Professional Development

This workshop focuses on the developmental stages of gender diverse expression and identity in early childhood (age 18 months to age 7). Multiple studies show that by age 7, transgender and otherwise gender diverse children (approx. 7% of all children) are aware of the ways in which their identity and expression is different from that of their cisgender peers.

Prior to that, parents, caregivers, family and friends may (or may not) have observed gender nonconforming behaviors or interests in a child and wondered ‘how’ and ‘why’ their child was different from other children. This workshop will address evidence-based factors that impact that development and expose myths and disinformation about ‘why’ visible gender diversity exists in a growing number of very young children.

By the end of the workshop attendees will be better prepared to:

• Identify stages of gender self-expression and factors that can encourage (or discourage) such self-expression
• Understand the dangers of over-emphasis on conforming to assigned gender role stereotypes (“Gender Reveal Party”, etc.)
• Engage parents, family members, friend and colleagues in evidence-based discussions of natural gender diversity in children
• Use gender inclusive language and terminology to communicate effectively with children and adults about gender diverse identity and expression
• Examine existing processes and procedures to expand establishment of gender diverse affirming and inclusive spaces for children

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Transgender students exist in every school district, county, city and town in the United States. Recent school surveys and other research tells us that 3% of students identify as a gender other than the one they were assigned at birth.

By the end of the workshop, attendees will be better prepared to:

• Identify the basic components of gender diversity: identity vs expression vs sexual orientation.

• Demonstrate inclusive language, support for gender diverse students and address gender-based bullying.

• Engage parents & caregivers in discussion about their child’s gender diversity.

• Analyze curriculum, lesson plans and classroom activities for inclusiveness.

• Differentiate fact-based information sources from those driven by ideology.

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Designed to assist in a better understanding of gender identity development, cultural gender myths and stereotypes and their impact on gender diverse and transgender children. Intended as a broad overview and introduction suitable for all adults who are new to this topic.

By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:

• Identify the differences between gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation.

• Demonstrate a basic understanding of gender identity development and the similarities and differences between transgender and cisgender (non-transgender) populations.

• Apply knowledge to support gender diverse, transgender and gender-questioning children and youth.

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This workshop explores the emergent areas of early medical intervention in transgender youth healthcare, depathologization of gender diversity and the challenges that youth and their families face when seeking access to treatment and insurance coverage. ​

Attendees will learn more about, and participate in discussion regarding:

• DSM 5 and WPATH guidelines
• Current research on early affirmation
• Treatment to delay puberty
• Cross-sex hormone therapy
• Surgical interventions
• Constructive ‘gatekeeping’
• Deciphering misinformation ​

TransActive can co-present with our partners at Oregon Health & Science University Transgender Health Program or Randall Children’s Hospital T-Clinic in presenting this workshop.

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This full-day workshop provides participants with a better understanding of the complex personal, social, political, medical and historical challenges affecting the lives of transgender people. ​

Workshop includes detailed data on evolving psycho-medical approaches to care in the 20th and 21st century. ​

Following the training, participants will be equipped to:

• Understand and address intersections of misogyny & ideological and political extremism.
• Engage more effectively with trans and gender diverse people of all ages.
• Assess psycho-medical approaches to care in order to prevent stigmatization. Facilitate effective service delivery and expanded outreach to those in need.

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Serving the holistic needs of trans and gender diverse children, youth and their families can require collaboration between healthcare providers, educators and social services professionals. By working together with our partners in these fields, TransActive Gender Project has been successful in minimizing or preempting gender identity and gender expression-related trauma experienced by kids and their families.

Attendees will learn in detail that:

• Affirming and collaborative pediatric care provides wrap-around services that are adaptive and patient/client-centered.
• Mental health counseling may not be a necessity for every gender diverse child or youth, even though providers are asked to play a ‘gatekeeping’ role.
• Social services response to the psychological and medical needs of gender diverse children in their care/custody can be the difference between positive and tragic outcomes.

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This training will help teachers, staff and administrators better understand their obligations under federal, state and local laws and provide them with tools and techniques to help their communities embrace the full inclusion of transgender students and employees in school life. ​

By the end of the workshop, participants will be better prepared to:

• Understand how Title IX and other laws apply to transgender and gender diverse students & employees.
• Apply legally compliant policies to classrooms, off-site activities, and administrative management.
• Review existing school policies, facilities and curriculum for compliance with applicable laws and best practices.

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Attendees will explore the ways in which socio-political and ideological attitudes regarding gender diverse and transgender people has evolved in the 20th and 21st centuries—from that of disbelief and indifference, to psycho-medical curiosity and eventually, intersectional intolerance, discrimination, oppression, condemnation and political opportunism.

This interactive session will provide attendees with a greater scope of understanding the rapidly changing social dynamic which transgender and gender diverse people of all ages must navigate.

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