, and the ways in which that differs from biological and sexual orientation development. We will also cover the intersectional impact gender roles and societal attributions have on an individual’s sense of their own gender identity. 

Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 12 noon PST  |  March 20 - April 17, 2027

Participants will learn methods for:

• Analyzing information through an intersectional lens
• Describing how legalized discrimination throughout American history impacts modern understandings of diversity
• Identifying and building your discernment around dis- and mis-information surrounding gender diversity in the United States
• Creatively countering disinformation and engaging in productive conversations with your community around gender diversity

Course Description: This course provides an in-depth examination of contemporary anti-trans bias and hate. It will include examination of the ways in which intersections of race, religion, ethnicity, citizenship and economic/educational disparity exponentially marginalize and oppress those who are transgender, nonbinary or otherwise gender diverse.

We will build our discernment skills as we explore the intersectional histories and current news that shape the narrative around gender expansive youth. Throughout our investigation of the current socio-political environment, we will build our practice and discipline of hope and joy.

Saturdays, 9 a.m. - 12 noon PST  |  May 15 - June 19 (no class Memorial Day weekend)

Participants will learn how to:

• Review classroom, school, and organizational policy for ways in which gender stereotyping can be avoided or replaced with inclusive, affirming and intersectional lessons and information.
• Advocate for inclusive and affirming policy and practice, and demonstrate the value and effectiveness of inclusive policies.
• Counter bias-driven arguments regarding the legal rights of students and staff, and represent the legal responsibility of staff and administration

Course Description: This course builds on the three previous courses in this program to support participants in moving from affirmation practices into advocacy. This course will provide a step-by-step roadmap to achieving inclusivity and compliance goals in institutions and communities that support children and youth. Implementation support emphasizing community engagement will also be provided to ensure that the unique needs of urban and rural communities are also addressed and that supportive networks can be formed and/or strengthened for ongoing success.