Supporting transgender and gender non-conforming students in B.C. elementary schools

Abstract

Research has illustrated that transgender and gender non-conforming students are a vulnerable population in our schools (Greytak et al., 2009; Palmer et al., 2012; Taylor & Peter, 2011a; Taylor et al., 2016b; Young, 2011). Educators do not always have the knowledge base to feel confident in their ability to support these groups of students (Garcia & Slesaransky-Poe, 2010; Payne & Smith, 2014; Slesaransky-Poe et al., 2013). Research has shown there is a need for supportive and gender inclusive policies, professional development and training for staff, and curriculum that is inclusive of the wide variety of gender expressions present in our schools (Taylor & Peter, 2011b; Taylor et al., 2016b; Snapp et al., 2015; Kennedy & Hellen, 2010). Current resources developed to support transgender students tend to have a primarily high school focus and lack specific information about British Columbia laws, policies, or curriculum (Anti-Defamation League, 2014; Bowers & Lopez, 2012; Maheu, Hillyard, & Jenkins, 2012, Orr & Baum, 2015; Wells, Roberts, & Allan, 2012). The primary purpose of this project is to create a resource manual to help elementary schools in British Columbia support and welcome the transgender and gender non-conforming students who are in schools throughout the province.